Connect AirPods to a Windows PC or Laptop

Apple’s AirPods are designed primarily for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but you can also use them with a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC or laptop. You do not need any special software or Apple application to connect them. Windows treats AirPods like other Bluetooth headphones, so the basic connection process is straightforward.

If you are using AirPods for the first time with a Windows computer, the most important thing to understand is that you need to put the AirPods into Bluetooth pairing mode before Windows can detect them. After the initial pairing, Windows can usually reconnect to them automatically when they are nearby.

In this guide, you will learn how to connect AirPods to a Windows PC or laptop.

Connect AirPods to a Windows PC or Laptop Easily

To connect AirPods to a Windows PC or laptop, first make sure Bluetooth is turned on in Windows. Put your AirPods inside their charging case, open the lid, and press and hold the setup button until the status light flashes white. On your Windows PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select Add device > Bluetooth, and choose your AirPods from the available devices. Once Windows shows that the AirPods are connected, select them as your audio output device if necessary.

The process is almost the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10, although the Settings layout is slightly different. 

Follow the steps below if you are completely new to connecting Bluetooth devices.

Step 1: Check Whether Your Windows PC Has Bluetooth

Before trying to connect your AirPods, make sure your Windows computer supports Bluetooth. Most modern laptops include Bluetooth, but some desktop PCs do not have it unless a Bluetooth adapter has been installed.

On Windows 11, click the Start button and open Settings. Select Bluetooth & devices from the left side of the Settings window. If you see a Bluetooth option, your computer has Bluetooth functionality.

On Windows 10, open Settings from the Start menu and select Devices. Click Bluetooth & other devices. You should see a Bluetooth switch near the top of the page.

If you are using a desktop computer and there is no Bluetooth option, your PC may not have built-in Bluetooth. In that situation, you may need a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter before you can connect AirPods wirelessly.

Step 2: Turn On Bluetooth in Windows

Once you have confirmed that Bluetooth is available, make sure it is enabled.

In Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn on the Bluetooth switch. You can also click the network, volume, or battery area on the taskbar to open Quick Settings and check the Bluetooth control there.

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth.

Keep the Bluetooth settings window open because you will use it in the next step.

If Bluetooth is already enabled, you do not need to turn it off and on again. Simply leave it enabled while you prepare your AirPods.

Step 3: Put Your AirPods in the Charging Case

Place both AirPods inside their charging case and make sure they have some battery remaining.

Close the lid for a few seconds and then open it again. Keep the AirPods inside the case with the lid open.

This is important because the AirPods need to enter pairing mode before Windows can discover them. If you simply take the AirPods out and expect Windows to find them, the connection may not appear.

If your AirPods or charging case have very little battery, charge them for a while before continuing.

Step 4: Put the AirPods Into Pairing Mode

With the AirPods inside the case and the lid open, locate the setup button on the charging case. On many AirPods models, this button is located on the back of the case.

Press and hold the setup button until the status light begins flashing white.

A flashing white light indicates that the AirPods are ready to be discovered by a nearby Bluetooth device.

Depending on your AirPods model, the exact method for entering pairing mode can vary. If your model uses a different pairing control, follow Apple’s instructions for that specific model.

Do not close the case or remove the AirPods while Windows is searching for them.

Step 5: Open Bluetooth Settings on Windows

Now return to your Windows PC.

On Windows 11, open Settings, select Bluetooth & devices, and click Add device. A small window will appear asking what type of device you want to add. Select Bluetooth.

On Windows 10, open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then choose Bluetooth from the available options.

Windows will now begin looking for nearby Bluetooth devices.

Keep your AirPods case close to the computer during this process. The closer the devices are, the easier it is for Windows to detect the AirPods.

Step 6: Select Your AirPods From the List

After a few seconds, your AirPods should appear in Windows’ list of available Bluetooth devices.

Look for a device name such as AirPods, AirPods Pro, or the custom name assigned to your AirPods.

Click the AirPods entry.

