Disabling the hands-free profile leaves stereo playback as the intended output but can remove headset microphone/call functions.
- Bluetooth headphones disappeared as soon as audio played.
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers or Device Manager/Sound settings.
- Locate the headset hands-free telephony/audio device.
- Disable the Hands-Free device/profile while leaving the stereo output enabled.
- Reconnect the headphones and play audio to verify they remain connected.
Reported outcome: The original poster said disabling the hands-free device fixed the disappearing-headphone behavior.
Record the original profile state and re-enable it to undo the workaround. If the headphones still disconnect, restore that state and investigate their actual connection failure.