A focused guide on resolving the frustrating "Paired but Not Connected" status when attempting to use popular Sony headphones (like the WH-1000XM series) with a Windows 11 PC.
Keywords: Sony headphones paired but not connected, Windows 11 Bluetooth audio fix, WH-1000XM4 not connecting, disable Hands-Free Telephony, Bluetooth driver update Windows 11
Contents 📋
Why Does This "Paired but Not Connected" Error Happen?
The "Paired but Not Connected" status is common across all Bluetooth devices, but Sony headphones often encounter it due to specific conflicts with Windows 11's default settings. Your PC and headphones have successfully exchanged security keys (hence "Paired"), but a conflict prevents the necessary audio transmission services from starting ("Not Connected").
The typical culprits include:
- Hands-Free Telephony Conflict: Windows tries to use the lower-quality microphone profile simultaneously with the high-quality stereo profile, leading to service confusion.
- Outdated Bluetooth Drivers: Windows 11 updates sometimes break compatibility with older driver versions.
- Multiple Device Interference: The headphones may still be trying to connect to a previously connected device (e.g., your phone).
Method 1: Disable Hands-Free Telephony Service (Most Common Fix)
This is the most reliable fix for Sony headphones. The Hands-Free profile is low bandwidth and often causes stability issues with higher-end headphones.
- Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Bluetooth section.
- Locate your Sony headphones. They may be listed under **Audio inputs and outputs** or Bluetooth.
- Right-click your Sony headphone entry and select Properties.
- Go to the Services tab.
- **Uncheck** the box next to **Hands-Free Telephony**.
- Click Apply and OK.
- Now, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Disconnect the headphones and then click **Connect** again. The headphones should now connect using only the high-quality Stereo profile.
Method 2: Update or Roll Back the Bluetooth Driver
An outdated or corrupted Bluetooth adapter driver is a frequent cause of connection failures on Windows 11.
- Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Bluetooth section.
- Right-click on your Bluetooth Adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless Bluetooth) and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If an update is not found, try the manufacturer's website (Intel, Realtek, etc.) for the latest driver.
- Alternatively, if the problem started after a recent Windows update, right-click the adapter, go to Properties, select the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
- **Restart** your PC after installing or rolling back a driver.
Method 3: Reset Headphones and Re-pair
A simple hard reset can clear the headphone's internal connection history, solving conflicts caused by simultaneous connection attempts.
- In Windows 11 Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click the three dots (...) next to your Sony headphones and select Remove device.
- Perform a Factory Reset on your Sony headphones. (The method varies by model; typically, it involves holding the Power and Noise Canceling buttons for a specific time. Consult your Sony manual.)
- Place the headphones back into pairing mode.
- In Windows 11, click Add device and re-pair the headphones.
Method 4: Check Windows Services Status
Ensure that the essential Bluetooth services are running correctly in the background.
- Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- In the Services window, find the following two services:
- **Bluetooth Support Service**
- **Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service**
- Double-click each one. Ensure the **Startup type** is set to Manual or Automatic, and the **Service status** is **Running**. If it is not running, click **Start**.
- Click Apply and OK for both services.