Try disabling Auto Play.

 

Just tried that with no change. I restarted the Bluetooth services also. I'll try rebooting to see if that does anything after disabling AutoPlay.

Oh and I've tried connecting other headphones now and all devices have the same issue. In fact, Windows is now failing to detect ANY devices at all after I removed the bugged out headphones.

 

Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter.

 

I ran the troubleshooter. At first, it said Bluetooth wasn't detected, but after clicking "Continue", it "found" the Bluetooth and "added it to the Taskbar", although during this the Bluetooth was on and the icon was already visible on the Taskbar. It ended with "Great! Glad we were able to help."

 

What kind of headphones?

 

I have tried:

• Aftershokx Aeropex
• 66Audio BTS Sport
• Cowin E7

 

services.msc >Right-click Bluetooth Support service and click Restart >Double-click Bluetooth Support service to get into Properties window. Under General tab, change the Startup type to Automatic>Apply and OK>save and exit.

 

I forgot to include that in my OP, but I had already tried restarting the services. I didn't set to Auto start, so I just did that, but the service was running already anyway.

 

Are you positive your computer has Bluetooth? Some need a dongle.

 

Yes, I am sure. The radio is detected by Windows. It has occasionally found devices and paired them initially. It also has paired with my Android phone via the "Your Phone" whatever. It features Bluetooth 5.2 per the specs.

 

I found out the hard way that there are different versions of Bluetooth. A few months ago I got a new cell phone. My old one worked with my car's Bluetooth. When the new one didn't, I called my carrier, auto maker and phone manufacturer. They all confirmed that although my car and the phone both had Bluetooth, the two were not compatible. What was frustrating was it received the code and then wouldn't work.

 

I'm sorry to hear that Windows 11 Bluetooth pairing problems are keeping you from using Bluetooth. You can try updating your Bluetooth drivers, restarting your computer and Bluetooth device, or unplugging and replugging the devices to attempt and solve the issue. Further help can be available by looking for Windows updates or by contacting support.

 

All things I've tried already and listed in my OP.

 

Forgot to mention. Make sure you're not in Airplane Mode.

 

It's a desktop, not portable, so it has never been in Airplane mode and definitely is not now.

 

Have you tried a Clean Boot, then seeing what happens after going thru a Bluetooth install etc.? If it works, you'll have to get rid of the offending app or add-on by a process of elimination before actually using the head phones.

 

I haven't tried that. It hadn't occurred to me that other software may be causing problems with Bluetooth. I don't believe I've installed anything that should interact with Bluetooth radio in any way, aside from the Windows-Phone Connect app. I'll start by uninstalling that and testing before going through the tedious clean boot trial and error process. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I have uninstalled PhoneLink and no change. I also flashed my BIOS to the latest version. No change. At this point I think I might have a wonky Bluetooth radio on the mobo. I guess I'll look into an add-on dongle or card.

 

If you are experiencing Bluetooth pairing issues with Windows 11, there are several steps you can try to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Check Bluetooth Adapter: Ensure that your computer has a functional Bluetooth adapter. If it's an internal adapter, check if it's enabled in the Device Manager. For external Bluetooth dongles, make sure they are properly connected to your computer.
2. Update Drivers: Make sure your Bluetooth drivers are up to date. Go to the manufacturer's website or use Windows Update to check for and install any available driver updates.
3. Restart Bluetooth Services: Restarting the Bluetooth services can sometimes resolve connection issues. Press Windows + R, type "services.msc," and hit Enter. Look for "Bluetooth Support Service" and "Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service." Right-click on each service, select "Restart," and then try pairing your devices again.
4. Check Bluetooth Settings: In Windows 11, click on the Start button, then go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on, and your device is set to "Discoverable" or "Pairing Mode" if required.
5. Remove and Re-Pair Devices: If you have previously paired the device but are experiencing issues, try removing the device and then re-pairing it. In the Bluetooth settings, select the device, click on "Remove device," and then try pairing it again.
6. Reset Bluetooth Settings: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting the Bluetooth settings. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > More Bluetooth options. Under the "Options" tab, click on "Reset" and confirm the action.
7. Update Windows 11: Make sure your Windows 11 installation is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that may include fixes for Bluetooth-related issues.
8. Check Compatibility: Ensure that your Bluetooth device is compatible with Windows 11. Visit the manufacturer's website to see if they provide any specific drivers or updates for Windows 11 compatibility.
9. Check Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by other electronic devices or Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your Bluetooth device and computer to different locations to see if the signal improves.
10. Run Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common Bluetooth issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Select "Bluetooth" and run the troubleshooter.

If the issue persists after trying these steps, it's possible that there may be a hardware problem with your Bluetooth adapter or device.By Solving this issues You will Connect Headphones for best sound Experiance. In such cases, consider reaching out to the manufacturer's support or consulting a professional technician for further assistance..

 

It was actually me being a bonehead. I didn't realize that the Bluetooth used the same radio/antenna setup as the wifi. I didn't have the motherboard's external antenna attached since I'm not using the wifi. I hooked up the antenna and now Bluetooth is solid!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

The staff has ESP instincts. They failed us this time.