How to fix Bluetooth speaker connected but no sound in Windows PC

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When your Bluetooth speaker shows Connected but produces no sound, it can feel especially confusing—after all, everything looks like it should work. This issue is extremely common on Windows systems and usually comes down to misconfigured audio settings, outdated drivers, or a glitch in Bluetooth services. Fortunately, most fixes are simple once you understand where the problem originates.

Before diving into detailed solutions, it’s worth recognizing that Windows manages audio devices in a layered system: the Bluetooth connection, the audio endpoint, the default playback engine, and background services. If any of these fail, your sound disappears even though the speaker remains technically connected. This guide walks you through every major fix in a clear, structured way.

Another factor is that the troubleshooting steps vary slightly between versions of Windows. The procedures for Windows 11 and Windows 10 are similar, but the interface layout differs. For clarity, both sections are explained separately so you can follow instructions that precisely match your system.

Windows 11: Fix Bluetooth Speaker Connected but No Sound

1. Ensure the Bluetooth speaker is set as the default audio device

Even if the speaker is connected, Windows 11 may still output audio to another device.

Right-click the sound icon on the taskbar.
Select Sound settings.
Under Output, choose your Bluetooth speaker.
Scroll to Advanced → More sound settings.
On the Playback tab, ensure the speaker is Enabled and marked as Default Device.

If you see two versions—Headset and Stereo—choose Stereo (the better-quality audio profile).

2. Switch the Bluetooth audio profile from Hands-Free to Stereo

Some speakers default to a low-quality call-focused mode.

Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices.
Select your speaker.
Disable any option labeled Hands-Free or Headset.
Reconnect the device so it switches to the high-quality A2DP Stereo profile.

3. Restart Bluetooth services

Bluetooth audio relies on several background services that occasionally freeze.

Press Win + R, type services.msc.
Find:
- Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
- Bluetooth Support Service
Right-click each → Restart.

If the problem disappears after restarting these, you’ve found the cause.

4. Remove and re-pair the Bluetooth speaker

Corrupted pairing data is another common cause.

Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices.
Click the speaker → Remove device.
Turn Bluetooth off and back on.
Re-pair the speaker from scratch.

5. Update Bluetooth and audio drivers

Faulty drivers are a top cause of “connected but no sound.”

Press Win + X → Device Manager.
Expand Bluetooth and Sound, video and game controllers.
Right-click your Bluetooth adapter → Update driver.
Do the same for your audio device.

If you use a laptop, check the manufacturer site for the newest Bluetooth radio drivers.

6. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes improved automated diagnosis tools.

Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
Run Playing Audio and Bluetooth troubleshooters.
Apply all recommended changes.

7. Disable exclusive mode

Programs like conferencing apps can take exclusive control of the speaker.

Open More sound settings.
Double-click your Bluetooth speaker → Advanced.
Uncheck:
- Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
- Give exclusive mode applications priority
Select Apply.

Windows 10: Fix Bluetooth Speaker Connected but No Sound

1. Set the speaker as the default playback device

Windows 10 often keeps your previous output device even when a new one is connected.

Right-click the sound icon → Sounds.
Open the Playback tab.
Select your Bluetooth speaker.
Click Set Default → OK.

If you see two profiles (Hands-Free vs. Stereo), choose Bluetooth Stereo.

2. Change the playback device directly from the taskbar

A fast fix:

Click the sound icon.
Click the arrow next to the volume slider.
Select your Bluetooth speaker from the list.

3. Restart Windows Bluetooth services

Same process as Windows 11, but more common on Windows 10 due to legacy drivers.

Press Win + R, enter services.msc.
Restart all Bluetooth-related services.
Retry playing audio.

4. Remove and re-add the speaker

Sometimes Windows 10 stores outdated configuration profiles.

Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.
Remove the speaker.
Re-pair it.

5. Update or reinstall Bluetooth drivers

Windows 10 frequently mismanages older Bluetooth stacks.

Open Device Manager.
Right-click the Bluetooth adapter → Update.
If nothing changes, choose Uninstall device and reboot.
Windows reinstalls drivers automatically.

6. Check the Bluetooth Support Service startup type

In services.msc find Bluetooth Support Service.
Double-click → set Startup type: Automatic.
Click Start if it’s not already running.

7. Check for audio enhancements or conflicts

Open Sound settings.
Under Related settings, choose Sound Control Panel.
Open your Bluetooth device properties → Enhancements.
Check Disable all enhancements.

Advanced Fixes (Windows 10 & 11)

1. Reset the Bluetooth stack

This forces Windows to rebuild its Bluetooth configuration.

Open Device Manager.
Uninstall everything under Bluetooth (except mouse/keyboard if Bluetooth-based).
Reboot the PC.
Reinstall drivers automatically or manually.

2. Confirm the Bluetooth version supports A2DP

Older adapters (pre-4.0) may not support high-quality audio.
If you see only the Hands-Free profile, your adapter might be the issue—consider upgrading to a modern Bluetooth 5.x USB adapter.

3. Disable power management for Bluetooth

Prevent Windows from powering off your Bluetooth radio to “save energy.”

In Device Manager, right-click your Bluetooth adapter.
Open Power Management.
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

4. Reset audio components via command line

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Run:

net stop audiosrv
net start audiosrv
Test the sound again.

Prevention Tips

Avoid pairing multiple speakers/headphones simultaneously—Windows can choose the wrong one.
Keep your drivers updated regularly.
Use the Stereo (A2DP) profile, not the Hands-Free one.
If using conferencing apps, close them fully before playing media.
If possible, connect via both Bluetooth and AUX to confirm the issue is software, not hardware.

Conclusion

Bluetooth speakers showing Connected but no sound is a frustrating but solvable problem. In nearly every case, the issue relates to Windows routing audio incorrectly, using the wrong audio profile, or running outdated drivers. By following the step-by-step instructions for your version of Windows—whether it’s the modern interface of Windows 11 or the classic layout of Windows 10—you can isolate the problem quickly and restore crisp, reliable sound.

If you’ve tried all the methods above and the speaker still remains silent, it’s time to test the device on a different computer or phone. If it works elsewhere, the issue is firmly within your PC’s Bluetooth stack, and reinstalling drivers or resetting Windows’ network components will usually fix it. With the right troubleshooting approach, your Bluetooth speaker should deliver full audio performance again.