SOLVED: Bluetooth Icon Missing from Taskbar

Bluetooth connects wireless devices like headphones, keyboards, and mice to your Windows PC. However, many users encounter an issue where the Bluetooth icon is missing from the taskbar, making it challenging to manage Bluetooth settings and connections.

If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry. We will walk you through why the Bluetooth icon disappears and how to restore it with easy troubleshooting steps.

Why Is the Bluetooth Icon Missing from the Taskbar?

Several factors can cause the Bluetooth icon to disappear, including:

• Bluetooth Is Not Enabled: The icon may not appear in the taskbar if Bluetooth is turned off.
• Hidden Bluetooth Icon: Windows sometimes hides the Bluetooth icon in the system tray overflow menu.
• Bluetooth Service Not Running: If the Bluetooth Support Service is disabled, the icon may not appear.
• Outdated or Corrupt Bluetooth Drivers: Faulty drivers can prevent Bluetooth from working correctly, leading to missing icons.
• System File Corruption: Damaged system files can cause Bluetooth-related issues, including a missing icon.

How to Restore the Missing Bluetooth Icon in Windows

Follow these solutions to get the Bluetooth icon back on your taskbar.

1. Enable Bluetooth on Your PC

Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on before checking for the icon.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
3. Toggle Bluetooth to On.
4. Check if the icon appears in the taskbar.

2. Check the Hidden Icons Menu

The Bluetooth icon might be hidden in the overflow section.

Steps:

1. Click the Up arrow on the taskbar to open hidden icons.
2. Look for the Bluetooth icon.
3. If found, drag it to the taskbar for easy access.

3. Enable the Bluetooth Icon in System Settings

Ensure that Windows is set to display the Bluetooth icon.

Steps:

1. Open Settings and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
2. Click More Bluetooth options under Related settings.
3. In the Bluetooth Settings window, Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area.
4. Click Apply > OK and check if the icon appears.

4. Restart the Bluetooth Support Service

Windows relies on the Bluetooth Support Service to manage connections. Restarting the bluetooth service can help fix the issue.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Bluetooth Support Service.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
5. Restart your PC and check if the icon reappears.

5. Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated or corrupted Bluetooth drivers can cause the Bluetooth icon to disappear. Keeping your drivers updated ensures compatibility and prevents connectivity issues.

Steps to Update Bluetooth Drivers:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
4. Restart your PC after updating.

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6. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for Bluetooth issues.

Steps:

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Bluetooth and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Installing the latest Windows updates can fix Bluetooth-related bugs.

Steps:

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

8. Reset Bluetooth Settings

Resetting Bluetooth settings can help fix persistent issues.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Windows will automatically reinstall the Bluetooth adapter.

Conclusion

A missing Bluetooth icon can be frustrating, but you can restore it quickly with the proper troubleshooting steps. You should be able to fix the issue by enabling Bluetooth, checking system settings, updating drivers, and restarting necessary services. If problems persist, using Fortect to scan and repair corrupted system files and drivers can improve Bluetooth functionality and performance.