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Airpods bluetooth distortions and weak signal on Windows 11

Antony S 0 Reputation points
2026-04-17T17:22:22.0866667+00:00

Connected Bluetooth airpods 3rd gen.

While playing - signal very weak even close to adapter - distortions, interruptions. Checked other pc with win 11 -same issue. Same computer running MacOS - zero issues. As soon as i see - codec AAC. Tried different drivers - no luck. Tried different codecs - no luck. Issue happens only with Apple Airpods.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-17T20:47:53.3066667+00:00

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-17T17:22:35.5+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Follow these steps focused on Windows 11 Bluetooth stability and drivers, since the issue appears only on Windows and only with AirPods:

    1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter (Windows 11)
    2. Make sure Bluetooth drivers are fully up to date
      • Select Search on the taskbar, type device manager, and open Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth and locate the Bluetooth adapter (it may include the word "radio").
      • Right-click the adapter and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
      • Complete the wizard, then restart: Start > Power > Restart.
      • If Windows does not find a newer driver, go to the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support site and download the latest Bluetooth driver for Windows 11, then:
        • If it is an .exe, run it and install.
        • If it is .inf/.sys files:
          1. Open Device Manager again.
          2. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
          3. Browse to the folder with the downloaded driver files and complete the wizard.
          4. Restart the PC and test the AirPods again.
    3. Turn off power-saving features that can weaken Bluetooth signal
      • Disable system battery saver:
        • Select the Battery icon on the taskbar and ensure Energy Saver (Battery saver) is turned off.
      • Disable Bluetooth device power saving:
        1. Open Device Manager.
        2. Expand Bluetooth, right-click the Bluetooth adapter, choose Properties.
        3. On the Power Management tab, clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
        4. Select OK, then restart and test.
    4. Restart Bluetooth services
      • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and select OK.
      • Find Bluetooth Support Service, right-click it, and select Restart.
      • After it restarts, re-test audio with the AirPods.
    5. General Bluetooth checks
      • Ensure the Windows 11 device actually supports Bluetooth and that Bluetooth is enabled.
      • Install all pending Windows Updates:
        • Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install everything offered, then restart.

    If the AirPods work correctly on macOS and other Bluetooth headsets work correctly on Windows 11, the most likely cause is a Windows 11 Bluetooth driver or power-management interaction with the AirPods. Keeping drivers and Windows updated and disabling aggressive power saving on the Bluetooth adapter are the key mitigations available.

    References:

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