Experiencing audio delays when using Bluetooth devices on Windows 11 can be quite disruptive, especially when streaming media or participating in video calls. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to tackle this problem. Below are some effective methods to help you fix Bluetooth audio lag on your Windows 11 PC.

Update the Bluetooth Device Driver

Outdated or corrupt Bluetooth drivers can often cause audio delays. Updating the driver can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance. Follow these steps to update your Bluetooth device driver:

  1. Open the Device Manager by clicking on the Start Menu and typing Device Manager, then selecting it from the search results.
  1. In the Device Manager window, expand the Bluetooth section by clicking on the small arrow next to it.
  2. Right-click on the Bluetooth device for which you want to update the driver, and select Update driver from the context menu.
  1. In the Update Drivers window, choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search and install the latest driver for your device.
  1. Once the driver is updated, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After restarting your PC, check if the audio delay has been resolved.

Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Bluetooth issues. Here's how to run it:

  1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting the gear icon, or by typing Settings into the search bar.
  1. In the Settings window, ensure you're on the System tab from the left sidebar.
  1. Scroll down on the right pane and click on Troubleshoot.
  1. Under the Options section, click on Other troubleshooters.
  1. Find the Bluetooth option under the Other section and click the Run button next to it.
  1. The troubleshooter will open and begin diagnosing your Bluetooth settings. Follow any on-screen instructions to apply recommended fixes.

Once the troubleshooter completes, test your Bluetooth audio to see if the delay has been fixed.

Disable Audio Enhancements

Sometimes, audio enhancements can interfere with Bluetooth audio performance, causing delays. Disabling these enhancements might solve the problem. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the Settings app from the Start Menu or by searching for it.
  1. Click on the System tab on the left sidebar.
  1. On the right pane, select the Sound option.
  1. Under the Output section, click on your Bluetooth audio device to open its properties.
  1. Scroll down to the Enhance audio section and click on the Advanced button.
  1. In the Properties window, navigate to the Enhancements tab.
  2. Check the box next to Disable all enhancements.
  1. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.

After disabling audio enhancements, test your Bluetooth audio to see if the delay has been eliminated.

Remove and Reconnect the Bluetooth Device

Re-pairing your Bluetooth device can sometimes resolve connection glitches that cause audio delays. Here’s how to remove and reconnect your Bluetooth device:

  1. Open the Settings app from the Start Menu or by searching for it.
  1. Click on the Bluetooth & devices tab on the left sidebar.
  1. On the right pane, you'll see your connected devices. If you don't see your Bluetooth device, click on View more devices.
  1. Locate your Bluetooth device, click on the three-dot menu (kebab icon) next to it, and select Remove.
  1. To reconnect the device, return to the Bluetooth & devices screen and click on Add device.
  1. In the Add a device window, select Bluetooth.

Note: Ensure your Bluetooth device is in pairing mode.

  1. When your device appears in the list, click on it to start the pairing process. Wait for the confirmation that the device is connected.

Now, test your audio to see if re-pairing the device has resolved the delay.

Check for Obstructions and Proximity Issues

Physical barriers or distance can affect Bluetooth performance. Ensure that your Bluetooth device is within range of your PC and that there are no obstructions blocking the signal. Try moving closer to your computer or removing any objects that might interfere with the connection.

Try Using an Alternative Application

If the audio delay occurs only when using a specific application or browser, the issue might be with that software. Try switching to a different media player or browser to see if the problem persists. This can help identify whether the delay is application-specific.

By following these methods, you should be able to fix the Bluetooth audio delay on your Windows 11 PC and enjoy seamless audio playback.