How to Pair AirPods to Windows 11 – A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 25, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether your AirPods can connect to a Windows 11 PC, the answer is yes — absolutely! Although Apple designed AirPods primarily for iPhones and Macs, you can easily pair them with Windows laptops or desktops using Bluetooth.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to pair AirPods to Windows 11 step-by-step, troubleshoot connection issues, and even explain how to reconnect automatically the next time.

Whether you’re using AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, or AirPods Max, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Step Action What It Does
1 Enable Bluetooth on Windows 11 Prepares your PC to connect with AirPods
2 Put AirPods in pairing mode Makes them discoverable
3 Connect via Windows Settings Establishes the Bluetooth connection
4 Verify connection & sound output Ensures audio plays through AirPods
5 Reconnect automatically next time Makes pairing seamless afterward

🎧 Can You Use AirPods with Windows 11?

Yes, you can!
AirPods work just like any other Bluetooth wireless headphones. While you won’t get some Apple-exclusive features (like automatic switching between devices or Siri voice control), you can still enjoy:

  • High-quality wireless audio

  • Built-in microphone support for calls and meetings

  • Noise cancellation (for AirPods Pro & Max)

  • Touch controls for playback and volume

That makes them a great choice even for Windows users.

⚙️ Before You Begin: Check Compatibility

Before pairing your AirPods to Windows 11, make sure of the following:

  • ✅ Your PC supports Bluetooth (most laptops do; desktops may need a Bluetooth dongle).

  • ✅ Windows 11 is updated — outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause pairing issues.

  • ✅ AirPods have enough battery — at least 50% charge is recommended.

  • ✅ Your AirPods aren’t connected to another device (like your iPhone or iPad).

🔋 How to Check Bluetooth Availability on Windows 11

Here’s how to verify if your computer supports Bluetooth:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices.

  3. If you see a Bluetooth toggle, your PC supports it.

  4. If it’s missing, go to Device Manager → Network adapters.

    • Look for “Bluetooth” in the list.

    • If it’s not there, you may need to install a Bluetooth USB adapter or update your Bluetooth driver.

💻 How to Pair AirPods to Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now, let’s go through the complete pairing process.

🪄 Step 1: Enable Bluetooth on Your PC

  1. Open the Start menu → click Settings (⚙️).

  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & Devices.

  3. Turn the Bluetooth toggle ON.

  4. Your PC is now ready to connect.

💡 Quick Tip: You can also enable Bluetooth directly from the Quick Settings panel (press Windows + A, then click the Bluetooth icon).

🎧 Step 2: Put AirPods in Pairing Mode

Now make your AirPods discoverable so your PC can detect them.

For AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen):

  1. Place both AirPods in their charging case.

  2. Open the lid but don’t remove the AirPods yet.

  3. Press and hold the Setup button on the back of the case until the LED light flashes white.

For AirPods Max:

  1. Press and hold the Noise Control button until the status light flashes white.

Your AirPods are now ready to be paired.

🔗 Step 3: Connect AirPods to Windows 11

  1. On your PC, go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices.

  2. Click Add device → Bluetooth.

  3. Wait for your AirPods to appear in the list.

  4. Click on your AirPods (e.g., “AirPods Pro”) to connect.

  5. When paired, you’ll see a “Connected” message.

✅ That’s it! You’ve successfully paired your AirPods to your Windows 11 PC.

🔊 Step 4: Set AirPods as Default Audio Output

Sometimes, even after pairing, your PC might still play sound through speakers. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Click the Sound icon in the taskbar (bottom-right).

  2. Click the arrow (˄) next to the volume slider.

  3. Select your AirPods as the playback device.

Alternatively:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.

  2. Under Output, select your AirPods.

Now all system sounds, music, and videos will play through your AirPods.

🔁 Step 5: Reconnect AirPods Automatically Next Time

Once paired, your AirPods should automatically reconnect when you open the lid near your PC (if Bluetooth is on).

If not:

  • Go to Bluetooth & Devices → Devices.

  • Find your AirPods → click Connect.

If they don’t reconnect, try removing and pairing again.

🧩 How to Reconnect AirPods to Windows 11 After Disconnecting

If your AirPods were previously paired but disconnected:

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices.

  2. Find your AirPods under “Audio.”

  3. Click Connect.

  4. Wait for the “Connected voice, music” message.

⚡ How to Disconnect or Remove AirPods

To unpair your AirPods:

  1. Go to Bluetooth & Devices.

  2. Click the three dots (⋮) next to your AirPods.

  3. Choose Remove device.

  4. Confirm and close the window.

This is useful if you’re switching back to an iPhone or another device.

🛠️ Troubleshooting: AirPods Not Connecting to Windows 11

Sometimes, pairing fails or the connection keeps dropping. Let’s fix that.

