Windows 10: Bluetooth headphones connecting, but not showing up as playback devices

My headphones SOny xm4 were working just fine. But the last few days, they connect to Windows just fine, and show up as connected devices. However, they are not available as a playback device. I have checked/unchecked/rechecked the 'audio sink' setting through Services. I have uninstalled them and reinstalled them. I have restarted Windows but nothing works. Is there a fix for this?

:)

 

Bluetooth headphones connect but are not listed as Playback device

I'm having trouble getting audio to play through my Bluetooth headphones. I am able to successfully connect them to my computer, but I cannot figure out where to set them as the playback device. They are not listed in the
Sound panel (even when showing disabled and disconnected devices). Any ideas (besides the things I have tried below) would be much appreciated!





I've read A LOT of threads about this and can't seem to find a solution that works. Here is what I have tried:

• Uninstalling & Reinstalling the Bluetooth driver
• Updating driver from manufacturer's website
• Purchasing a new Bluetooth 4.0 adapter (same issue - connects fine, not listed as an audio playback device)
• Turn off and turn on Bluetooth service
• Set Bluetooth Support Service to Auto
• Running the audio troubleshooter (device not listed to troubleshoot)
• Testing different Bluetooth headphones/headsets
• Testing these headphones on my work computer with the same version of windows (works great)

System Info

OS Name Microsoft Windows 10 Pro

Version 10.0.17713 Build 17713

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790K CPU @ 4.00GHz, 4001 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)

BaseBoard Product Z97I-PLUS

 

Bluetooth Headphones - connected but not available as playback device

Hi Saltgrass,

Thank you for your comments. No, unfortunately it is not showing at the top. I've removed and the device, uninstalled drivers and re-installed drivers and re-paired. No go.

And the button on the headphones doesn't result in the playback device menu populating with the bluetooth headphones. I get an audio beep indicating it connected to the pc and then after 3 min or so with no signal it automatically disconnects.

Again I can connect my headphone to my nexus and laptop with no issues whatsoever and I can connect other devices to my pc via bluetooth. The only thing that doesn't work is the headphones and pc - and I believe this has something to do with the playback
devices not recognizing the headphones but I don't understand why.

Thanks again

 

Connected Bluetooth Headphones don't appear as Playback device in Windows 10

The usual procedure is :

• If wired, plug in the headphones. If Bluetooth, pair and ensure they are visible in Bluetooth Neighborhood.
  
• Right-click the speaker icon and click Playback devices
  
• Right-click the default speakers and select Show disabled devices and
  Show disconnected devices.
  
• If your headphones now appear, right-click them and select Enable.
  

If your headphones are still unusable, then the problem is with your driver.
It may be incapable of functioning as a playback device.
Search for the right software, or contact the Support of the manufacturer.
If nothing works, change headphones.