How to Connect AirPods to Your Windows PC

Connect AirPods via Bluetooth Settings

To connect AirPods to a Windows PC, open the Bluetooth settings on your computer and put your AirPods in pairing mode. Windows will detect them as an available device, and you can select them to complete the connection. The process takes about two minutes and works on any Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine with Bluetooth hardware.

Start by opening the Settings app on your Windows PC. Press the Windows key and type "Bluetooth" to jump directly to the Bluetooth settings page. You should see a toggle labeled "Bluetooth" at the top — make sure it is turned on. If your PC does not have Bluetooth built in, you will need a USB Bluetooth adapter, which costs $10 to $30 and plugs into any USB port.

Next, put your AirPods into pairing mode. With the AirPods case closed, press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 10 seconds until the light inside flashes white. This tells your AirPods to look for a device to connect to. Do not release the button when the light turns amber — keep holding until it flashes white.

Key Takeaways

Windows Bluetooth settings will automatically detect AirPods once they are in pairing mode, which you set up by holding the button on the back of the case for 10 seconds.
After selecting your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu, Windows will remember them and reconnect automatically the next time both devices are in range.
If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both your AirPods and your PC, then try pairing again.
AirPods will work for audio playback and video calls on Windows, but some Apple-specific features like automatic switching between devices will not function.

Select AirPods from the Available Devices List

Once your AirPods are flashing white, look at the Bluetooth settings window on your PC. Under "Available devices," you should see your AirPods listed by name — usually "Your Name's AirPods" or just "AirPods." Click on that entry to begin pairing.

Windows will show a brief "Pairing" message and then display "Connected" next to your AirPods. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. Once connected, the light inside your AirPods case will stop flashing and turn off. Your AirPods are now ready to use with your PC.

Set AirPods as Your Default Audio Device

After pairing, you should set your AirPods as the default device for both playback and recording so that audio automatically routes through them. Open Settings, then go to System > Sound. Scroll down to "Advanced" and click "Volume mixer."

In the Volume mixer window, look for your AirPods under "Apps" and "Devices." Click on your AirPods and select "Set as default" for both playback and recording. If you do not see them listed, scroll down — sometimes they appear lower in the list. Once set as default, any audio from your PC will play through your AirPods without you having to manually switch devices each time.

Reconnect AirPods Automatically on Future Sessions

After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect to your PC automatically whenever both are in range and Bluetooth is turned on. You do not need to repeat the pairing process. straightforward put your AirPods in your ears and they will connect within a few seconds.

If your AirPods do not reconnect automatically, open Bluetooth settings and check that your AirPods are still listed under "Connected devices." If they appear under "Other devices" instead, click on them once to reconnect. If they do not appear at all, put them back in pairing mode by holding the button on the case for 10 seconds and select them again from the available devices list.

Troubleshoot Connection Problems

If your AirPods do not show up in the Bluetooth list at all, restart both devices. Turn off Bluetooth on your PC, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. At the same time, put your AirPods back in their case, close it, wait 10 seconds, then open the case and hold the pairing button again for 10 seconds. Try pairing once more.

If Windows still cannot find your AirPods, check that your PC actually has Bluetooth. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting "Device Manager." Look for "Bluetooth" in the list. If you do not see it, your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth and you will need to buy a USB Bluetooth adapter. If Bluetooth is listed but has a yellow warning icon, right-click it and select "Update driver" to install the latest version.

Another common issue is that AirPods sometimes stay connected to another Apple device (like an iPhone or Mac) and will not pair with Windows. To fix this, go to that other device, open Bluetooth settings, and disconnect or "forget" your AirPods. Then try pairing them with your PC again.

Understand What Works and What Does Not Work on Windows

AirPods will play audio and handle microphone input on Windows, so they work fine for music, videos, and video calls. However, some Apple-specific features do not function on Windows. Automatic switching between devices — where AirPods jump from your iPhone to your Mac — will not happen with a Windows PC. You will need to manually disconnect from one device and reconnect to another.

Siri voice control also does not work on Windows. If you press and hold the stem on your AirPods, nothing will happen. You can still use the physical controls to play, pause, and skip tracks, and you can adjust volume using your PC's volume controls. For video calls, the microphone will work, but you may need to adjust input levels in your specific app's settings.

Disconnect or Forget Your AirPods When Needed

If you want to temporarily disconnect your AirPods without erasing the pairing, open Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods under "Connected devices," and click "Disconnect." They will stay in your device list and reconnect the next time you put them in pairing mode.

To completely remove your AirPods from your PC so they no longer reconnect automatically, click on them in the Bluetooth settings and select "Remove device." You will need to pair them again from scratch the next time you want to use them with that PC. This is useful if you are selling your computer or want to prevent accidental reconnections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything special to use AirPods with Windows?

No. Once paired through Bluetooth settings, AirPods work like any other wireless headphones on Windows. You do not need to install drivers or read software. Windows handles the connection automatically.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my PC?

This usually happens if your AirPods are still connected to another device, like an iPhone. Disconnect them from that device first. It can also happen if your PC's Bluetooth adapter is too far away or if there is interference from other wireless devices. Try moving closer to your PC or turning off other Bluetooth devices nearby.

Can I use AirPods for video calls on Windows?

Yes. The microphone will work for calls in Zoom, Teams, Discord, and other apps. You may need to go into each app's audio settings and select your AirPods as the input device if they do not default to them automatically.

What if my Windows PC does not have Bluetooth?

You can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $10 to $30 online or at electronics stores. Plug it into any USB port on your PC, and Windows will install the driver automatically. Then follow the same pairing steps with your AirPods.

Will my AirPods automatically switch between my PC and my iPhone?

No. Automatic switching only works between Apple devices. You will need to manually disconnect from one device and reconnect to the other by opening Bluetooth settings.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.