Pairing AirPods or AirPods Pro with a PC may not be as utterly simple as with an iOS device, but it’s only marginally harder. You just connect the earbuds via Bluetooth—a straightforward, fast process in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (though Windows 11 added steps to connect Bluetooth devices). Just follow our steps below and you’ll be off and running. Show
Do note, however, that as an Apple product, AirPods and AirPod Pros lose some functionality in Windows. They work well for listening to audio, but fall quite short of microphone quality you’d get on iOS or macOS. So while Apple’s earbuds can handle Zoom calls in a pinch, we’d steer clear of them as your main Windows headset. Hopefully the hotly anticipated AirPods Pro 2 don’t suffer from the same limitations when they (presumably) come out later this year. How to pair AirPods or AirPods Pro with Windows 10First, make sure your AirPods are fully charged with both earbuds in the case, and the lid is shut. Also confirm your Windows 10 PC is capable of running Bluetooth devices. (The overwhelming majority of modern laptops have Bluetooth built in, as do prebuilt desktop PCs from vendors like Dell and HP.) If your system lacks support, you can buy an inexpensive dongle like this TP-Link oneRemove non-product link to add that feature.
Your AirPods should immediately become your default listening device. When you put them back into your case, Windows 10 will automatically revert to the last audio device you used. Hold the button on the back of your AirPods or AirPods Pro to put them into pairing mode. How to pair AirPods or AirPods Pro with Windows 11Before pairing, your AirPods should be fully charged, with both earbuds in the case and the lid shut. Also verify that your Windows 11 computer supports Bluetooth connections. Most laptops have Bluetooth built in, as do desktop PCs purchased through companies like Dell or HP. If your PC can’t run Bluetooth devices, you can buy an inexpensive dongle (like this TP-Link model) to add the feature.
Your AirPods should now be your active listening device. You’ll see it as a new button at the top of the Bluetooth & devices screen; its status should be marked with a green dot and listed as Connected voice, music. You can put them back into the case to automatically disconnect them. Windows 11 will then automatically switch to the last audio device you used. How to reconnect or disconnect AirPods with your PC (Windows 10)Your AirPods should automatically start working with your PC once you put them back in your ears. If they don’t, you can connect them manually.
You can also use these same steps to disconnect your AirPods from your PC if you want to use them with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac you’ve previously paired them with. Just keep in mind that you’ll now need to manually connect your AirPods through the Bluetooth menus on those devices while your AirPods are still paired with your Windows PC. Keep in mind that you might have to scroll down a bit in order to see the Audio section. How to reconnect or disconnect AirPods with your PC (Windows 11)Your AirPods should automatically reconnect to your Windows 11 PC after you pull them from your case. If they don’t, you can connect them manually.
Your AirPods should now work. To disconnect them from your PC, use these same steps. If you want to use your AirPods with a previously paired device, you may need to connect to it manually through its Bluetooth menu if automatic connection fails. PCWorld How to unpair your AirPods from your Windows 10 PCPermanently unpairing your AirPods involves a similar series of steps as reconnecting them, but with a single difference. Why won't my Apple earbuds connect to my laptop?If you can't connect to your Mac
Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure that both AirPods are charging. To make sure that Bluetooth is on, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Bluetooth. If your AirPods are connected, make sure that they're selected as your audio device.
Can you connect Apple earbuds to a Windows laptop?AirPods are designed to seamlessly work with iPhones and other Apple devices. However, they are just like any other Bluetooth devices, so you can also connect to a Windows PC.
Why are my AirPods not connecting to my Windows laptop?If you have trouble pairing your AirPods to a Windows PC, try turning off the Bluetooth on all other nearby devices – especially other Apple devices. If you need the Bluetooth on those devices to be in 'On' mode, try forgetting your AirPods from them or simply resetting your AirPods.
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