How to Fix Bluetooth Icon Missing from Taskbar

The Bluetooth icon disappears from the Windows taskbar when system icons are disabled, Bluetooth services stop running, or drivers malfunction. Restoring it requires enabling the correct system settings and ensuring Bluetooth services operate properly.

1. Enable Bluetooth system icon in Settings. Open Settings using Windows + I. Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Turn system icons on or off. Toggle the Bluetooth switch to On. The icon appears immediately in the system tray.
2. Check Bluetooth service status. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate Bluetooth Support Service in the list. Right-click and select Properties. Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service is stopped.
3. Restart Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager. Right-click Start button and select Device Manager. Expand Bluetooth category. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Disable device. Wait 10 seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device.
4. Reset notification area icons. Right-click taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Click Turn system icons on or off. Toggle all icons to Off, then back to On. Click Select which icons appear on the taskbar and ensure important system icons are enabled.
5. Run Bluetooth troubleshooter. Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Click Bluetooth and select Run the troubleshooter. Follow the prompts to detect and fix Bluetooth problems automatically.
6. Update or reinstall Bluetooth drivers. Open Device Manager and expand Bluetooth. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If updating fails, select Uninstall device, restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall the driver.