If your Bluetooth headphones suddenly sound low-quality, muffled, or mono, Windows 11 is probably switching to Hands-Free Audio (AG Audio) automatically. This is a common issue with headsets like Sony, JBL, Boat, AirPods, and gaming headphones.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to disable hands-free audio in Windows 11 permanently, stop Windows from changing your audio device, and restore full stereo sound.
What Is Hands-Free Audio in Windows 11?
Hands-Free Audio (also called Hands-Free AG Audio) is a Bluetooth profile designed for:
- Phone calls
- Microphone input
- Voice chat apps
The problem?
It dramatically reduces audio quality and forces Windows to switch sound devices automatically.
That’s why many users search for:
- how to disable hands free audio windows 11
- stop Windows from changing audio device
Method 1: Disable Hands-Free Audio from Sound Settings (Recommended)
This is the most effective permanent fix.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → Open Settings
- Go to System → Sound
- Scroll down and click More sound settings
- Open the Playback tab
- Right-click Hands-Free Audio
- Click Disable
- Click Apply → OK
✅ This permanently disables Bluetooth hands-free audio Windows 11 for playback.
Method 2: Disable Hands-Free AG Audio from Recording Devices
Windows may still switch audio if the mic remains active.
Steps:
- In More sound settings
- Go to the Recording tab
- Right-click Hands-Free AG Audio
- Click Disable
- Restart your PC
This solves how to disable hands free AG audio Windows 11 completely.
Method 3: Stop Windows from Changing Audio Device Automatically
If Windows keeps switching outputs, do this:
Steps:
- Open Settings → System → Sound
- Scroll to Advanced
- Click All sound devices
- Select your headphones (Stereo)
- Set as Default for Audio
This prevents Windows from auto-switching to hands-free mode during calls or apps.
Method 4: Disable Hands-Free Audio from Device Manager
If Settings don’t work, use this deeper method.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers
- Right-click Hands-Free AG Audio
- Click Disable device
- Restart your PC
This is ideal if you’re asking how to disable Bluetooth hands free audio Windows 11 permanently.
Method 5: Disable Audio Enhancements in Windows 11
Audio enhancements can trigger device switching.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → System → Sound
- Select your headphone output
- Click Audio enhancements
- Set to Off
This fixes conflicts and answers how to disable audio enhancements in Windows 11.
How to Enable Hands-Free Audio Windows 11 (If You Need Mic)
If you use Zoom, Teams, or calls:
Steps:
- Open More sound settings
- Enable Hands-Free Audio
- Set it as default Recording device
This answers how to enable hands free audio Windows 11 safely when required.
Why Windows 11 Keeps Enabling Hands-Free Audio
Windows switches automatically when:
- An app requests microphone access
- Bluetooth profiles conflict
- Audio enhancements are enabled
- Power optimization is active
To avoid this, always keep Stereo mode as default.
Helpful Internal Guides
You may also like:
- 👉 How to disable firewall on Windows 11
- 👉 How to turn off Efficiency Mode in Windows 11
- 👉 How to temporarily disable Instagram account
Final Verdict
Hands-Free Audio is useful for calls—but terrible for sound quality. Disabling Hands-Free AG Audio in Windows 11 restores clear stereo sound, stops automatic switching, and fixes Bluetooth audio permanently.
If you use your headset mainly for music, gaming, or videos—turn it off and never look back.
FAQ (Short Answers for AI Overviews)
Can I permanently disable hands-free audio in Windows 11?
Yes, by disabling it in both Playback and Recording sound settings.
Why does Bluetooth audio sound bad on Windows 11?
Because Windows switches to Hands-Free AG Audio mode automatically.
Does disabling hands-free audio affect the microphone?
Yes, your headset mic won’t work unless re-enabled.
Will Windows re-enable hands-free audio?
Only after driver updates or manual changes.