🔹 1. Restart Bluetooth

  • Turn off Bluetooth → Wait 10 seconds → Turn it back on.

🔹 2. Remove and Re-Pair

  • Forget the AirPods in Windows settings, then pair them again.

🔹 3. Update Bluetooth Driver

  1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Bluetooth.

  3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter → Update driver → Search automatically.

🔹 4. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

  1. Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

  2. Click Run next to Bluetooth.

🔹 5. Reset AirPods

If nothing works, reset your AirPods:

  • Place AirPods in case, open the lid, press and hold the Setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber → white.

  • Reconnect again.

🎙️ How to Use AirPods Mic on Windows 11

By default, Windows may not select your AirPods mic automatically. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.

  2. Scroll to Input → Select AirPods Hands-Free AG Audio.

  3. Speak into your AirPods to test the microphone.

💬 Tip: For better audio quality during calls, use AirPods Hands-Free mode. For music or movies, switch to Stereo mode in sound settings.

🎵 How to Switch Between Stereo and Hands-Free Modes

AirPods on Windows 11 often have two modes:

  • 🎧 Stereo Mode: For high-quality sound (music/movies).

  • 🎤 Hands-Free AG Mode: For calls and mic input.

To switch:

  1. Right-click the Sound icon → Sound settings.

  2. Under Output, select either Stereo or Hands-Free AG Audio.

🧠 Tips for Better AirPods Performance on Windows 11

  • Keep your AirPods firmware updated (via iPhone or iPad).

  • Maintain a short distance between AirPods and PC (less than 10 feet).

  • Avoid using multiple Bluetooth devices at once — it can interfere.

  • Disable Power Saver mode if Bluetooth keeps disconnecting.

  • Regularly restart your PC to clear temporary Bluetooth cache.

🔌 How to Fix Audio Delay or Lag

If you experience sound delay:

  1. Disconnect and reconnect your AirPods.

  2. Close unnecessary apps using Bluetooth audio.

  3. Update your Bluetooth driver.

  4. Disable Bluetooth audio enhancements:

    • Control Panel → Sound → AirPods → Properties → Enhancements tab → Check “Disable all enhancements.”

This helps improve sync during video playback.

🧾 Comparison Table: AirPods vs Other Bluetooth Headphones on Windows 11

Feature AirPods Other Bluetooth Headphones
Bluetooth Range ~10 meters ~10 meters
Microphone Yes (Hands-Free AG Audio) Yes
Auto Reconnect Yes Depends on model
Noise Cancellation Yes (Pro/Max) Varies
Battery Indicator Not natively supported Varies
Firmware Updates Only via Apple devices PC-compatible

🧠 Pro Tip: View AirPods Battery Level on Windows 11

Windows doesn’t natively show AirPods battery, but you can use free apps like:

  • Bluetooth Battery Monitor

  • Battery Bar Pro

  • MagicPods (Microsoft Store) — specifically made for AirPods users on Windows!

MagicPods even shows a pop-up animation like on iPhones!

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why won’t my AirPods show up in Windows 11 Bluetooth list?

Make sure they’re in pairing mode (white light flashing). If not visible, restart Bluetooth and try again.

2. Can I use AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Windows 11?

Yes, active noise cancellation (ANC) works natively once connected — no extra setup required.

3. How do I reconnect AirPods after restarting my PC?

Open AirPods case → Turn on Bluetooth → Go to Settings → Devices → Connect next to AirPods.

4. Why is my AirPods sound quality poor on Windows 11?

Your PC might be using the Hands-Free AG Audio mode. Switch to Stereo mode in sound settings for better audio.

5. Can I use AirPods’ mic for Zoom or Teams?

Yes! Just select “AirPods Hands-Free AG Audio” as your input device in Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

✅ Conclusion: Enjoy Wireless Freedom with AirPods on Windows 11

Pairing your AirPods with a Windows 11 PC is simple once you know the steps:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth.

  2. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.

  3. Connect via Bluetooth & Devices settings.

  4. Set AirPods as your default output.

That’s it! You’re ready to enjoy your favorite music, movies, or meetings wirelessly — no Apple device needed.

Whether you’re working, gaming, or binge-watching, your AirPods can deliver excellent sound on Windows 11 when properly paired and configured.

🗒️ Key Takeaways

  • AirPods connect easily to Windows 11 via Bluetooth.

  • Use pairing mode (white flashing light) to make them discoverable.

  • If sound or mic doesn’t work, check Stereo vs Hands-Free mode.

  • Keep Bluetooth drivers updated for smooth performance.

  • Optional apps like MagicPods can enhance the experience.

With these steps, your AirPods will work perfectly with Windows 11 — offering the same smooth, wireless convenience you love from Apple devices. 🎧💻

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