Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows

Gjelder for
Windows 11 Windows 10

If your Bluetooth device connects to Windows but you hear no sound, experience low audio quality, or face frequent disconnections, it can disrupt your audio experience. This issue often arises due to incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or compatibility limitations.
 

Try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

Solution 1: Run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter

If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Bluetooth problem.

Run the troubleshooter in Get Help

 

Solution 2: Check Volume and Output Settings

  1. Click on the Sound icon in the taskbar and ensure the correct Bluetooth device is selected as the audio output.
  2. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound, and under Output, confirm your Bluetooth device is set as the output.

Solution 3: Adjust audio format to highest quality

  1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.

  2. Select your Bluetooth device and then select Advanced sound properties.

    Note

    You must be connected to your Bluetooth device in order to see Advanced sound properties option.

  3. Under Output settings, select the Format as 2 channels,16 bit, 48000Hz (DVD Quality).
     

Solution 4: Unpair and re-pair the Bluetooth device

If the device appears in the Bluetooth list but won’t connect, remove it and add it again.

  1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Locate the device and select More options (…) > Remove device.
  3. Select Add device, and then select the device from the list.

Solution 5: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth

  1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Turn Bluetooth off and wait 10 seconds.
  3. Turn Bluetooth on again.
  4. Attempt to pair your device.

Solution 6: Install the latest Bluetooth drivers

If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 or installed updates, your current Bluetooth driver may not be compatible. Check for updated drivers.

  1. Select Start > Device Manager.
  2. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth, and then select the Bluetooth adapter name, which may include the word “radio.”
  3. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter, and then select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the steps, then select Close.
  4. After installing the updated driver, select Start > Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and then check whether that fixes the connection issue.

Solution 7: Check whether your Bluetooth supports A2DP protocol

Check the document or the material that came with your Bluetooth or visit manufacturer's website and make sure your Bluetooth device supports the A2DP protocol for higher-quality audio streaming.
 

Solution 8: Check for Windows Updates

Make sure your PC supports Bluetooth and that Windows is up to date.

  1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates. Let it download and install any available updates.
     

Solution 9: Restart your PC

Restarting helps resolve temporary system issues affecting Bluetooth.

  • Select Start > Power > Restart.

If you are facing a different Bluetooth issue, refer to Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.