After a Windows Update, my Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones didn’t seem to work correctly. I could only select Hands-Free AG Audio as audio device. The sound was horrible, noisy and mono.
Problem and symptoms
Before the update I used to have 2 audio-devices for my headset:
- a stereo device for high quality Spotify, and a
- handsfree headset device for Skype calls.
Afterwards, I only had one audio device: WH-1000XM3 Hands-Free AG Audio . Unfortunately, this device outputs low quality sound. Only useful for phone calls.
Solution for low sound quality on headphones
To fix the sound issues, I had to restore the working drivers in Windows. It sounds more complicated than it is. Here’s how:
- First, click Start -> type sigverif -> click on Sigverif Run Command
- In the File Signature Verification window, click Start.
The application scans the installed drivers for valid signatures. This may take a minute or three.
- Once completed, in the Signature Verification Results note the files that are not digitally signed. You should see your headphone drivers. The filenames may be cryptical like BtaMPM.sys and BthHfAud.sys (in case of Sony WH-1000XM3).
- Next, open a command prompt as administrator and type:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
This may take several minutes. - Next, in the same command prompt type:
sfc /scannow
Wait until the verification is 100% completed.
Your headphones should now have 2 audio outputs on your computer: Stereo and Handsfree
Run Sigverif again to check your drivers. It should now return no unsigned drivers.
More information can be found here:
Sigverif
System File Checker (SFC)
THANK YOU ! I was experiencing the same issue with my Taotronics BT-BH22 and it fixed it. I wonder why the driver was suddendly not signed anymore but now, it’s ok. I only had to deactivate and reactivate the bluetooth and Stereo profile was there again. 🙂
I have the same problem. I did this procedure. The unsigned files were difxapi.dll (logger) and opencl.dll (Apple utility). Still only have the AG headphone option.
Know of any further steps?
just install the Bluetooth drivers, it will resolve the issue
I had the same problem. I removed my WH-1000XM3 in the bluetooth settings in Windows 10. After, I reconnected my headphones with my laptop.
Remember to set the headphones in pairing mode:
Ensure that the headphones are turned off. Then, touch and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙂
Hello dear Same problem was here I Used Jbl infinity Bluetooth headphone and used local Bluetooth dongle and face to Hand free ag drive problem during zoom meet and Google meet . I was going to sound panel and see that when i select communication through hand free ag driver they show working but sound could not reached in my headphones.then checked stereo driver its good working and i listen it. So problem was that zoom and Google meet accept communication useing through single driver. Solution This problem is not windows drivers It is the problem of bluetooth dongle I… Read more »
I have the same bluetooth & I own jbl 750btnc it it still not working. What to do ? help me too
It didn’t seem to work… hands free ag audio is still low quality, while stereo is good quality (but cannot be used for calls). I assume it’s hard wired to be like that (metaphorically speaking, not literally) since this guide didn’t help.
I wish we didn’t need that junk of AG-audio when in zoom calls. I’ve got 2 Bluetooth headphones and they both need you to use AG audio to use the mic. That brings down the quality of zoom calls.
Anyone else notice that since we are forced to use the AG Audio for calls in Skype and MS Teams, that now when you get an alert for an IM that the headset makes a sound before and after the alert? Its like its telling you that it is turning on and then off to play that alert sound.
my problem is i dont have the stereo part at all
Thank you!!
There’s major lag on the bluetooth when using the “stereo” one. So I’m stuck choosing between significent lag or terrible audio quality.
Unfortunately this didn’t help. Mine came back as everything was already digitally signed. I already have both listed when you click on the speaker on the bottom right hand corner “stereo” and “Hands-Free AG”. The problem is, during Zoom or Teams meetings, you cannot use the “stereo” version of a headset. It only allows you to use the “AG” version and the sound is horrible, mono and distorted. There doesn’t seem to be a way to fix the “AG” version to sound full like the “stereo” version OR to get Zoom and Teams to use the “stereo” version so you… Read more »
Re-pair it and connect the le-wh1000mx3 first then connect the headphones as well
Thanks a lot 😀
Work like a charm
Bluetooth always was and will remain, trash. Sadly, we no longer have the option to use cabled headsets because human greed thought to save a buck. At least we’ll get mobile batteries back soon. Who knows, maybe we can legally mandate 3.5mm jacks as well.
stupid review
they already have 2 drivers noted and the absolutely poor quality of the audio is in there