Want to use your AirPods with a Windows PC? You absolutely can. Even though AirPods are designed by Apple, they work with Windows computers through Bluetooth, just like many other wireless headphones.
The process is usually pretty straightforward. You just need to make sure your PC has Bluetooth enabled, put your AirPods into pairing mode, and connect them through Windows’ Bluetooth settings. Once they’re paired, you can use them for music, videos, online meetings, gaming, and other everyday tasks.
If this is your first time connecting AirPods to a PC, don’t worry.
I will explain the entire process in a detailed way, including what to do if your AirPods don’t show up or connect properly.
Connecting AirPods to PC: A Detailed Guide
The exact appearance of Windows settings can vary slightly depending on whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, but the basic process is nearly identical.
Before you begin, keep your AirPods and charging case nearby, make sure the AirPods have enough battery, and confirm that your PC supports Bluetooth.
If your desktop doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you may need a USB Bluetooth adapter.
Step 1: Check Whether Your PC Supports Bluetooth
Before trying to pair your AirPods, first make sure your Windows computer actually has Bluetooth hardware. Most modern laptops have Bluetooth built in, while some desktop PCs may not.
On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices. If you see a Bluetooth option and a switch for turning it on or off, your computer supports Bluetooth.
On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Look for the Bluetooth settings in this section.
If you don’t see Bluetooth anywhere, your PC might not have Bluetooth hardware, or the Bluetooth driver may not be installed correctly. In that situation, you can check Device Manager by going to Start > Device Manager > Bluetooth.
If Bluetooth hardware isn’t available, a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter can add Bluetooth connectivity to many desktop computers.
Step 2: Turn On Bluetooth in Windows
Once you’ve confirmed that your PC supports Bluetooth, turn it on before putting your AirPods into pairing mode.
In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure the Bluetooth switch is turned on.
You can also open the Quick Settings panel by selecting the network, sound, or battery area on the Windows taskbar, then select Bluetooth if the option is available.
For Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, then turn on Bluetooth.
Keeping Bluetooth enabled is essential because your PC needs to scan for nearby wireless devices before it can detect your AirPods.
Step 3: Put Your AirPods Into Pairing Mode
Now it’s time to make your AirPods discoverable to the Windows computer.
Place both AirPods inside their charging case and make sure they have some battery remaining. Open the case lid, but don’t remove the AirPods.
For AirPods models with a physical setup button on the charging case, press and hold the setup button until the status light starts flashing white. The flashing white light indicates that the AirPods are ready to pair with a new Bluetooth device.
If you have a newer AirPods model with different case controls, use the appropriate pairing control for that model until the indicator shows that the AirPods are ready for pairing.
Keep the AirPods close to your computer during this process. A distance of a few feet is ideal when you’re pairing them for the first time.
Step 4: Open Windows Bluetooth Device Settings
With your AirPods in pairing mode, return to your PC and open the Bluetooth settings.
On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Then select Add device.
On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, then select Add Bluetooth or other device.
The goal here is to tell Windows that you want to add a new wireless device.
Step 5: Select Bluetooth as the Device Type
After selecting Add device, Windows will display several connection options.
Select Bluetooth.
Windows will now start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices that are currently available for pairing. This can take a few seconds.
Make sure your AirPods are still in pairing mode while Windows is searching. If the AirPods don’t appear, don’t immediately close the window. Check that the case is open, the AirPods have battery power, and the status light is flashing white.
Step 6: Select Your AirPods From the Available Devices
Once Windows detects your AirPods, their name should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Select your AirPods from the list.
Windows should begin the pairing process automatically. After a short moment, you should see a confirmation indicating that the AirPods have been connected.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices if you want to confirm that your AirPods are now listed among your connected devices.
At this point, the AirPods are paired with your PC.
Step 7: Set Your AirPods as the Audio Output
Pairing your AirPods doesn’t always mean Windows will immediately use them as the active audio device. If your computer continues playing sound through its speakers, you may need to select the AirPods manually.
