How to Connect AirPods to Windows 10 & 11: Complete Setup Guide

Want to use your AirPods on your Windows PC? While Apple’s earbuds work best with iPhones and Macs, they connect to Windows via standard Bluetooth with just a few taps—no special software required.

What is AirPods Connection on Windows?

AirPods are Apple’s wireless earbuds designed primarily for iOS and macOS devices, but they can connect to Windows computers via standard Bluetooth. Unlike seamless connection on Apple devices, Windows requires manual Bluetooth pairing through the Settings app. Once connected, AirPods function as regular Bluetooth audio devices on Windows with full playback control. [Current as of: Windows 10/11 and AirPods Pro/Max/3rd Gen - October 2025]

Why Use This Feature?

• Switch between devices: Use the same AirPods on your Windows PC, phone, and tablet without reconnecting
• Better audio quality: Enjoy wireless audio without cables cluttering your desk
• Flexible workspace: Move freely while in video calls or listening to music—no wired headphones needed
• Cost efficiency: Get more value from a single pair of AirPods across all your devices

Things to Consider

• Limited features: Spatial audio and automatic switching work only on Apple devices, not Windows
• Manual connection required: You must manually pair AirPods to Windows—they don’t auto-connect like they do on iPhones
• Battery monitoring: You won’t see battery percentage in Windows notifications (only available on Apple devices)

How to Connect AirPods to Windows - Step by Step

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows Key + I on your keyboard [Screenshot placeholder: Windows Settings home screen showing Devices option in sidebar]

2. Click ‘Devices’ from the left menu, then select ‘Bluetooth & other devices’ [Screenshot placeholder: Windows Settings Devices page with Bluetooth & other devices option highlighted]

3. Enable Bluetooth by toggling the switch to ‘On’. Wait a few seconds for your PC’s Bluetooth to activate completely [Screenshot placeholder: Bluetooth toggle switch in ‘On’ position with status indicator]

4. Prepare your AirPods for pairing: Close the AirPods case, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED light flashes white (approximately 15 seconds). The white flashing indicates pairing mode is active [Screenshot placeholder: AirPods case from behind showing setup button location and white LED indicator]

5. In Windows Settings, click ‘Add a device’ or ‘+ Add Bluetooth or other device’ button [Screenshot placeholder: Add device button in Bluetooth settings]

6. Select ‘Bluetooth’ from the popup menu and wait for Windows to scan for nearby devices (usually takes 10-15 seconds) [Screenshot placeholder: Device type selection menu with Bluetooth option]

7. Select your AirPods from the list of available devices—they’ll appear as ‘AirPods [Your Name]’ or just ‘AirPods’ [Screenshot placeholder: List of available Bluetooth devices with AirPods highlighted]

8. Click to connect and wait for the status to show ‘Connected’. Your AirPods are now ready to use on Windows [Screenshot placeholder: AirPods showing ‘Connected’ status in Bluetooth devices list]

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

AirPods won’t appear in the device list:

• Ensure AirPods are in pairing mode (hold button until white LED flashes)
• Move AirPods closer to your Windows PC
• Restart Bluetooth: Toggle it off, wait 5 seconds, then toggle on again

Connection keeps dropping:

• Update Windows to the latest version (Windows Update settings)
• Remove and re-pair: Go to Bluetooth settings, click the three dots next to your AirPods, select ‘Remove device’, then re-pair from step 5
• Check for interference: Move away from microwaves, routers, and other wireless devices

AirPods connected but no sound:

• Set AirPods as default audio output: Right-click the volume icon in taskbar, select ‘Open Volume mixer’, find your AirPods, and ensure they’re set as the default device
• Check audio balance: Some AirPods have audio balance settings—reset by forgetting and re-pairing

Your AirPods are now connected to Windows and ready for music, videos, and calls. If you need to reconnect in the future, they’ll appear in your Bluetooth devices list—just click to connect. For seamless switching between Apple and Windows devices, keep AirPods in Bluetooth range of both machines.