How to Connect AirPods to Windows 11

Apple AirPods are designed to connect to iPhones and MacBooks with a seamless, magical pairing process. However, beneath that Apple-specific magic, AirPods are ultimately just standard Bluetooth headphones. This means they are fully capable of connecting to a Windows 11 PC, allowing you to use them for Zoom meetings or listening to music while working on your desktop.

Because you do not have the Apple ecosystem to automatically handle the connection, you must manually pair the AirPods using the Windows Bluetooth menu.

Step 1: Put Your AirPods into Pairing Mode

The number one reason users fail to connect their AirPods to a PC is that they simply take the earbuds out of the case and assume the computer will find them. It won’t. You must force the AirPods to actively broadcast a Bluetooth signal.

1. Place both AirPods securely inside their charging case.
2. Leave the lid of the case open.
3. Turn the case around and locate the small, circular button on the back.
4. Press and hold that button for roughly 5 seconds.
5. Look at the small LED light on the case (either on the front of the case or inside between the earbuds, depending on your model). When that light begins flashing a pulsating white color, you can let go of the button.

The flashing white light indicates that the AirPods are now in “pairing mode” and can be discovered by non-Apple devices.

Step 2: Connect the AirPods to Windows 11

Now that your AirPods are broadcasting, you need to tell Windows to look for them.

1. On your Windows 11 taskbar, click the Start Menu (the Windows icon).
2. Click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Bluetooth & devices.
4. First, ensure that the main Bluetooth toggle switch at the top of the screen is turned On.
5. Click the large box with a plus sign labelled Add device.
6. A black pop-up window will appear asking what kind of device you want to add. Click the first option: Bluetooth (Audio devices, mice, keyboards).
7. Windows will begin scanning the room. Within a few seconds, “AirPods” (or “[Your Name]’s AirPods”) will appear in the list.
8. Click on the AirPods name.

Windows will display a message stating “Your device is ready to go!” You can now take the AirPods out of the case and place them in your ears.

Troubleshooting: AirPods Paired, But No Sound

It is very common for Windows to successfully pair with the AirPods, but continue playing audio through the laptop speakers.

1. Click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar (next to the clock).
2. The Quick Settings panel will open. Look at the volume slider.
3. Click the small arrow icon pointing right, located at the far end of the volume slider.
4. A list of all available audio outputs will appear. Click on Headphones (AirPods).

The audio will instantly switch from your speakers to your AirPods.

How to Reconnect Later

You only have to perform this pairing process once. The next day, when you want to use your AirPods with your PC again, simply take them out of the case, put them in your ears, and open the Windows Quick Settings panel (Step 3 above). Click the Bluetooth icon, select your AirPods from the list, and click Connect.