On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Sound. Under Output, look for your AirPods and select them.
You can also select the speaker icon on the Windows taskbar and choose your AirPods from the available audio output devices.
On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > System > Sound and select your AirPods under the Choose your output device section.
Once selected, Windows should route system audio through your AirPods.
Step 8: Test the AirPods With Your PC
Now that your AirPods are connected and selected as the output device, play a video, song, or other audio file to test them.
If you can hear the audio through the AirPods, the connection is working properly.
You can also test the microphone if you plan to use your AirPods for Zoom meetings, Microsoft Teams calls, Discord, gaming chat, or other voice applications.
Go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and check whether your AirPods are available as an input device.
Keep in mind that Bluetooth headsets can sometimes switch audio profiles when their microphone is being used. This can affect audio quality, particularly during calls or gaming.
Step 9: Reconnect Your AirPods Automatically
After you’ve successfully paired your AirPods with your PC, you generally won’t need to repeat the entire setup process every time.
When you want to use them again, make sure the AirPods are charged and nearby. Windows should remember the previous pairing.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices on Windows 11 or Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices on Windows 10.
If the AirPods are listed but aren’t connected, select them and choose the available Connect option.
If your AirPods are connected to another nearby device, such as an iPhone, they may connect to that device instead. In that case, disconnecting them from the other device can make it easier for your Windows PC to connect.
Fix AirPods That Won’t Connect to Your PC
If your AirPods aren’t appearing in Windows, start with the basics.
First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and your AirPods are actually in pairing mode. Keep the charging case open and make sure the status light is flashing white.
Next, move the AirPods closer to the PC. Bluetooth usually works best when the devices are relatively close together.
If Windows still can’t find them, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, locate the AirPods if they’re already listed, and remove them. Then put the AirPods back into pairing mode and select Add device > Bluetooth to pair them again.
You can also restart your PC and place the AirPods back in their charging case before trying again.
If Bluetooth itself isn’t working correctly, go to Start > Device Manager > Bluetooth and check whether the Bluetooth adapter has a warning symbol. Updating or reinstalling the appropriate Bluetooth driver may resolve the problem.
Faqs
Can I connect AirPods to a Windows PC?
Yes. AirPods can connect to Windows PCs through Bluetooth. You don’t need an Apple computer to use them.
Do AirPods work with Windows 11?
Yes. AirPods can be paired with Windows 11 as Bluetooth audio devices. Basic audio playback generally works normally after pairing.
Why aren’t my AirPods showing up on my PC?
Make sure the AirPods are in pairing mode, Bluetooth is enabled on the PC, and the AirPods have sufficient battery. Keeping the case open and the AirPods close to the computer can also help.
Can I use AirPods as a microphone on a Windows PC?
Yes. Windows can use compatible AirPods as an audio input device. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and select the AirPods when available.
Why do my AirPods connect but have no sound?
Check your Windows audio output device. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Output and select your AirPods. Also check the application’s own audio settings because some programs use a separate output device.
Do I need an AirPods app for Windows?
No. You don’t need a dedicated AirPods application just to connect them to Windows. Bluetooth and Windows’ built-in sound settings are enough for basic functionality.
Can I use AirPods for gaming on a PC?
Yes, but the experience can vary. AirPods can provide wireless audio for PC gaming, although Bluetooth latency and microphone-related audio quality changes may make them less suitable for competitive gaming than a dedicated gaming headset.
Summary
Connecting AirPods to a Windows PC is a lot easier than it may seem. The key is to make sure your computer has Bluetooth, turn it on, put the AirPods into pairing mode, and then use Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth to connect them.
After pairing, go to Settings > System > Sound and select your AirPods as the output device if Windows doesn’t automatically switch to them.
If the connection doesn’t work on the first attempt, don’t panic. Recheck pairing mode, Bluetooth, battery level, device distance, and Windows audio settings. Removing the AirPods from Windows and pairing them again can also fix many connection problems.
Once everything is set up, your AirPods can work with your PC for music, streaming, video calls, everyday listening, and more without needing additional software.