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How to fix bluetooth earbuds only connecting to hands free Audio in windows?

Ike 20 Reputation points
2025-08-15T04:26:16.29+00:00

I'll Start off right from the beginning, I've had these studio beats + for about 2 years and resolved an issue I had with the static noise on them. disabling the hands free audio to ensure they will only be used for audio and removing the static on them. for the past week however I have been unable to have it properly connect into headphone mode and does not appear at all into connecting its audio to be hearable in my computer, only appearing into hands free mode. After looking at it closely I saw multiple issues appearing in my device manager regarding the bluetooth avrcp that has got me confused more than ever and need guidance on what to do.

image_2025-08-14_211519099

I also decided to troubleshoot if the earbuds are faulty or if its my computer, after testing it on my little brothers computer and fathers they both worked well with it and had it working normally without it being stuck on hands free. if more evidence is needed i can provide it.

if anybody can help it would be greatly appreciated :)

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Answer accepted by question author

Kimberly Olaño 23,545 Reputation points
2025-08-15T05:02:42.2066667+00:00

Hello! Ike , Kimberly here, and I’m eager to jump in and help you fix this.

Sounds like a Windows Bluetooth profile issue, not a hardware problem, since your Beats work normally on other PCs. Here's how you can further troubleshoot it on your pc:

1. Remove old Beats drivers & profiles

Unpair Beats in Settings → Bluetooth & devices.

In Device Manager (with View → Show hidden devices on), uninstall all entries related to Beats, Hands-Free, Bluetooth AV Audio, and Microsoft Bluetooth A2DP Source — check Delete the driver software when prompted.

2. Reset the Bluetooth stack

In services.msc, restart:

  • Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
  • Bluetooth Support Service
  • Bluetooth User Support Service
  • (If present) Bluetooth Handsfree Service

In admin Command Prompt, run:

net stop bthserv

net start bthserv

3. Reinstall Bluetooth drivers

Get the latest driver from your PC maker or Intel’s site.

In Device Manager → Bluetooth adapter → Uninstall device (delete driver).

Reboot, then install the new driver.

4. Pair Beats cleanly

Put Beats in pairing mode and add them fresh.

Ensure two profiles show: Stereo (A2DP) & Hands-Free (HFP).

In Sound settings → More sound settings → Playback tab, set Stereo as default and disable Hands-Free.

5. If still no Stereo

Run Windows troubleshooters for Playing Audio and Bluetooth.

Check if Microsoft Bluetooth A2DP Source exists in Device Manager; if missing, Bluetooth audio components may be broken → fix via Windows in-place repair.

Should you have more questions, please let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly

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  1. Ike 20 Reputation points
    2025-08-15T06:55:44.63+00:00

    Hello Kimberly!

    Thanks for answering and giving me the step by step process for my situation.

    Doing all the steps have i found out in the end i did not have the bluetooth A2DP existing in my device manager so i did a full repair of my windows by reinstalling the current version and it fixed my issue completely!

    Once again thank you for the quick response and help and now I can peacefully listen to music and videos without any form of static :)

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