AirPods Pro 2 on Windows 11, sound keeps disappearing, have to switch to speakers then back to AirPods for sound to come back.

Troubleshooting Audio Interruptions with AirPods Pro 2 on Windows 11: A User’s Guide

Experiencing intermittent sound issues with wireless earbuds can be exceptionally frustrating, especially when they disrupt your daily activities. For users of Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 utilizing Windows 11, some have reported a recurring problem: their earbuds suddenly stop producing sound during use. Despite remaining connected, the audio simply disappears, requiring a workaround to restore sound. In this article, we explore possible causes and actionable solutions to resolve this common issue.

Understanding the Issue

Several Windows 11 users with AirPods Pro 2 have noted that the earbuds randomly stop transmitting audio. Unlike typical disconnection problems, these AirPods remain paired and show as connected in the Bluetooth settings — yet no sound output is heard from them. To temporarily fix the problem, users often switch the audio output between their AirPods and the device’s internal speakers, then revert to the AirPods, which restores sound. This cycle can happen multiple times per hour and appears entirely unpredictable.

Initial Troubleshooting Attempts

Many users have already taken steps to resolve the issue, including:

• Updating AirPods firmware through Apple devices
• Adjusting Bluetooth settings and drivers in Windows 11
• Re-Pairing the AirPods with the computer
• Rebooting the system or resetting the Bluetooth adaptor

Despite these efforts, the problem persists, indicating a deeper compatibility or driver-related issue without an obvious solution yet.

Possible Causes and Considerations

While the exact root cause remains uncertain, common factors may include:

• Bluetooth Driver Conflicts: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause audio routing issues.
• Windows 11 Bluetooth Stack: Certain bugs or glitches in the Bluetooth implementation might disrupt audio streaming.
• Firmware Compatibility: Differences between AirPods firmware and Windows Bluetooth standards may lead to sporadic audio functionality.
• Power Management Settings: Windows power-saving features could intermittently disable Bluetooth audio in the background.

Recommended Solutions

To address and potentially resolve this issue, consider the following steps:

1. Update Bluetooth Drivers
   Ensure your Bluetooth driver is current by visiting your PC manufacturer’s website or Windows Update. Look for the latest Bluetooth and network adapter drivers.

2. Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
   If updates don’t help, uninstall the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager, then restart your PC to automatically reinstall drivers.

3. Use Windows Troubleshooter
   Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Bluetooth devices:

4. Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Bluetooth

4.