This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 8%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hi,
So, yesterday I upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and everything seemed to be working fine until I connected my bluetooth earphones.
When you connect your bluetooth earphones you expect to see two output devices, Headset (music) and Hands-Free mode (voice) but I can only see the Headset mode.
I checked the earphone properties from the Device Manager and I can see "Hands-Free telephony" in the Services tab but in the Output Devices, the hands-free mode is not visible at all.
I've tried everything from re-connecting to reinstalling drivers but nothing seems to be working.
This is preventing from attending any Meetings on apps like Google Meet or Microsoft Teams.
Any help would be much appreciated!
Regards,
Kartikey
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
Hi,
I had the same problem and disabling additional audio drivers for my laptop helped me. In my case, it's Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio. I also turned off everything related to Intel® Smart Sound Technology.
I hope this information will be useful to someone.
Best regards.
In windows 11 there is no Handsfree mode like before. In order to do the same thing just go in the Recording Tab and Disable/Disconnect your device. That is going to disable the Microphone from your headset but is going to keep the playback and your sound will sound normal again. Hope this works for you guys.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(259.20000000000005, 65%, 35%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EJ%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Since Windows 7, it has been:
Read the Microsoft post I linked, Windows 11 is merely hiding the confusing 2 separate audio endpoints and combining into a single icon.
It doesn't change anything.
It is 2 separate devices because the Bluetooth protocol is specified as 2 separate devices. Nothing to do with "bad software design".
There is no high quality mode that has microphone access.
It's either:
Or.
Hi Geocacher62,
THANK YOU !!
Also, do let me know if you are able to resolve this issue with your laptop.
Good Day Kartikey,
My name is Carlo, I am also using Windows 11 pc and community member like you. Let us work together to sort this out.
Here's the steps you can try.
-Go to Device Manager
-Expand the Bluetooth
-Look for Bluetooth driver that was installed
-Right click and Update
-Look for "Browse my computer for driver
-Let me pick drivers available drivers
-Choose an old driver and use it.
Restart and check the Bluetooth.
If issue persist, let's download the deidcated driver
What is the exact model of your computer?
To check the system model proceed with these steps.
-Press Windows key + R
-Type msinfo32 and hit enter.
-Look for the System Model and Manufacturer and post it here.
I hope the information above helps. Please let me know how it goes.
Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Carlo T.
