Windows & BSOD · low

How to fix Bluetooth keeps disconnecting or audio cuts out

Error code: BLUETOOTH-AUDIO-STUTTER

What this error means

Bluetooth headphones, speakers or other devices keep disconnecting, or the sound stutters and cuts out. Microsoft says disconnections are often caused by power-saving settings, outdated drivers or temporary glitches. Distance, obstacles and interference also matter: Microsoft notes that unshielded USB 3.0 devices can interfere with Bluetooth. Turning off power saving for the adapter and restarting the Bluetooth Support Service fix many cases.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Difficulty
Beginner
Before changes
Low; disabling power saving slightly increases battery use

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's Bluetooth troubleshooting articles; not tested with every device.

Before you begin

Check whether the problem happens with one device or all Bluetooth devices, and whether it also happens on a phone. If only one device fails everywhere, the device itself may need a reset or firmware update. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Microsoft's first solution is the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter.

  1. On Windows 11, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
  2. Apply the fixes it suggests.
What to expect

The connection stays stable.

If it does not help

If disconnections continue, check the power settings in steps 2 and 3.

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02Turn off Energy Saver

Microsoft lists Energy Saver mode as a cause of Bluetooth disconnections.

  1. Click the battery icon on the taskbar.
  2. If Energy Saver is on, turn it off.
What to expect

The device stays connected.

If it does not help

On desktops without a battery, skip to step 3.

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03Stop Windows from turning off the adapter

Microsoft's fix is to stop Windows turning off the Bluetooth device to save power.

  1. Right-click Start > Device Manager and expand Bluetooth.
  2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter > Properties > Power Management.
  3. Clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click OK.

On laptops this can slightly increase battery use.

What to expect

Disconnections stop.

If it does not help

If the Power Management tab is missing, the driver does not offer it; continue with step 4.

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04Restart the Bluetooth Support Service

Microsoft recommends restarting the Bluetooth Support Service to clear temporary glitches.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and click OK.
  2. Right-click Bluetooth Support Service > Restart.
What to expect

Devices reconnect and stay connected.

If it does not help

Reconnect your device if it does not do so automatically.

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05Update the Bluetooth driver

Microsoft lists outdated drivers as a cause of disconnections.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter > Update driver.
  2. Or install the latest Bluetooth driver for your model from the PC or adapter maker; on laptops, also update the Wi-Fi driver, as both often share one card.
What to expect

The adapter runs the current driver and the connection is stable.

If it does not help

Also install optional driver updates in Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.

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06Reduce distance and interference

Bluetooth has limited range, and Microsoft notes that unshielded USB 3.0 devices can interfere with it.

  1. Keep the device close to the PC with a clear line of sight.
  2. Move USB 3.0 drives, hubs and docks away from the Bluetooth adapter, or plug them into ports on the other side of the PC.
  3. On a desktop with a USB Bluetooth adapter, use a short USB extension cable to move the adapter to the front of the desk.
What to expect

Audio no longer stutters.

If it does not help

If the PC connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, switching to a 5 GHz network can also reduce interference.

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07Remove and re-pair the device

A fresh pairing can fix a connection that has become unreliable.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, click More options (…) next to the device > Remove device.
  2. Put the device in pairing mode and add it again.
  3. Check the device maker's app for firmware updates.
What to expect

The device connects reliably.

If it does not help

If it still drops out on every PC and phone, contact the device maker.

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Possible causes

  • Windows turning off the Bluetooth adapter to save power
  • Energy Saver mode on laptops
  • An outdated Bluetooth driver
  • Distance, walls or interference from USB 3.0 devices
  • A stuck Bluetooth Support Service

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

services.msc
devmgmt.msc

Sources & further reading