What do I need to do to get RealTec audio to accept bluetooth speakers

Ken BERCAW 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T19:25:36.4133333+00:00

Since the last Windows update on 8/30/26, i have not been able to get the Realtec to accept the connected bluetooth speaker (Shotz open ear). From the bluetooth install (connect/pairing) the software shows that the Shotz speakers are there, but when you go to the Control panel and click on Sound, the speaker (default) is the Realtec speakers. Green checkmark. I cannot get the other (Shotz) to be acknowledged. Anyone have answers?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Vikki-T 10,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-10T08:47:39.01+00:00

    Hello Ken BERCAW,

    Realtek does not need to directly recognize or “accept” the Shotz speaker. Realtek normally controls the PC’s built-in audio, while the Shotz device should appear separately as a Bluetooth audio output in Windows.

    At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

    Could you please check Settings > System > Sound > Output and let us know whether the Shotz speaker appears there at all, or whether it is listed only under Bluetooth & devices?

    Since the issue started immediately after the August 30 update, please also open Device Manager and check the following sections while the Shotz speaker is connected:

    • Bluetooth
    • Audio inputs and outputs
    • Sound, video and game controllers

    If the Shotz device appears with a warning symbol or appears only under Bluetooth but not under the audio sections, install the latest Bluetooth driver directly from your PC manufacturer’s support page for your exact model, then restart the PC and pair the speaker again. Updating only the Realtek audio driver may not correct the Bluetooth audio connection.

    You can also open the Get Help app, search for “Bluetooth audio,” and run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

    If possible, please share your PC manufacturer and model, the name of the Bluetooth adapter shown in Device Manager, and whether the Shotz speaker works normally with another phone or computer. This will help determine whether the problem is with the Windows update, the PC’s Bluetooth driver, or the speaker itself. Thank you so much for your understanding.

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-04T19:26:12.5966667+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. Confirm the Bluetooth headset supports A2DP audio Windows audio streaming over Bluetooth requires the device to support A2DP. Check the headset documentation or the manufacturer’s site.
    2. Make sure Bluetooth is on and the headset is actually connected for audio In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and confirm Bluetooth is on. If needed, remove the Shotz device and pair it again.
    3. Select the Bluetooth headset as the playback device After reconnecting, click the volume icon on the taskbar and select the Shotz headset as the output device. If it connects correctly, it should show as an audio device and not stay only as a paired Bluetooth device.
    4. Update the Bluetooth driver
      • Open Device Manager
      • Expand Bluetooth
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter
      • Select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software
      • Restart the PC if prompted
    5. Roll back the Bluetooth driver if the problem started right after the 8/30/26 update Since this started after a Windows update, rolling back the Bluetooth driver is a strong next step:
      • Open Device Manager
      • Expand Bluetooth
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter > Properties
      • Open the Driver tab
      • Select Roll Back Driver if available
      • Follow the prompts
    6. Update or reinstall the Bluetooth adapter If updating does not help:
      • Open Device Manager
      • Expand Bluetooth
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter
      • Select Uninstall device
      • Shut down the PC
      • Turn it back on
      • If Windows does not reinstall it automatically, in Device Manager select Action > Scan for hardware changes
    7. Update Windows Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
    8. Restart the PC Select Start > Power > Restart.
    9. If Realtek is involved, update or roll back the Realtek audio driver A Microsoft Q&A case with similar symptoms reported compatibility problems between the Realtek audio driver and the Bluetooth audio path assigned by Windows. In Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, update the Realtek audio driver. If the issue began after an update, check Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if available.

    The key point is that Realtek does not need to “accept” the Bluetooth speaker directly. Windows should expose the Shotz headset as a separate playback device once the Bluetooth audio path and drivers are working correctly.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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