My Bose wired headphones will not connect/operate with my laptop

Mike Eaton 20 Reputation points
2025-07-15T09:54:39.4833333+00:00

I have an HP Probook 450 G* laptop and a set of Bose QuietComfort 15 wired Headphones. The Headphones work correctly with other devices but will not connect to the laptop. I get a message that a driver is needed. However, when I search for and try to install the driver I receive a message that

An error occurred during the installation. The driver installation file for this device is missing a necessary entry. Contact your hardware vendor.

I have tried contacting HP but just go round and round with Troubleshooting systems/files which state they are not available and refer me to Microsoft. When I tried troubleshooting with Microsoft I have been shunt here. VERY FRUSTRATING.

Can anybody help please?

Mike

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business
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Answer accepted by question author
Jayden-P 26,210 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2025-07-15T10:45:56.7566667+00:00

Hi @Mike Eaton

Thanks for posting in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

To assist you better, I will need more information.

  • Which version of Windows are you using?
  • You mentioned other devices worked properly, are they phones or other laptops?
  • Can you please share a screenshot with the error "A driver is needed"?

Meanwhile, I'll try my best to assist you.

First, press Windows + X > Device Manager > Audio inputs and outputs.

If it connected via 3.5mm Audio Jack, you won’t see a specific “Bose” entry. Instead, the system uses the built-in audio driver, and you’ll see something like this:

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If it shows up, you can right click, choose Properties > Driver > Update Driver.

Please let me know if it works for you.

If not, we can find another approach.


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  1. Mike Eaton 20 Reputation points
    2025-07-15T10:53:13.7333333+00:00

    I have just been able to contact HP support and have been given the solution which involved uninstalling the Realtek driver and rebooting the laptop when the correct driver was installed and the problem resolved.

    It appears that my question has now been deleted because I unwittingly breached the Code of Conduct.

    As the problem is resolved it does not matter. I am grateful for your response.

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