[Win11] Bluetooth disappears after Windows Update and how to fix it

In Windows 11 After applying Windows UpdateWe have confirmed issues such as "Bluetooth suddenly becomes unusable" and "The Bluetooth item itself disappears from the settings screen."

This issue was fixed in the February 2026 update (KB5077181 or preview version KB5074105) reported that the latest security update released on March 10, 2026,KB5079473It has been confirmed that this issue continues to occur (and has not been resolved) even in environments where " has been applied.

This happened to me as well, but I was able to fix it with a relatively simple procedure, without needing to reinstall the driver. If you are experiencing the same issue, please try the following steps.

Symptoms of the problem

• The Bluetooth icon disappears from the taskbar and quick settings.
  • Even if it is displayed, the item will disappear when you switch from a disabled state (off) to an enabled state (on).
• When I open Settings > Bluetooth and Devices, the Bluetooth on/off toggle switch is missing.
• When I look in Device Manager, I see an error with the Bluetooth device.
  • 

*The image is an example of a normal state. If a malfunction occurs, the switches and icons that should be here will disappear.

[Solution] Disable and then enable the device

In my testing, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver did not work. Instead, I was able to fix the issue by disabling and then re-enabling the driver in Device Manager.

procedure:

1. Start buttonRight-click and select "デバイス マネージャー"Choose.
2. "BluetoothExpand the " item.
3. Your Bluetooth adapter (e.g.インテル(R) ワイヤレス Bluetooth(R) , Realtek Bluetooth Adapter etc.)
4. Right-click on the device"Disable the device"Choose.
   • *A warning message will appear saying "Disabling this device will cause it to stop working," but click "Yes."
5. Wait a few seconds, then right-click the same device again, this time selecting "デバイスを有効にする"Choose.

point: If it doesn't work the first time, don't give up. Try repeating this "disable-enable" process two or three times. In my environment, this successfully restored Bluetooth functionality and the icon reappeared.

Possible cause: Update USB related drivers and fix input

It is highly likely that the following two points are affecting the issue with this update (KB5077181/KB5074105).

1. Update USB-related system files

As a result of the investigation, this update USBHUB3.SYS(USB hub control) and UsbPmApi.sysIt has been confirmed that important system files related to the core of USB functionality, such as USB power management, have been updated. Many desktop Bluetooth adapters communicate by connecting to an internal USB header on the motherboard. Therefore, changes in the behavior of the USB driver or power management may cause the device to temporarily lose detection or be unable to initialize correctly.

2. Input-related fixes

The official release notes also mention the following fixes:

[Input] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where the keyboard character repeat delay labels in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Keyboard were reversed.

Changes to the UI and behavior within the Bluetooth and Devices settings may also be a contributing factor.

[Important] Serious Issues Related to Secure Boot

This update (KB5074105 and later) has another issue, depending on the environment. Your PC may not start up Contains important changes (Secure Boot DB updates).

Those using older PCs or specific environments may be particularly affected, so please be sure to check the details and countermeasures tools in the article below.

I want to read it together

Windows 11 won't boot? "Secure Boot 2023 Signature" issue and how to create a repair tool The Windows 11 preview update KB5074105, released on January 29, 2026, and the next official update will complete the preparation phase and include Secure Boot...