How to fix missing bluetooth on a Panasonic Toughbook MDT

Summary

This article addresses an issue where Bluetooth-connected citation printers fail to work on Panasonic CF-33 Toughbooks. In some cases, Bluetooth may be missing entirely from the system.

Who This Article Is For

IT Service Desk and other ITS staff supporting Panasonic CF-33 MDT devices and Bluetooth-connected citation printers.

Symptoms

  • Unable to print via Bluetooth

  • Citation printer cannot pair with MDT

  • Bluetooth missing from Device Manager or Settings

  • Bluetooth icon missing from system tray

Cause

Bluetooth hardware may not be detected, or Bluetooth services may have stopped due to hardware failure, system misconfiguration, or improper shutdown.

Resolution Steps

Possible Cause Initial Checks Suggested Solution
Bluetooth hardware not detected
  • Bluetooth missing in Device Manager
  • Bluetooth toggle missing from Settings
  • Bluetooth service not running
  • Run Panasonic Hardware Diagnostic Utility
Bluetooth present but devices are greyed out
  • No icon in system tray
  • Bluetooth toggle missing from Settings
  • Run Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter
  • Run Panasonic Hardware Diagnostic Utility

Run the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter

  1. Search for "bluetooth" in the Start menu.

  2. Select “Find and fix problems with Bluetooth devices.”

  3. If prompted with “Bluetooth is not available on this device,” proceed to the Panasonic diagnostics step.

Run the Panasonic Hardware Diagnostic Utility

  1. Restart or power up the CF-33 Toughbook.

  2. At the Panasonic logo screen, press and hold Ctrl + F7.

  3. Wait for diagnostics to complete. A beep indicates completion.

  4. Press X to exit or Ctrl + Alt + Del to reboot.

  5. After reboot, verify Bluetooth is restored and the printer can be paired.

Panasonic Diagnostic Utility Screenshot

Known Limitations or Alternatives

Some steps require physical access to the MDT and cannot be performed remotely. Administrative access is required to launch diagnostics.

Related Articles or Resources

Next Steps if Issue Persists

If Bluetooth does not return after diagnostics and reboot, escalate to the End User Services (EUS) team. Include whether diagnostics were run, any error messages, and the user’s physical location or vehicle assignment.

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