Apple Airpods Pro 3 not finding mic on initial connection

When connecting APP3 to a Win 11 HP laptop it only connects to audio (output). In Bluetooth settings I then disconnect the APP3 and immediately reconnect them. The APP3 then connects to both audio and mic and both work fine.

Anyone else experiencing this?

Win 11 26H2 build 26300.9550

Intel AX211 adapter

Intel BT drivers 24.30.1.1 and 24.40.11.1 are the two HP-approved versions for AX211. Tested with both.

Turned off LE Audio in Windows sound settings. No joy.

Posted on Oct 8, 2026 12:33 PM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 8, 2026 2:38 PM in response to msstatedawg

Hi there

Please try this

Check Hands-Free Services in Control Panel:

1. Press Windows + R, type control printers (or go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers).
2. Right-click your AirPods Pro 3 and select Properties.
3. Go to the Services tab.
4. Ensure Hands-free telephony (or Hands-free phone service) is checked/enabled.

Disable "Allow the computer to turn off this device" for the Intel AX211:

1. Open Device Manager -> expand Bluetooth.
2. Right-click your Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R) adapter -> Properties.
3. Under the Power Management tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".

Reset the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service and Device Association Service, right-click each, and ensure their startup type is set to Automatic and that they are running.