If you are having trouble connecting your Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones to your PC, even though they were previously connected, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue. The problem often occurs when the device shows as “paired” but cannot connect, or when attempts to remove the device fail.

Solution 1: Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager

Sometimes, a previous Bluetooth USB adapter may still be detected by the system, even after being replaced with a new one. This can cause issues with Bluetooth devices like your headphones. To resolve this:

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.
2. Click on View in the top menu, and then select Show Hidden Devices.
3. Expand the Bluetooth section to see any old Bluetooth USB drivers.
4. Right-click on any outdated or unused Bluetooth drivers and select Uninstall device.
5. Once the drivers are removed, restart your system.
6. Reconnect your Bluetooth USB adapter and attempt to pair the headphones again.

Solution 2: Use Device Manager to Uninstall and Reinstall Bluetooth Device

If the above solution doesn’t work, try uninstalling the Bluetooth device and drivers:

1. In Device Manager, expand the Bluetooth section.
2. Right-click your Bluetooth device and select Uninstall device.
3. After uninstalling, restart your PC.
4. Windows will automatically reinstall the necessary Bluetooth drivers after a reboot.
5. Try pairing the headphones again once the system has restarted.

Solution 3: Troubleshoot Bluetooth Using Windows Tools

If you haven’t already tried it, using the built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter might help resolve the issue:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
2. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter and follow any on-screen instructions.
3. Once the troubleshooter has completed, attempt to reconnect your headphones.

Solution 4: Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated or incorrect drivers may cause connectivity issues with Bluetooth devices. To update your Bluetooth drivers:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand the Bluetooth section.
3. Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Allow Windows to find and install the latest Bluetooth drivers for your device.
6. After the update, try reconnecting your headphones.

Conclusion

If you are still facing issues with connecting or removing your Bluetooth headphones, these steps should help resolve the problem. From uninstalling old drivers to updating your Bluetooth adapter, there are multiple solutions that can fix this connectivity problem.

For more “Windows 11” solutions, please check our Windows 11.