How to Connect AirPods to a Windows 11 PC

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How to Connect AirPods to a Windows 11 PC

AirPods aren't only for Apple devices. Apple says they work with any Bluetooth device as a standard headset, so you can listen to music and join calls on a Windows 11 PC. Apple-only extras like Siri and automatic device switching don't work on Windows.

Before You Start

Put the AirPods in their charging case and make sure the case has some charge.
Check that your PC has Bluetooth: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices. If the Bluetooth switch is missing, see Bluetooth disappeared from Windows.

Step 1: Put the AirPods in Pairing Mode

How you do this depends on the model (from Apple Support):

AirPods (1st, 2nd or 3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation): with the AirPods in the case, open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 5 seconds, until the status light flashes white.
AirPods 4 and newer models without a setup button: with the AirPods in the case, open the lid and double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.

If you're not sure which model you have, try the button first. If there is no button on the back, use the double-tap.

Step 2: Pair on Windows 11

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn Bluetooth on.
Select Add device, then Bluetooth.
Wait for your AirPods to appear in the list (they may show as "AirPods" or with a name you gave them on an iPhone).
Select them. When Windows says Your device is ready to go, select Done.

You only need to do this once. Next time, take the AirPods out of the case near the PC and select them under Settings > Bluetooth & devices (or in Quick Settings, the Bluetooth tile arrow) if they don't connect by themselves.

Step 3: Choose the AirPods as the Output Device

Select the speaker icon on the taskbar.
Select the arrow next to the volume slider (Select a sound output).
Choose your AirPods.

Using the AirPods Microphone on Windows

Windows uses two Bluetooth modes for headphones:

Stereo - high-quality sound for music and video, no microphone.
Hands-Free - turns on the microphone for calls, but the sound becomes lower quality.

That's why AirPods can suddenly sound flat when you join a call in Teams, Zoom or Discord. If you want better sound, set the call app's microphone to your laptop's built-in mic (or a separate mic) and keep the AirPods as the speaker.

AirPods Connected but No Sound?

Check the output device (step 3). Windows may still be playing through the laptop speakers.
Put both AirPods back in the case for 15 seconds, then take them out again.
Remove and pair again: in Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select the three dots next to the AirPods, choose Remove device, then repeat steps 1 and 2.

The full checklist is in Bluetooth headphones connected but no sound.

AirPods Keep Disconnecting From the PC

They switched to your iPhone. AirPods connect to the last device that asked for them. If your iPhone or iPad is nearby and plays something, they may move over. Turn Bluetooth off on the phone while you work on the PC.
Distance and walls. Laptop Bluetooth antennas are small. Stay within a few metres and avoid USB 3 hubs or docks right next to the Bluetooth adapter, which can cause interference.
Power saving. In Device Manager > Bluetooth, open your Bluetooth adapter, go to Power Management and untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power (if the tab exists).
Drivers. Install the latest Bluetooth driver from your PC maker or through Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.

Battery Level on Windows

When the AirPods are connected, Windows may show a battery level next to them in Settings > Bluetooth & devices. It doesn't always show it for every Bluetooth headset, and it updates less often than on an iPhone.

Still Not Working?

Restart the PC and try pairing again.
Reset the AirPods (Apple Support explains the steps for each model), then pair them again with every device you use.
Test the AirPods with a phone. If they don't work there either, contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I put AirPods in pairing mode without an iPhone?

For AirPods 1-3 and AirPods Pro 1-2, open the case with the AirPods inside and press and hold the setup button on the back for about 5 seconds until the light flashes white. For AirPods 4 and newer models without a button, open the case and double-tap the front of the case until the light flashes white.

Why does AirPods sound bad when I use the microphone on a PC?

When an app uses the AirPods microphone, Windows switches to the Bluetooth Hands-Free mode, which has lower audio quality. Use the PC's own microphone if you want the AirPods to stay in high-quality stereo mode.

Can I use Siri or automatic switching on Windows?

No. With non-Apple devices, AirPods work as a standard Bluetooth headset - you can listen and talk, but Siri and features tied to your Apple Account, such as automatic switching, are not available.