Working fine with 24.60.0.3 prior to updating to 24.70.0.4.
When I restart Windows 11 Pro 25H2 and connect Airpods the Output connects, but the Airpods are not found under Input.
Removing the Airpods from BT devices, then repairing temporarily fixes the issue. Issue returns upon reboot.
Workaround is never rebooting (which is obviously unfeasible).
I’ve not yet rolled back to 24.60.0.3.
Since 24.60.0.3 worked and the problem started immediately after 24.70.0.4, I’d definitely test a rollback to 24.60.0.3 before doing more troubleshooting. There is also another Intel Community report of a Bluetooth regression with 24.70.0.4, so it may be worth treating this as a driver regression rather than an AirPods pairing issue.
I’d also do a clean install of the Bluetooth driver, preferably using the laptop/OEM driver first, then test the AirPods again. Intel recommends using the OEM wireless drivers when troubleshooting Bluetooth issues.
If 24.60.0.3 restores the microphone after a reboot, that would be a pretty strong comparison to include in the bug report. I’d also mention the exact Intel wireless adapter model and whether the AirPods microphone appears in Windows Sound settings but simply fails to connect.
I removed the BT device and rescanned for changes, repeatedly, until the BT adapter came back with driver 24.30.1.1.
I then installed the driver below from the HP driver site (my laptop brand) and ended up with BT driver 24.40.11.1. The problem went away.
Good advice…I’ll refrain from installing Wi-Fi and BT driver updates from Intel.
After further testing, I’ve determined that 24.40.11.1 also caused the issue.
Only after rolling back the driver to 24.30.1.1 did the issue stop. I’ll remain at this version.
Sad that @intel has like 4 or so version updates that all cause the issue.
