Audio output through laptop speakers, not connected bluetooth speakers, even though other outputs are working correctly. iTunes 12.1 Windows 8.1 P

First, see if you can change the "Play audio using:" selection in Edit > Preferences > Playback - if you select Direct Audio rather than Windows Audio Session this may address the issue. Note, however, that the Direct Audio option seems to be unavailable in some cases for Windows 8.1.

Otherwise, there is an alternative downloader for 64-bit editions of Windows here:

iTunes 12.1 for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards)

that seems to address the playback issues that some users have been reporting with the full 64-bit version (the alternative installer here is the same architecture as most previous "64-bit" versions of iTunes, i.e., a 32-bit application with a 64-bit installer). The "for older video cards" label appears to be something of a misnomer as some people have reported that this corrects problems found on current / high-spec systems.

After installing this alternative version it may still be necessary to adjust the "Play audio using:" selection in Edit > Preferences > Playback to restore glitch-free audio.

You're welcome 🙂

I had this same problem (with a Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth speaker, for the record) and this solved it. Thanks so much!

Also, per your note, the "older video cards" thing definitely seems like a misnomer. My computer is literally 2 weeks old at this point.

Same for me - bought a brand new HP Laptop 5 days ago and it wouldn't play ITunes via Bluetooth. Was on the verge of taking it back to the shop but your fix worked perfectly. Does this mean my new laptop has an old video card in it? or is Apple talking rubbish.

"Does this mean my new laptop has an old video card in it? or is Apple talking rubbish."

The "for older video cards" version is actually - like all "64 bit" versions of iTunes prior to 12.1 - the 32-bit application with a 64-bit installer. There are obviously some aspects of the full 64-bit versions of iTunes 12.1 that aren't 100% compatible with every possible 64-bit edition and configuration of Windows. The need to use the "for older video cards" version has been declining over the three releases of 12.1, so it may be assumed that Apple are steadily working through known issues ...

This one didn't work for me. I've got a Toshiba laptop, Scansonic bluetooth device (which works fine with iphone) and both are happily paired but not talking to each other. I've downloaded from the link, on Direct Sound, and still nada.

Any further advice appreciated.

Good Man - changing to Direct sorted me out . Thanks