How to Pair and Connect AirPods to a Windows 11 PC (2024)

> Microsoft

Use the Bluetooth menu in the Settings app to pair Apple's wireless headphones with your computer

Jeremy Laukkonen

Writer

Shoreline Community College

Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .

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Updated on November 29, 2023

Reviewed by

Ryan Perian

Reviewed byRyan Perian

Western Governors University

Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.

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In This Article

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In This Article

Pairing Directions
How to Use Them
Supported Devices
Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

Put your AirPods in their case, open it, then press-and-hold the button on the case until the light flashes white.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth > select your AirPods.
Your AirPods can be paired to other devices at the same time, but they can only work with one device at a time.

This article explains how to connect AirPods to a Windows 11 PC.

How to Connect AirPods to Windows 11

The Settings app is used to pair new Bluetooth devices. Here's how it works:

Right click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
Select Settings.
Choose Bluetooth & devices.
Select the Bluetooth toggle if it isn’t already on.
Select Add device.
Place the AirPods in their case, and open the case.
Press and hold the button on the AirPods case.
When the light on the case flashes white, release the button.

See Also
How to Connect AirPods to PC: Step-by-Step Guide

The light may be inside the case or on the front of the case depending on the version of AirPods you have.
On your computer, select Bluetooth from the list of options.
Wait for your PC to search for devices, then select your AirPods when they appear in the list.
Wait for the connection to be established, then select Done.
Your AirPods are now connected and ready to use. Your earbuds will remember the PC from now on, allowing you to reconnect whenever you want.

How to Use AirPods With Windows 11

AirPods will automatically connect to your iPhone when you open the case in close proximity to your phone, and you’ll also get an automatic popup on your Mac asking you to connect if your Mac senses the AirPods. Using AirPods with a Windows 11 PC is a little more complicated, but it’s easy to reestablish a connection and use them whenever you want.

If you’ve been using your AirPods with another device, here’s how to use them with your Windows 11 PC again:

Take your AirPods out of the case, and place them near your computer.
Select the Speaker icon on the taskbar.
Select the > icon to the right of the volume control.

If the Bluetooth button is grayed out, it means it's been turned off. You’ll need to select the Bluetooth button first, before you press >.
Select Headphones (AirPods) in the list of devices.
When your AirPods are selected in this menu, it means they’re connected, ready to use, and set as the default audio source.

Do Apple AirPods Work With Windows 11 PCs?

AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with iPhones and other Apple devices, but you can pair and connect AirPods to any Windows PC with Bluetooth. Your AirPods can remember your computer, your iPhone, and other devices as well, allowing you to switch between them at any time.

How to Connect an iPhone to Windows 11

FAQ

How do I disconnect my AirPods on Windows 11?

Select the Speaker icon in the taskbar and choose the default speakers to disable the headphones. To unpair your headphones from your PC, go to the Bluetooth settings, choose your Airpods, and select Disconnect.
Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my PC?

Your AirPods might be going into power save mode when you pause audio playback. Open the Windows Device Manager, go to your AirPod's Properties, and disable the power management feature.
Why won't my AirPods connect to my PC?

If your AirPods won't connect, it could be due to low battery, or there could be a problem with Windows 11 Bluetooth. If all else fails, reset your AirPods.
How do I turn off my AirPods?

You can't turn off AirPods. They go into power save mode when not in use. To conserve battery life, keep your headphones in the case when you're done using them.

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