If you’re wondering how to connect AirPods to a PC, you’ve just found the right place. Despite being designed to operate seamlessly with Apple devices, you can still easily connect AirPods to a laptop or a PC on Windows.
How to Connect Your AirPods to a Windows Computer
AirPods are specifically made to work within the Apple ecosystem. But can you connect AirPods to a laptop running Windows? You sure can! And it couldn’t be easier. Let’s take a walk through the steps to connect your AirPods to a Windows 10 or 11 running computer.
Windows 10
Here’s how to bluetooth AirPods to a laptop or PC on Windows 10:
- Prepare your AirPods: Before you begin, ensure that your AirPods are in their charging case and have a minimum of 20% battery.
- Turn on Bluetooth: Open Settings and navigate to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. This is the essential step as you connect AirPods to a Windows 10 running computer through Bluetooth.
- Add a Bluetooth device: Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device” at the top of the Bluetooth & other devices menu. Select “Bluetooth” from the options presented.
- Activate the pairing mode: Open the lid of your AirPods case and press the small, circular button on the back of the case. Keep holding it until you see the LED lights inside (for older AirPods) or on the front (for AirPods Pro) flashing. This indicates that your AirPods are visible to other devices.
- Select your AirPods: After a few seconds, a list of available Bluetooth devices will appear. Look for your AirPods in the list and click on them to initiate the pairing process.
- Complete setup: Once connected, a pop-up screen will declare “Your device is ready to go.” Click “Done.” From this point onward, your AirPods should automatically connect to your laptop or PC whenever they are in range.
As you can see, pairing your AirPods with Windows 10 running computers is a walk in the park. But how to connect Apple AirPods to a laptop or a PC on Windows 11 OS? Let’s figure it out.
Windows 11
It’s as simple to connect AirPods to Windows 11 systems as it is with Windows 10 ones. All you need is to follow these steps:
- Prepare your AirPods: Ensure your AirPods are in their charging case and have a minimum of 20% battery.
- Turn on Bluetooth: Open Quick Settings located on the right side of the taskbar, locate the Bluetooth sign, and make sure it’s not grayed out.
- Add a Bluetooth device: Right-click on the Bluetooth sign and select “Go to Settings.” Click on “Add device,” then select “Bluetooth” from the options presented.
- Activate the pairing mode: Open the lid of your AirPods case and press the small, circular button on the back of the case. Keep holding it until you see the LED lights inside (for older AirPods) or on the front (for AirPods Pro) flashing. This indicates that your AirPods are visible to other devices.
- Select your AirPods: After a few seconds, a list of available Bluetooth devices will appear. Look for your AirPods in the list and click on them to initiate the pairing process.
- Ready to go: After you get the “Your device is ready to go” pop-up, click “Done.” Your AirPods are now ready to use with your Windows 11 computer. Whenever your AirPods are in range and Bluetooth is enabled on your computer, they should automatically connect.
All in all, that is how to connect AirPods to a laptop or PC. Whether you are using a Windows 10 or 11 running computer, the process is smooth and easy.
How to Disconnect and Unpair Your AirPods from a Windows Computer
In the previous part of the article, we’ve learned how to connect AirPods Pro to a laptop. But what if it’s your friend’s laptop and you need to disconnect and unpair your AirPods before returning it? Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Bluetooth settings: Navigate to Settings and select Bluetooth & devices (Device > Bluetooth & other devices in Windows 10).
- Locate your AirPods: In the list of paired devices, find your AirPods under the Audio section. They will be listed by their name.
- Disconnect: Click on your AirPods (or the three dots next to them in Windows 11) and select “Disconnect.” Confirm the action if prompted.
- Unpair AirPods: After disconnecting, click on your AirPods again (or the three dots next to them in Windows 11) and select “Remove device.” This will unpair your AirPods from the Windows computer permanently.
Now that we’ve covered how to connect AirPods to a Windows PC and learned how to disconnect and unpair them, let’s take a look at the most common AirPods connection issues and ways to avoid them.
Common AirPods Connection Issues
- Intermittent connectivity:
- Issue: AirPods may experience intermittent disconnections or drops in audio during usage.
- Possible causes: Interference from other wireless devices, outdated firmware, or Bluetooth signal disruptions.
- Fixes: Check for interference from other devices; ensure AirPods have the latest firmware updates; reset AirPods by holding the setup button on the charging case.
- Failure to connect:
- Issue: Failure in establishing a connection between AirPods and a device.
- Possible causes: Bluetooth settings, outdated Bluetooth drivers, or AirPods not in pairing mode.
- Fixes: Activate AirPods’ pairing mode and ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the device; forget and re-pair AirPods with the device; check your laptop/PC Bluetooth version (should be 4.0 or higher).
- Audio quality issues:
- Issue: Poor audio quality, distortion, or imbalanced sound.
- Possible causes: Bluetooth signal interference, outdated firmware, or hardware issues.
- Fixes: Check for interference from other devices; ensure AirPods and Windows have the latest updates installed.
- Mic malfunctions:
- Issue: Microphone-related problems, such as low sensitivity or inaudible audio during calls.
- Possible causes: Software issues, debris in the microphone, or hardware malfunctions.
- Fixes: Remove any debris from the microphone area; ensure AirPods and Windows have the latest updates installed.
Related: How to Fix an Auto Muting Microphone
- Unresponsive touch controls:
- Issue: AirPods not responding to touch gestures for play/pause or skipping tracks.
- Possible causes: Software bugs, outdated firmware, or hardware issues with the touch sensors.
- Fixes: Reset AirPods and reconfigure touch controls; ensure AirPods have the latest firmware updates.
Preventive measures
First and foremost, you need to make sure your Bluetooth and audio drivers are up to date. We recommend using Auslogics Driver Updater as it is a reliable and convenient tool that automatically scans your system for outdated drivers (not only those discussed) and installs the most current, manufacturer-recommended ones.
Also read: Auslogics Driver Updater: Update Your Drivers in One Click!
Here are some other general preventive measures to keep you clear of connection issues:
- Keep your Windows system updated,
- Regularly update AirPods firmware,
- Regularly check your computer for malware,
- Regularly clean your devices from dust and debris.
Also read: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews
Just follow these simple recommendations and you should have no problems when trying to connect AirPods to Windows 11 or 10 running computers.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’re already enjoying your favorite music or a movie, thanks to our tips on how to connect AirPods to a PC provided in this article.
Don’t forget to update your drivers and regularly check for Windows and AirPods updates, and you will most certainly evade connection issues while relishing those precious moments of music listening more often.
Feel free to share your favorite songs and sound settings in the comments section below!
