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How to Fix Bluetooth Headphones That Are Connected but Have No Sound

About 10 minutesEasyPublished September 7, 2026

A Bluetooth connection does not always mean Windows has switched audio output to the headphones. Start with the simple output and volume checks before removing devices or changing drivers.

The Quick Answer

Select the Bluetooth headphones as the Windows audio output first. If that does not work, turn Bluetooth off and on, remove and re-pair the headphones, restart the PC, then check Windows Update and Bluetooth/audio drivers.

Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Confirm the headphones are actually connected

    Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and confirm the headphones show as connected. Charge them if the battery is low.

  2. Step 2: Select the headphones as the audio output

    Open Settings > System > Sound. Under Output, choose the Bluetooth headphones instead of the laptop speakers.

  3. Step 3: Check volume and mute

    Raise Windows volume and the headphone volume. Check that neither Windows nor the headphones are muted.

  4. Step 4: Turn Bluetooth off and back on

    Switch Bluetooth off, wait about 10 seconds, turn it back on, and reconnect.

  5. Step 5: Remove and re-pair the headphones

    Remove the headphones from Bluetooth devices, put them back in pairing mode, and add them again.

  6. Step 6: Restart Windows and check updates

    Restart the PC, then install available Windows updates.

  7. Step 7: Check Bluetooth and audio drivers

    If the problem remains, use Device Manager or the PC manufacturer’s support tools to check for updated Bluetooth and audio drivers.

Tips

  • Test the headphones with another phone or computer to separate a headphone problem from a Windows problem.
  • Disconnect the headphones from nearby devices that may automatically grab the connection.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming “Connected” means Windows selected the headphones for audio.
  • Changing several advanced settings at once before testing the basic output selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

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