Yes, you can connect AirPods to Windows, but the process is different from pairing with an iPhone
Apple AirPods work with Windows laptops through Bluetooth, the same wireless standard that connects them to iPhones and iPads. Your Windows machine has the Bluetooth hardware built in — you just need to put your AirPods in pairing mode and tell Windows to find them. The connection works for music, videos, and calls, though some AirPods features (like automatic switching between devices) only work with Apple products.
The pairing takes about two minutes and you only have to do it once. After that, your AirPods will reconnect to your Windows laptop automatically when you turn them on and Bluetooth is enabled.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods pair with Windows through Bluetooth in the Settings app, not through iTunes or any Apple software.
- You must put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
- Windows will find your AirPods in the Bluetooth settings and you confirm the pairing with one click.
- Some features like automatic device switching and Siri do not work on Windows, but audio and microphone function normally.
- If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both the AirPods and your laptop, then try again.
Put your AirPods in pairing mode
Before Windows can find your AirPods, you need to tell them to broadcast their Bluetooth signal. Open the AirPods case (you do not need to take the AirPods out). On the back of the case, there is a small circular button. Press and hold it for about 15 seconds. You will see a light on the front of the case — it will flash white when pairing mode is active. This light tells you the AirPods are ready to connect to a new device.
Leave the case open and the AirPods in pairing mode while you move to your Windows laptop. Pairing mode stays active for about 15 minutes, so you have time to get to your settings.
Open Bluetooth settings on your Windows laptop
On Windows 10 or 11, click the Start button (bottom left corner) and type "Bluetooth settings" into the search box. Click the result that says "Bluetooth and other devices settings." This opens the Bluetooth control panel where Windows lists all devices it can find.
If you are using an older version of Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Sound settings," then click "Bluetooth and other devices" on the left side.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a toggle switch at the top of the window. If it is off, click it to turn it on.
Find and select your AirPods from the device list
In the Bluetooth settings window, look for a section that says "Add a new device" or "Add Bluetooth or other device." Click that button. Windows will start searching for Bluetooth devices in range. Within a few seconds, you should see your AirPods appear in the list — they will show up with a name like "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro" depending on which model you own.
Click on your AirPods in the list. Windows will ask you to confirm the pairing. Click "Pair" or "Connect" (the exact wording depends on your Windows version). The pairing light on your AirPods case will stop flashing and turn solid white, which means the connection is complete.
Test the connection and adjust volume
Once paired, your AirPods should appear in the Bluetooth settings under "Connected devices." To test them, open a video on YouTube or play music from Spotify, Apple Music, or any other app. You should hear the audio through your AirPods. If you do not hear anything, check that the AirPods are selected as your audio output device.
To set AirPods as your default audio device, right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Sound settings." Scroll down to "Advanced" and look for "App volume and device preferences." You can set individual apps to use your AirPods, or you can set them as the default for everything. Volume control works through the Windows volume slider or through the volume buttons on your keyboard.
Reconnect your AirPods after the first time
After you pair your AirPods once, you do not have to go through pairing mode again. The next time you put your AirPods in and turn on Bluetooth on your Windows laptop, they will connect automatically. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds.
If your AirPods do not reconnect automatically, open Bluetooth settings and look for them in the "Connected devices" list. If they appear there but are not playing audio, click on them and select "Connect." If they do not appear at all, restart both your AirPods (put them back in the case for 10 seconds) and your laptop, then try again.
What AirPods features work and do not work on Windows
Audio and microphone work normally on Windows — you can listen to music, watch videos, and use your AirPods microphone for calls and video meetings. Siri voice control does not work on Windows. Automatic switching between devices (the feature that moves your AirPods from your iPhone to your Mac automatically) only works between Apple devices, so your AirPods will not automatically switch from your Windows laptop to your iPhone.
Spatial audio and adaptive audio features do not work on Windows either. If you use your AirPods with both Apple devices and Windows, you will need to manually switch them by going back to Bluetooth settings on each device. The good news is that once you pair them with Windows, the connection is stable and reliable for everyday use.
Troubleshooting when AirPods will not connect
If your AirPods do not show up in the Bluetooth device list, first check that the case light is flashing white — if it is not, hold the back button again for 15 seconds. Make sure your Windows laptop has Bluetooth turned on in settings. If Bluetooth is on but your AirPods still do not appear, restart your laptop and try again.
If your AirPods were previously paired with another device (like your iPhone), they may try to reconnect to that device instead of your Windows laptop. Put your AirPods back in the case, close the case for 10 seconds, then open it and hold the back button again to reset pairing mode. This clears the memory and lets them pair fresh with Windows.
If you see your AirPods in the list but the pairing fails, try moving your laptop closer to the AirPods case. Bluetooth works best within about 30 feet, but interference from other wireless devices can cause problems. If you are near a microwave, cordless phone, or another Bluetooth device, move away and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install any software to use AirPods on Windows?
No. Windows has built-in Bluetooth support and recognizes AirPods automatically. You do not need iTunes, Apple software, or any third-party drivers. Pairing happens entirely through the Windows Bluetooth settings.
Can I use AirPods with both my iPhone and Windows laptop at the same time?
Not simultaneously. AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If you want to switch from your iPhone to your Windows laptop, you need to go into Bluetooth settings on the laptop and manually reconnect. Automatic switching only works between Apple devices.
Why is my microphone not working on Windows with AirPods?
Make sure your AirPods are set as the input device for your microphone. Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner, select "Open Sound settings," and scroll to "Input." Select your AirPods from the dropdown menu. Some apps also let you choose the microphone separately in their settings.
Will my AirPods stay connected if I close the case?
Yes. Closing the case does not disconnect your AirPods from Windows. They will stay connected and ready to use. You can open the case and put them in your ears whenever you want to listen.
What should I do if my AirPods keep disconnecting from Windows?
First, move your laptop closer to your AirPods — Bluetooth has a limited range and walls or distance can cause drops. If that does not help, forget the device and pair again. In Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods under "Connected devices," click on them, and select "Remove device." Then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.