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Windows 11 Pro 25H2 No "input" microphone for bluetooth headset

Bryce Hartford 0 Reputation points
2026-01-20T19:18:43.06+00:00

My Windows 11 Pro 25H2, on a Dell Inspiron 16 5645 laptop, no matter what bluetooth headset I use, there is no Bluetooth Microphone available. The headsets work fine on two other Windows 11 Pro systems, so it is not the headsets. The steps taken are in the attached document.
The onboard Dell Laptop mic works.

A wired headset mic works.

Just no Bluetooth mic available - not even listed in the "Input" section of Sound settings.
Aside from re-installing windows 11, any help, assistance, suggestions, would be appreciated.
Thank you

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  1. Bryce Hartford 0 Reputation points
    2026-01-21T19:49:06.15+00:00

    Finally fixed this issue.

    Booted into system recovery, Command Line. Opened the Registry, and deleted every instance of the problem headset.
    Booted back into Windows normal mode. In "Settings > Bluetooth & Devices", the headset was still listed there.

    Tried a System Restore to a previous restore point that I knew at least the headset worked for Output, and could be removed/re-added.

    The System Restore failed (which I was actually a bit relieved, as I'd installed some custom software that I didn't want to have to re-install/configure, so...)

    Back in Windows 11 normal mode...

    Opened Device Manager, deleted the headset from "Bluetooth", and "System Devices".

    In "Settings > Bluetooth & Devices", saw the headset still listed.

    Turned OFF Bluetooth, turned Bluetooth back ON.

    As I was wearing the headset, and it was On, I heard "Connected" over the headset speakers.
    Looked in "Settings > Bluetooth & Devices" and it showed Connected.

    Looked in "Settings > System > Sound" under "Input" and voila! The headset was listed as an Input device. However, under "Output", there was only the laptop onboard speakers listed, no Bluetooth headset listed.

    Went to "System > Sound > Properties" clicked something that then this option disappeared, but, Output now showed the headset.

    Tested the mic, then hit Play, and the mic is now acknowledged and, it works, and playback played the test over the headset speakers.

    So finally, after many frustrating days, hours, this appears to be Fixed.

    Now, I'll have to see if my Skull Candy Hesh ANC over the ear headset will work properly, or will it still have the same mic issue as well? Stay tuned...

    2 people found this answer helpful.

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  1. HLBui 5,380 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-22T12:08:53.51+00:00

    Hi Bryce Hartford

    Thank you for letting us know the update and solution. I am glad to hear that everything is working as expected. Don't forget to share your experience with "Accept the answer" . That others in community with similar issues can benefit from the guidance. Thank you!

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  2. HLBui 5,380 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-20T19:58:43.0366667+00:00

    Hi Bryce Hartford

    Bluetooth headsets typically expose two profiles: A2DP (for high-quality audio playback) and HFP/HSP (for headset functionality including the microphone). If the HFP/HSP profile isn’t being recognized, the microphone will not appear in the Sound settings. This can sometimes happen due to driver or service conflicts.

    Here are a few suggestions you can try before considering a full reinstall:

    Ensure the Bluetooth Support Service is running (check via services.msc).

    Update or reinstall the Dell Bluetooth driver from Dell’s support site rather than relying solely on Windows Update.

    In Device Manager, remove the headset under “Audio inputs and outputs” and “Bluetooth,” then re-pair it.

    Check if the “Hands-Free AG Audio” device appears under Playback/Recording devices; if disabled, enable it.

    Run ms-settings:troubleshoot and select Bluetooth/Audio to let Windows attempt automatic fixes.

    If none of these steps resolve the issue, the next escalation would be testing with Dell’s OEM audio driver package or considering a repair install of Windows (which is less disruptive than a full reinstall).

    If you find this helpful, Kindly mark "Accept Answer", so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated. Thank you!

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