Mason Burstow's goal was his first since joining Bolton on loan from Hull City
Steven Schumacher celebrated victory over former club Plymouth as loan striker Mason Burstow's home debut goal sealed Bolton's 2-0 League One success at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Captain Eoin Toal headed in Josh Sheehan's corner to give Wanderers a 20th-minute lead.
Burstow, whose last goal was for parent club Hull in December 2024, sealed Bolton's first win of the new campaign, tapping in Amario Cozier-Duberry's cross on the hour.
Wanderers' triumph was the perfect response for boss Schumacher after his side's 2-0 opening-day defeat at Stockport.
But the team he took to the 2022-23 third-tier title are winless under current manager Tom Cleverley, now beaten twice with just one goal scored and five conceded.
Argyle had not lost a league game at Bolton since 1993 and were bidding for a fourth victory in five league meetings against their hosts.
Instead, they failed to produce a shot on target to test home debutant keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
Kornel Szucs headed over late on and ex-Wanderer Xavier Amaechi flashed a first-half free-kick wide but Argyle finished well beaten.
Match report supplied by PA Media
