Bluetooth Audio switching to Handsfree which is disabled [FOUND PERMANENT SOLUTION]

[Maikeru]

Hey, I have an issue with using Bluetooth headset. Specifically Sony WH-1000XM4. I have handsfree and microphone Disabled in the Windows 11 sound settings yet this game is forcing the headset to use handsfree. Temporary fix seems to be going to More devices and printer settings, going to properties of the headset. unticking Handsfree telephony in Services and restarting the headset. The problem with this method is that it works only until I restart my PC. After the restart it Enables microphone of the headset causing issues with other programs requiring microphone (Games, OBS) which will now use the Bluetooth headset, because microphone is enabled and set as Default Communication device.

This issue is not Windows 11 issue. I have played hundreds of games with this headset and none, I repeat NONE, is causing similar issue

[Lethos Storms]

Thank you, this was driving me insane.

[Cooler]

Thank you very much for this, had to do this the first time I played but forgot how I got to it. Hopefully they will patch this out at some point.

[Tim]

Same issue can't find the hands free telephony settings though

[Maikeru]

I've found a permanent solution on Reddit.

As anyone who tried Handsfree telephony knows, it re-enables after you restart (+BT microphone gets enabled - at least in my case). To get around this, you can instead disable the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service.

In your search bar, type Services and open the Services app. Find Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service. Stop the service, then right click and go to properties, change the Startup type to Disabled. This way, the service will remain disabled when you restart your pc.

after you disable the service, you need to restart your headphones

[Toreddo]

Thank you man

[Miojo666]

God

[Attrebia]

Absolute legends for fixing this, has been driving me mad.

[Katejsej]

You saved my life. I bought the XM4. One of the best headphones in the world. I had problems with connecting and al that stuf but I fixed it. But now I had problems with Hands-Free and you solved it. Great.

[poppsen]

that's the first good solution, thanks a ton for sharing. funny that it's also the xm4 for me ^^
the ministry of truth will be highly appreciative of my report about your service to the public helldiver o7

[Geomancer]

thank you so much for this solution

[XerxRG]

hi, im currently experiencing this issue while trying to play black ops 6. your method of disabling hands free telephony has worked however i am now experiencing a slight delay with the sound that wasnt happening before. any ideas? thanks

[DieKegelrobbe]

Originally posted by Maikeru:

I've found a permanent solution on Reddit.

As anyone who tried Handsfree telephony knows, it re-enables after you restart (+BT microphone gets enabled - at least in my case). To get around this, you can instead disable the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service.

In your search bar, type Services and open the Services app. Find Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service. Stop the service, then right click and go to properties, change the Startup type to Disabled. This way, the service will remain disabled when you restart your pc.

after you disable the service, you need to restart your headphones

worked for me, thx