Constantly get Security HealthSystray - Bad Image and Bluetooth for AirPods not working

Question

I tried reinstalling with cmd but can’t find the specific version, i tried SFC/ scannow, i tried restorehealth, i tried using recovery in settings and reset in system components in settings, nothing works.

As for Bluetooth, every time i connect there is no noise but periodically snippets of sound appear and immediately disappear when playing something

Answer 1

Hi WhiteCat199,

Thanks for sharing the details. I can understand how frustrating it is to see both the SecurityHealthSystray “Bad Image” error and AirPods audio issues at the same time.

From what you described, this typically points to a damaged Windows Security component alongside a Bluetooth/audio configuration issue, so resolving them separately usually gives the best result.

1, To fix the SecurityHealthSystray “Bad Image”

• Try resetting the Windows Security app: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
• Search for Windows Security, click Advanced options
• Select Repair, then Reset

If the error persists, a reliable workaround is to perform an in-place repair upgrade (reinstall Windows using the latest ISO while keeping files and apps).

2, To fix AirPods audio cutting in and out, please apply these quick checks:

1. Force correct audio device

• Press Win + A > click the sound icon
• Ensure output is set to AirPods (Stereo)
• Avoid “Hands‑Free” mode (low-quality / unstable audio)

3, Disable Hands‑Free telephony

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Right‑click your AirPods > Properties
• Under Services, uncheck Hands‑Free Telephony
• Reconnect and test

4, Restart Bluetooth and audio services

• Press Win + R, type services.msc then press Enter
• Restart:
  • Bluetooth Support Service
  • Windows Audio
  • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

If both problems remain after the steps above, the most effective next step is a repair upgrade, which rebuilds system components while keeping your data intact.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

For the Bluetooth/AirPods issue and the SecurityHealthSystray error, focus on repairing Bluetooth and audio first, then ensure drivers and updates are correct. The context provides supported steps mainly for Bluetooth/audio problems.

1. Update Bluetooth drivers
   1. Select Start > Device Manager.
   2. Expand Bluetooth and select the Bluetooth adapter (it may include the word “radio”).
   3. Right‑click it and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
   4. Complete the wizard, then restart: Start > Power > Restart.
   5. Test the AirPods again.
2. If update does not help, reinstall the Bluetooth adapter
   1. Open Device Manager again.
   2. Expand Bluetooth.
   3. Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
   4. Confirm Uninstall.
   5. Shut down the PC completely, wait a few seconds, then power it back on so Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
   6. If it does not reinstall, in Device Manager press Alt + A > Scan for hardware changes.
   7. Test pairing and audio with the AirPods.
3. Make sure the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer is installed
   1. Go to the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support site and download the latest Windows 11 Bluetooth driver.
   2. If it is an .exe, run it and follow the prompts.
   3. If it is a set of files with .inf/.sys, install via Device Manager by updating the driver and pointing to the folder containing the .inf file.
   4. Restart and test again.
4. Confirm Bluetooth audio support (A2DP)
   1. Check the PC’s Bluetooth adapter specifications on the manufacturer’s site and verify it supports the A2DP profile (required for high‑quality audio streaming).
   2. If the adapter does not support A2DP, audio with AirPods will not work correctly; an external Bluetooth dongle that supports A2DP would be required.
5. Check Windows Update and restart
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update (or Update & Security > Windows Update on some builds).
   2. Select Check for updates and install all available updates.
   3. Restart the PC and test Bluetooth audio again.
6. If Bluetooth still behaves erratically
   1. In Device Manager, choose View > Show hidden devices.
   2. Under Bluetooth, remove any old or error‑marked Bluetooth devices/drivers.
   3. Unpair the AirPods from Windows, then put them in pairing mode and pair again.

For the SecurityHealthSystray “Bad Image” error, the context does not provide a specific repair procedure beyond general driver and update guidance. After completing the steps above, ensure Windows is fully updated as in step 5; if the error persists, further repair steps outside the provided context would be required.

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References:

• Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows
• Use a screen reader to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows
• KB5077181 broke Bluetooth - Microsoft Q&A
• im irritated at this hunk of plastic - Microsoft Q&A
• earbuds wont pair - Microsoft Q&A

Answer 3

To resolve the SecurityHealth issue:

Download and unzip ExecTI from https://winaero.com/execti/

Run ExecTI as administrator and enter cmd.exe > OK

In the resulting command window copy/paste/run

RD /S /Q "C:\Windows\System32\SecurityHealth\10.0.29554.1001-0"

If the folder C:\Windows\System32\SecurityHealth\10.0.29554.1001-0 is not deleted, let me know and I'll provide instructions to remove it with IObit Unlocker.

Close out that Command Prompt and open a new administrator instance of Command Prompt.

Run the following commands:

sc start SecurityHealthService

sc query SecurityHealthService

If SecurityHealthService is now running, download SecurityHealthSetup, then right click and run as administrator. 

https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/defu/2026/03/securityhealthsetup_a9b1a353945e3cc61ef19dcf0f78e199e1bd5c74.exe

All going well Windows Security should now open.­ ­­­ ­ ­ ­­

Answer 4

Open Windows Powershell and run each of the following commands.

gci 'C:\Windows\System32\SecurityHealth'-recurse -file -Include '*.dll', '*.exe', '*.appx'  | Get-AuthenticodeSignature | ft -auto Path, Status

gsv SecurityHealthService, WinDefend, wscsvc | ft -auto Name, DisplayName, StartType, Status

Post a screenshot of the output.

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Regarding the airpod issue, do you have any noise cancelling software running?