Enable Bluetooth LE Audio in Windows 11

This article explains how to enable or disable the new Bluetooth LE Audio feature in Windows 11.

Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LE Audio) is a new technology that allows audio streaming over Bluetooth Low Energy. It uses modern Bluetooth profiles like the Telephony and Media Audio Profile (TMAP).

Bluetooth LE Audio provides numerous benefits over Bluetooth Classic Audio, including increased battery life and voice call quality. It also supports new capabilities that don’t exist with Classic Audio, such as support for LE Audio hearing aids.

Not all Windows 11 devices support LE Audio, even if the Windows device is marketed as supporting Bluetooth LE. To use LE Audio, the Windows device must:

• Be running Windows 11, version 22H2 or newer.
• Have compatible Bluetooth LE support and a compatible audio codec.
• Have LE Audio capable drivers from the manufacturer for both the Bluetooth LE radio and the audio codec.

Enable or disable Bluetooth LE Audio

As mentioned, users can enable or disable the new Bluetooth LE Audio in Windows using the Settings app and Registry.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Settings app.

You can do that by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to launch the Settings app.

When the Setting app opens, click the Bluetooth & devices button on the left.

On the right, select the Devices tile to expand it.

In the Bluetooth & devices > Devices window under the Device settings section, toggle the “Use LE Audio when available” button to the On or Off position to enable or disable it.

Note: The Use LE Audio when available setting will only be available if your device supports it and Bluetooth is turned on.

If this setting isn’t available, the Windows device doesn’t currently support LE Audio.

You can close the Settings app when you’re done.

Enable or disable Bluetooth LE Audio using the Windows Registry

Another way to enable or disable Bluetooth LE Audio is to use the Windows Registry Editor.

Remember to back up your registry before making any changes or create a System Restore point as a precaution.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BthAvctpSvc\Parameters\Bats

Right-click Bats > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD UserPrefersClassicAudio.

Double-click UserPrefersClassicAudio and change the value 0 to enable Bluetooth LE Audio in Windows.

Enter 1 to disable it.

You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, enabling or disabling Bluetooth LE Audio in Windows 11 is straightforward and can enhance your audio streaming experience. Here are the key points to remember:

• Bluetooth LE Audio offers improved battery life and better voice call quality than Bluetooth Classic Audio.
• Not all Windows 11 devices support LE Audio; requirements must be met.
• Users can enable or disable LE Audio through the Settings app for convenience.
• Alternatively, advanced users can modify settings via the Windows Registry, but precautions such as backups are necessary.
• Ensure your Bluetooth is turned on and your device supports LE Audio to access the settings.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the Bluetooth LE Audio feature on your Windows 11 device.