How To Connect AirPods To PC Windows 11: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

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4 min. read

Published on October 27, 2025

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Connecting your AirPods to a Windows 11 PC can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you’re listening to music, participating in video conferences, or gaming. While AirPods are designed primarily for Apple devices, they can seamlessly integrate with Windows 11, offering a convenient wireless audio solution. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step approach to successfully connect your AirPods to your Windows 11 computer.

The process of pairing AirPods with a Windows 11 PC involves a few simple steps, primarily utilizing the Bluetooth settings on your computer. This guide will walk you through enabling Bluetooth, putting your AirPods into pairing mode, and establishing the connection. Additionally, we’ll cover troubleshooting tips and tricks to ensure a smooth and reliable connection.

How Do I Connect My AirPods to My Windows 11 PC?

Prepare Your AirPods for Pairing

Place both AirPods inside their charging case.
Close the lid of the charging case.
Wait about 15 seconds.
Open the lid of the charging case.
Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes white. This indicates that your AirPods are in pairing mode.

Enable Bluetooth on Your Windows 11 PC

Click the Start button on your taskbar.
Select Settings (the gear icon).
Click on Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar.
Toggle the Bluetooth switch to the On position.

Connect Your AirPods Through Bluetooth Settings

Ensure your AirPods are in pairing mode (status light flashing white).
In the Bluetooth & devices settings, click Add device.
Select Bluetooth as the type of device you want to add.
Your Windows 11 PC will begin searching for available Bluetooth devices.
Locate your AirPods in the list of available devices and click on them.
If prompted, enter the pairing code (usually “0000”).
Click Connect.

Set AirPods as Default Audio Device

Right-click the Sound icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of your screen).
Select Open Sound settings.
In the Output section, choose your AirPods from the dropdown menu.
In the Input section, if you want to use the AirPods microphone, choose your AirPods from the dropdown menu.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Ensure AirPods are charged: A low battery can prevent successful pairing.
Restart Bluetooth service: In the Services app, restart the Bluetooth Support Service.
Update Bluetooth drivers: Check for updated drivers in Device Manager.
Remove and re-pair: If the connection is unstable, remove the AirPods from the list of paired devices and repeat the pairing process.
Check for interference: Other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers can sometimes interfere with the connection. Move away from potential sources of interference.

Tips For Optimal Performance

Keep your AirPods firmware up to date: Connect your AirPods to an Apple device to ensure they have the latest firmware.
Adjust audio settings: In Sound settings, configure the audio quality and volume levels to your preference.
Disable other Bluetooth devices: Disconnecting unused Bluetooth devices can improve the stability of your AirPods connection.

Here’s a comparison of connection methods:

Feature	AirPods to Windows 11 (Bluetooth)	Wired Headphones to Windows 11
Connection Type	Wireless	Wired
Mobility	High	Limited
Audio Quality	Good (can vary)	Generally Higher
Convenience	Very Convenient	Convenient
Setup Complexity	Moderate	Very Simple
Battery Required	Yes (AirPods)	No

Enjoy Wireless Audio on Your PC

By following these steps, you can easily connect your AirPods to your Windows 11 PC and enjoy a seamless wireless audio experience. Remember to regularly check for updates and troubleshoot any issues to maintain a stable connection.

FAQ

Why won’t my AirPods connect to my Windows 11 PC? Ensure your AirPods are in pairing mode (white flashing light), Bluetooth is enabled on your PC, and that your AirPods are charged.

How do I make my AirPods discoverable on Windows 11? Place your AirPods in their charging case, open the lid, and press and hold the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white.

Can I use my AirPods microphone on Windows 11? Yes, select your AirPods as the input device in your Sound settings.

Why is my AirPods audio quality poor on Windows 11? Ensure your Bluetooth drivers are up to date, and try disabling other Bluetooth devices that may be causing interference.

How do I disconnect my AirPods from my Windows 11 PC? In the Bluetooth & devices settings, find your AirPods in the list of paired devices and click “Remove device.”