Troubleshooting Bluetooth Headset Connectivity Issues After Driver Uninstallation: A Case Study
Encountering connectivity or audio quality issues with Bluetooth headsets can be frustrating, especially after accidental driver removal. This article discusses a real-world scenario involving the uninstallation of Bluetooth device drivers and offers insights into effective resolution strategies.
Case Overview
A user reported poor audio loudness from their OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, even at maximum volume. Attempting to troubleshoot, they disconnected and reconnected the device, eventually opting to uninstall the Bluetooth headset from their Windows 11 system. During this process, they selected the option to “Remove driver software for this device.”
Post-uninstallation, although the headphones still pair with the device, they only function in a low-quality hands-free mode, akin to telephone audio. Several other devices appeared under “Other Devices” in Device Manager, indicating potential driver or device recognition issues.
Actions Taken by the User
- Attempted to search for drivers online, which yielded no results.
- Used Windows’ “Automatically search for drivers,” but did not find any suitable drivers.
- Reinstalled drivers for the Bluetooth dongle (TP-Link UB500).
- Removed and re-paired the device from Bluetooth settings.
- Manually installed drivers via “Update Driver” option, including:
- Audio Endpoint
- Microsoft Bluetooth A2DP Sink (noting that this is a common protocol for high-quality audio streaming)
Despite these efforts, the headphones only appear under “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers” with the Microsoft Bluetooth A2DP Sink driver, but do not show up as an output device for audio playback.
Current Device Status
- Devices listed under ‘Other Devices’: BESOTA, RFCOMM COM, WATCH.
- The headphones work flawlessly with other devices, indicating the issue is specific to the Windows system configuration.
Key Insights and Recommendations
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Understanding Driver Importance:
Bluetooth audio devices rely on specific drivers and protocols (like A2DP) for high-quality sound. Uninstalling related drivers, especially choosing to remove driver software, can disrupt this functionality. -
Reinstalling Drivers:
When drivers are removed, Windows may fail to automatically reinstall the correct drivers, especially if they are not included in default driver packages. Manual installation from Device Manager using the “Update Driver” feature can sometimes resolve the issue. -
Utilize Correct Drivers and Protocols:
For
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