How to fix audio lag in Bluetooth headphones in Windows 11

Audio lag in Bluetooth headphones can be annoying, especially when watching videos or playing games where audio sync is crucial. Here are several steps you can take to fix audio lag in Bluetooth headphones on Windows 11:

How to fix audio lag in Bluetooth headphones in Windows 11

1. Check the Bluetooth Connection

• Move Closer: Ensure you are within the optimal range of your Bluetooth connection, typically within 10 meters without obstructions.
• Remove Interferences: Other wireless devices can interfere with Bluetooth connections. Try turning off other devices or moving away from them.

2. Update Bluetooth and Audio Drivers

• Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Find your Bluetooth and audio devices, right-click on them, and select Update driver.
• Manufacturer’s Website: Sometimes the latest drivers are available directly from the manufacturer’s website.

3. Change Bluetooth Audio Settings

• Bluetooth Audio Quality: In Sound Settings (right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds), go to the Playback tab, right-click your Bluetooth device, select Properties, go to the Advanced tab, and try different audio formats.
• Disable Audio Enhancements: In the same Properties window, under the Enhancements tab, check Disable all enhancements or Disable all sound effects.

4. Adjust Power Settings

• Disable Power Saving for Bluetooth: In Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, right-click, select Properties, go to the Power Management tab, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

5. Use Windows Troubleshooter

• Run the Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, and run the Playing Audio troubleshooter.

6. Check for Windows Updates

• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and check for updates. Installing the latest Windows updates can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.

7. Restart Audio Services

• Restart Services: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services, right-click on them, and select Restart.

8. Disable Absolute Volume

• Edit Registry: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Bluetooth\Audio\AVRCP\CT. Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it DisableAbsoluteVolume, and set its value to 1. Restart your computer afterward. Note: Be cautious with registry edits; they can affect system stability.

9. Check the Headphones with Another Device

• Test Headphones: Try using the headphones with another device to ensure the issue isn’t with the headphones themselves.

10. Contact Support

• Manufacturer Support: If none of the above steps work, there might be a hardware issue with your Bluetooth adapter or headphones. Contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

If you continue to experience issues, consider consulting with a professional or the device manufacturer for device-specific advice or potential hardware issues.