Connect AirPods to Windows 11 using Bluetooth settings

Windows 11 can connect to AirPods through Bluetooth, though the process is slightly different from pairing them to an iPhone or Mac. Your AirPods will work with Windows 11, but you won't get some Apple-specific features like automatic device switching or Siri voice commands.

The connection happens in your Windows 11 Bluetooth settings. You'll put your AirPods into pairing mode, then add them as a Bluetooth device on your PC. Once paired, they'll reconnect automatically when you turn them on near your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods pair with Windows 11 through Bluetooth settings, not through an Apple app or iTunes.
  • You must put your AirPods into pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
  • Windows 11 will find your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu and add them as a device in about one minute.
  • Once paired, your AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on, but you may need to manually select them as your audio output device the first time.

Put your AirPods into pairing mode

Before Windows 11 can find your AirPods, they need to be in pairing mode. This tells them to broadcast their Bluetooth signal so nearby devices can detect them.

Open the AirPods charging case and hold down the small button on the back of the case. Keep holding it for about 15 seconds. You'll see the light inside the case start to flash white — this means pairing mode is active. The light will continue flashing white for about two minutes while your AirPods wait for a device to connect.

If the light flashes amber instead, your AirPods are in a different mode. Close the case, wait a few seconds, and try again. Make sure you're holding the button on the back of the case, not the front.

Open Bluetooth settings on your Windows 11 PC

Once your AirPods are flashing white, you need to open the Bluetooth settings on your PC. The fastest way is to click the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen, then type "Bluetooth" and press Enter. This opens the Bluetooth and devices settings page.

You can also reach this menu by clicking the Start button, going to Settings, then selecting Bluetooth and devices from the left sidebar. Either method takes you to the same place.

Add your AirPods as a Bluetooth device

In the Bluetooth and devices settings, look for a button that says "Add device" or "Add Bluetooth device" near the top of the page. Click it. Windows 11 will start searching for Bluetooth devices in range.

Within a few seconds, your AirPods should appear in the list with the name "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro" or "AirPods Max" depending on which model you own. Click on them to select them. Windows 11 will then pair with your AirPods — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

Once pairing is complete, you'll see "Connected" or "Paired and connected" next to your AirPods in the Bluetooth settings. Your AirPods are now ready to use with your PC.

Set AirPods as your default audio output

After pairing, your AirPods may not automatically become your default speaker. You may need to manually tell Windows 11 to send sound to them instead of your PC's built-in speakers.

Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar (next to the clock). A menu will appear showing your audio devices. Click on your AirPods to select them as the output device. From now on, sound will play through your AirPods when they're connected.

If you don't see the speaker icon, click the up arrow on the far right of the taskbar to show hidden icons, then right-click the speaker icon there.

Reconnect your AirPods after the first time

Once you've paired your AirPods with your PC, they'll reconnect automatically the next time you turn them on near your computer. You don't need to repeat the pairing process.

If your AirPods don't reconnect automatically, open Bluetooth settings again and look for your AirPods in the list. Click on them and select "Connect." If they still won't connect, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for your PC — you can toggle this in the Bluetooth and devices settings.

Troubleshoot if your AirPods won't pair

If Windows 11 doesn't find your AirPods after you've put them in pairing mode, try these steps. First, close the AirPods case and wait 10 seconds, then open it and hold the back button again until the light flashes white. Sometimes the pairing mode times out if Windows 11 takes too long to search.

If that doesn't work, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for your PC. In the Bluetooth and devices settings, look for a toggle switch at the top that says "Bluetooth." It should be in the "On" position. If it's already on, try turning it off, waiting five seconds, and turning it back on.

If your AirPods have been paired to other devices recently (like your iPhone or Mac), they may be trying to connect to those devices instead. Disconnect them from those devices first, then try pairing with your PC again. You can also reset your AirPods by holding the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white — this erases all previous pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods with Windows 11 if I don't have an Apple device?

Yes. AirPods work with any device that supports Bluetooth, including Windows 11 PCs. You don't need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The only difference is that some Apple-specific features won't work, like automatic switching between devices or Siri voice commands.

Why does the light on my AirPods case flash amber instead of white?

An amber light means your AirPods are in reset mode, not pairing mode. This happens if you hold the button too long. Close the case, wait a few seconds, and hold the button again for about 15 seconds until it flashes white. The light should change from amber to white when pairing mode activates.

My AirPods were paired but now they won't connect to my PC. What do I do?

First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your Windows 11 settings. Then open the Bluetooth menu, find your AirPods in the list, and click "Connect." If they still won't connect, try restarting your PC or resetting your AirPods by holding the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. After resetting, you'll need to pair them again from the beginning.

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

No. AirPods automatically switch between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch), but Windows 11 doesn't support this feature. You'll need to manually disconnect your AirPods from your iPhone and reconnect them to your PC in Bluetooth settings when you want to switch.

Can I use one AirPod at a time with Windows 11?

Yes. You can wear just one AirPod and leave the other in the case. Both will work individually with Windows 11 once they're paired. Some people prefer this for calls or when they want to stay aware of their surroundings.