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S
Newcomer
Steve Stacey
Newcomer
April 6, 2026
Question

Sound drops out using Apple AirPods

  • April 6, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 145 views

Hi All

Hi

 

Using AirPods with a HP laptop running Win 11.

 

Set up has been great for months, but last few weeks sound has dropped out when Zoom meeting starts. No sound emanating from any of the participants, video but no sound.

 

If I end meeting and disconnect Bluetooth, still no sound thru laptop speakers. Almost like laptop assuming AirPods still connected.

 

It’s like six people have all gone on mute at the same time-v weird.

 

Only manifested in last few weeks without any change to settings. 
 

I’ve done the Zoom test using the laptop and AirPods, and the sound and microphone was fine.

 

Anyone else had this?

 

Bit perplexed.

 

Thank you.

 

Any resolution advice?

 

Thanks

      2 replies

      jrmagno
      Employee
      jrmagno
      Employee
      April 8, 2026

      Hi Steve, 

      This is a well-known Windows 11 + AirPods + Zoom interaction bug, and it's gotten worse recently likely due to a Windows or Zoom update. The good news: it's fixable. Here's a prioritized approach:

       

      Fix Inside Zoom First (Most Likely Culprit)

      This setting is the #1 cause of this exact symptom:

      • Open Zoom → Settings → Audio → Advanced
      • Find "Signal processing by Windows audio device drivers"
      • Change it from Auto → Off (or try "Windows Default")
      • Restart Zoom and test

      Disable Windows Audio Enhancements

      Windows 11 has an "Enhance Audio" feature that can conflict badly with Bluetooth:

      • Go to Settings → System → Sound → All sound devices
      • Select your AirPods (and separately your laptop speakers)
      • Toggle "Enhance Audio" OFF on both
      • Reboot and test

      Fix the "Laptop Thinks AirPods Are Still Connected" Issue

      This is the ghost audio problem you're describing — Windows routes audio to a device that's no longer active:

      • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, hit Enter
      • Find "Windows Audio" → Right-click → Restart
      • Find "Bluetooth Support Service" → Right-click → Restart
      • Set both to Startup type: Automatic if not already

      This should immediately restore sound to your laptop speakers after disconnecting AirPods without needing a reboot.

      If All Else Fails: Re-pair AirPods

      • Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Remove AirPods entirely
      • Put AirPods back in case, hold the button until white light flashes
      • Re-pair fresh
        S
        Newcomer
        Steve StaceyAuthor
        Newcomer
        April 8, 2026

        Hi

         

        Many thanks for such a detailed and constructive response. It’s like a perfect storm of Apple, Windows and Zoom all clashing with each other, isn’t it.

        Agree it’s definitely something that’s recently changed- a month or so.

        Ironically, old Soundpeats buds seem to work fine in this set up. 

        Also no sound issues when using AirPods with other devices-Kindle Fire, IPhone etc. 

        Will try your layered approach and report back.Thanks a bunch.

        S
        Newcomer
        Steve StaceyAuthor
        Newcomer
        April 8, 2026

        Have tweaked as suggested, with one caveat. When I select Windows Audio and Bluetooth in Windows settings, there is no scope to set startup type to automatic. (After selecting restart) In each case, it just says “when Windows/Bluetooth restarts, these services will also restart. 
         

        Hope that makes sense.

        S
        Newcomer
        Steve StaceyAuthor
        Newcomer
        April 17, 2026

        Have made all the tweaks suggested. Prep for tonight’s meeting:

        1. Connected AirPods to laptop in Bluetooth settings. 
        2. Tested sound in Zoom settings.
        3. Tested on YouTube.
        4. Started meeting, and…. sound immediately lost from all other participants.

        Have to dispense with expensive AirPods and use cheap Soundpeats now.

        Ridiculous.

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