Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters missing from your Windows machine may confuse you. You can’t connect to a new Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection due to such an error. There are several reasons behind such a problem on Windows. Let’s start with the basics and move to advanced tricks to fix Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters missing from Windows.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters missing from Windows can break your workflow. Instead of working offline or without your preferred Bluetooth headphones, use the tricks below and fix the issue in no time. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Replug Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Adapters
If you are using a desktop PC, you may use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters to enable the functionality. You can remove both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters from your computer and plug them in again. If the issue persists, connect them to another USB port.
2. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Adapters
If you have disabled Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters from the Windows Settings menu, the same won’t appear on your computer. Follow the steps below to enable them.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Select ‘Network & internet’ from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click ‘Advanced network settings’.
Step 4: Enable Bluetooth Network Connection and Wi-Fi network adapters from the following menu.
Restart your PC and check if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters are appearing for you or not.
Not everyone prefers the default Windows Settings menu to make changes. If you want to use Control Panel, use the steps below.
Step 1: Head to ‘Advanced network settings’ in Windows Settings.
Step 2: Open ‘More network adapter options’.
Step 3: Right-click on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and select ‘Enable’ from the context menu.
3. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a neat troubleshooter to fix network-related issues on the go. Here’s how you can use it.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings menu.
Step 2: Select System from the sidebar and open the Troubleshoot menu.
Step 3: Select ‘Other troubleshooters’
Step 4: Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Reset Network Settings
A wrong network setting tweak can lead to issues like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth missing from Windows. You can reset the network settings and try again.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings menu.
Step 2: Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings menu.
Step 3: Click ‘Network reset’.
Step 4: Select the ‘Reset now’ button.
The option will remove and then reinstall all your network adapters and set other networking components back to their original settings. You might need to reinstall other network software afterward, such as VPN software.
5. Reinstall Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Drivers
You can use the Device Manager app to reinstall Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers on your PC. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key and open the Device Manager menu.
Step 2: Expand the Network Adapters menu.
Step 3: Right-click on Wi-Fi Adapter and select uninstall the driver.
Step 4: Confirm your decision and restart your Windows PC.
The system will install relevant Wi-Fi drivers during the reboot process. You can repeat the same for Bluetooth adapters too.
6. Change Wi-Fi Adapter’s Properties
Incorrect properties for your Wi-Fi adapter can lead to issues like Wi-Fi missing from the taskbar. Here’s how you can tweak Wi-Fi adapter’s network settings.
Step 1: Open the Device Manager menu in Windows 11 (refer to the steps above).
Step 2: Expand Network adapters and right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter.
Step 3: Open properties from the context menu.
Step 4: Move to the ‘Advanced’ tab.
Step 5: Select Wireless Mode.
Step 6: Expand the Value menu and select a relevant option. Click OK, and you are good to go.
7. Reset the PC
If you are still facing issues with your PC, it’s time to reset your PC.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings menu.
Step 2: Go to System > Recovery menu.
Step 3: Select Reset PC and choose to keep your personal files.
8. Update Windows 11
An outdated Windows 11 build can lead to issues like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters missing. Microsoft frequently releases new OS builds with features and bug fixes.
Step 1: Launch Windows 11 Settings and select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
Step 2: Download and install the latest Windows 11 update.
If you face issues with updating Windows, follow our troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.
Enjoy a Flawless Network Connection on Your PC
It’s inconvenient when Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters disappear from your PC. If none of the tricks work, you need to buy new adapters and try again.