Windows will begin the pairing process automatically. You may briefly see a message indicating that Windows is connecting to or pairing with your AirPods.

Wait until Windows confirms that the device has been connected.

If the AirPods do not appear immediately, wait a few more seconds while keeping the case open and the status light flashing white.

Step 7: Confirm That the AirPods Are Connected

After Windows finishes pairing, you should see a message confirming that your AirPods are connected.

On Windows 11, you can check the connection by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and locating your AirPods.

On Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and look under the connected devices section.

At this point, your AirPods are paired with the PC. However, Windows may not always automatically make them the current audio output device, especially if you have other headphones, speakers, or monitors connected.

That is why it is worth checking your sound output settings.

Step 8: Select AirPods as the Audio Output Device

If you have successfully connected your AirPods but cannot hear Windows sounds through them, check the selected audio output device.

On Windows 11, click the speaker icon on the taskbar. Select the sound output control and choose your AirPods from the available audio devices.

You can also go to Settings > System > Sound and select your AirPods under the output device section.

On Windows 10, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound settings. Under Choose your output device, select your AirPods.

Now play a YouTube video, music file, or another sound to test the connection.

Step 9: Test the AirPods Microphone

If you plan to use your AirPods for video calls, online meetings, gaming chat, or voice recording, you should also check the microphone.

Open Windows Settings > System > Sound on Windows 11. Look for the Input section and check whether your AirPods are available as an input device.

On Windows 10, open Settings > System > Sound and look under the input options.

Select the AirPods microphone if you want Windows applications to use it.

Keep in mind that Bluetooth headsets can sometimes provide different audio quality when their microphone is being used. This is a limitation of Bluetooth audio profiles rather than necessarily a problem with your AirPods.

Step 10: Reconnect Your AirPods Later

Once you have paired your AirPods with Windows, you generally do not need to repeat the entire setup process every time.

When you want to use them again, make sure the AirPods have battery and are near your computer. Open the case and take the AirPods out.

If Windows does not reconnect automatically, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices on Windows 11 or Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices on Windows 10. Find your AirPods and select Connect.

Remember that your AirPods can be associated with several devices. If they are actively connected to another nearby device, such as an iPhone, they may not immediately connect to your Windows computer.

FAQs

Can I connect AirPods to a Windows 11 PC?

Yes. AirPods work with Windows 11 through Bluetooth. You do not need to install Apple’s software to perform the basic pairing process.

Can I connect AirPods to a Windows 10 laptop?

Yes. Windows 10 supports Bluetooth audio devices, including AirPods. Turn on Bluetooth, put the AirPods into pairing mode, and select them from the Add Bluetooth or other device menu.

Why are my AirPods not showing up in Windows?

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled, the AirPods have sufficient battery, and the charging case is open. Most importantly, make sure the AirPods are in pairing mode with the status light flashing white. If they are connected to another nearby device, disconnect them there and try searching again.

Why are my AirPods connected but there is no sound?

Windows may have connected the AirPods but selected another device for audio output. Open Sound settings and manually select your AirPods as the output device.

Can I use AirPods for calls on a Windows PC?

Yes. Windows can use compatible AirPods as both an audio output and a microphone device. However, microphone use can affect Bluetooth audio quality depending on the Windows configuration and application.

Do AirPods automatically switch between an iPhone and a Windows PC?

You should not expect the same seamless automatic switching experience that you get within Apple’s ecosystem. When using AirPods with Windows, you may need to manually select or reconnect the AirPods when switching between devices.

Summary

Connecting AirPods to a Windows PC or laptop is not complicated. The key is to make sure your computer has Bluetooth enabled and your AirPods are placed into pairing mode. From there, open Windows Bluetooth settings, choose Add device, select Bluetooth, and click your AirPods when they appear.

After pairing, check the Windows sound output settings if you do not hear audio through the AirPods. Once the initial pairing is complete, reconnecting them later should require only a few clicks.

Whether you use Windows 11 or Windows 10, AirPods can provide a convenient wireless audio option even though they are primarily designed for Apple’s devices.