Windows 10: Bluetooth Not Appearing in Device Manager Even in Hidden

Hi there,


I can't seem to activate my Bluetooth on my Windows 10 PC Update 2004; Desktop Ryzen 3700x, ASRock B550i Phantom Gaming MoBo. I don't know what happened, but it suddenly isn't available anymore.


Things I have tried:


1. Check if Hidden. It is not there.




2. Tried Troubleshooter. Detected but won't activate? Weird.




3. Restart Bluetooth services. Tried this and failed.

4. Uninstalling and reinstalling Intel Driver from ASRock support page. Then double checked with Intel Update Utility. Did not fix it.

5. Uninstall any Bluetooth Driver, then unplug the bluetooth antenna, restart, shut down, replugin, and hope for a default install. Did not fix.

6. SFC /ScanNow and DISM commands. Did not fix it.

7. I looked to see if I could legacy install a driver through Device Manager, but there were no options for Bluetooth drivers.

8. Check for updates for the USB controllers, since one post mentioned this. It did not fix it.

9. Updated MoBo Bios. Did not work.


What I haven't done:

1. System Restore/Repair. This is a DefCon 4

2. System Recovery. This is DefCon 5. The Nuclear Option if you will and I would rather not go this route if I can avoid it.


Unfortunately for me, this seems to happen once a year and is always a huge timesink to repair. I am not sure if it is related to Windows Updates, but this should NOT be happening if it is. If anyone knows something else to try before I wipe my drive, please let me know.

:)

 

Device Manager Un-Hiding Hidden Devices

When you connect a plug and play device, Windows Plug and Play manager detects it, finds and installs the driver. Device Manager lists the device with a solid icon.

The driver is only removed when you uninstall the device, not simply by disconnecting the device. When the device is disconnected, its driver is still installed. By default, Device Manager only displays connected devices. When you show hidden devices, note the Bluetooth icon you see is semi-transparent (not opaque). That indicates a "non-present" device. Sometimes also called a "ghost" device. The driver is still installed but the device is not currently detected (i.e. not connected).

Device can be disconnected when

• Device unplugged (e.g. removing a USB device)
• Turning a device OFF
• Disabling the device in BIOS (then windows won't detect it) or
• Device failure

So

• Check BIOS as suggested
• Check board connections
• Can b/t be turned off by a switch? or keyboard combination?

Also possible the b/t h/w failed

 

Bluetooth is hidden in device manager?

Had you seen it in Device Manager before so you know where it's listed there?

Hidden devices are revealed on the View tab in Device Manager.

If not try Scan for Hardware Changes on Action Tab.

Go to the Support Downloads webpage for your PC or bluetooth device make/model to instal the latest driver.

Check that there isn't an Fkey or other switch for your model PC Bluetooth.

Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes.

 

Bluetooth Driver Disappears from Device Manager and Settings/Devices

Hi,



Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern regarding the issue that you are facing.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps

Method 1: Troubleshoot

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your Drive. Refer these steps:

• Press Windows key +X, select Control panel
• Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons
• Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel
• Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter

You may follow the steps and check if it helps in resolving the issue, as the device might be hidden.

• Press Windows key + X.
• Click on Device Manager.
• Click on View.
• Click on Show Hidden Devices.
• Search for the Bluetooth device.
• Right click on the Bluetooth device and click
  uninstall.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist