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Bluetooth Headphones aren't acknowledged as an output device

Anonymous
2024-01-09T13:59:53+00:00

I have Windows 11 installed as the OS on my Samsung Book3 360 laptop. The headphones are Sony WI-C200 Bluetooth in-ear headphones. The device connects to the Bluetooth just fine, and it is shown to be an audio device - it shows up under the "Sound, video and game controllers" category in the device manager - but it will not show up as an output OR input device (it has a microphone) in the sound device settings. Even when I click "More sound settings", it does not show up under either playback or recording devices.

I have tried removing and re-pairing the device multiple times, I have tried restarting, I have tried both updating and reinstalling the drivers, I have tried running it with Microsoft drivers already on my device, I have looked for any driver updates on Sony's website - there weren't any for my device - I have tried things I cannot even remember. I have connected this device to this laptop before with zero issue, using it as both an input and output device, and it still pairs and works as intended with my phone.

I don't know what to do. I feel as if I have exhausted my options.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-09T18:55:33+00:00

    Thank you for your help John. I have managed to fix the problem by looking at the device properties in the control panel and unselecting all the services besides audio sink.

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 67,840 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-09T18:27:26+00:00

    Thank you Kathryn for letting me know.

    It seems your Bluetooth headphones are not being detected by your PC.

    > Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar.

    > Select "Open Sound settings."

    > Under the "Output" section, check if your headphones are listed. If not, click on "Add device" next to Pair a new output device and see if they appear there under Bluetooth.

    > If your headphones are listed, set them as the default device.

    If the problem persists:

    > Make sure your headphones are fully charged and turned on before pairing them with your computer.

    > Try pairing your headphones with another device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, and see if they work as expected. If they don’t, there might be a problem with your headphones.

    > Try using a different pair of Bluetooth headphones with your computer and see if they are detected as an output device. If they are, there might be a compatibility issue between your computer and your headphones.

    Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions or concerns.

    John J.D.

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  3. John Jefferson Doyon 67,840 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-09T18:59:49+00:00

    That's great to hear, Kathryn!

    I'm glad you were able to resolve the issue by adjusting the device properties. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to let me know. Enjoy your audio experience with the Bluetooth headphones!

    John J.D.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-09T17:57:06+00:00

    Thank you for your reply, John, but I'm sorry to say that they don't appear under the Sound menu in the Control Panel.

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  5. John Jefferson Doyon 67,840 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-09T17:03:19+00:00

    Hi Kathryn, I am John J.D., a fellow Microsoft user like you.

    I understand you're experiencing issues with your Bluetooth headphones. Thank you for sharing the steps you've already taken.

    Could you please check if your headphones appear under 'Sound' in Control Panel?

    > Open Run dialog by pressing Windows + R key, copy this and press enter: mmsys.cpl

    > In the "Playback" tab, select your Headphones and ensure it's set as both the default device and communication device.

    > Go to the "Sounds" tab and confirm that the Sound Scheme is set to "Windows Default." If not, select it and click "Apply."

    > Go to the "Communications" tab, choose "Reduce the volume of other sounds by 80%." click "Apply" and click "OK".

    Run Audio Troubleshooter.

    > Press Windows + I key to open Settings app.

    > In System, click "Troubleshoot, then" Other Troubleshooters.

    > In Audio, click "Run".

    > Allow consent by clicking "Yes" then continue troubleshooting steps.

    Let me know how it goes or if you encounter any challenges during the process.

    John J.D.

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