Connecting AirPods to your PC running Windows 11 is easier than you might think. You’ll be wirelessly pairing your Apple earbuds to your computer through Bluetooth settings. With just a few clicks, you’ll be enjoying your music, online meetings, and more with the high-quality sound you love from your AirPods.
How to Connect AirPods to PC / Windows 11
In the following steps, we’ll walk you through how to pair your AirPods to your Windows 11 computer. Each step is simple and straightforward, ensuring you can get connected without any hassle.
Step 1: Open Bluetooth Settings
First, open the Bluetooth settings on your Windows 11 PC.
You’ll find this by clicking the Start Menu and typing “Bluetooth” in the search bar. Select “Bluetooth & other devices settings” from the results to open the Bluetooth settings window.
Step 2: Turn On Bluetooth
Make sure the Bluetooth switch is turned on.
If it’s off, toggle the switch to turn it on. This allows your PC to search for and connect to Bluetooth devices nearby.
Step 3: Open AirPods Case
With the AirPods inside, open the charging case lid.
Opening the lid will make your AirPods discoverable, allowing your PC to find them. If your AirPods don’t show up, try holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
Step 4: Add a Device
In the Bluetooth settings window, click “Add device” and select “Bluetooth.”
Your PC will start searching for available Bluetooth devices. After a few seconds, you should see your AirPods appear in the list.
Step 5: Select Your AirPods
Click on your AirPods from the list of available devices.
Your PC will attempt to pair with your AirPods. You might hear a chime or see a notification letting you know the connection was successful.
After completing these steps, your AirPods will be connected to your Windows 11 PC, and you can start using them for audio playback.
Tips for Connecting AirPods to PC / Windows 11
- Make sure your AirPods are charged before trying to connect them.
- If your AirPods don’t appear during the search, try closing and reopening the case, or restarting your PC.
- Keep the AirPods and PC close to each other during the pairing process to avoid connectivity issues.
- Update your PC’s Bluetooth drivers if you have trouble finding or connecting your AirPods.
- If you commonly switch between devices, you might need to manually disconnect from one device before connecting to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my AirPods connect to my Windows 11 PC?
This could be due to a variety of issues, such as Bluetooth being turned off, AirPods not being in pairing mode, or outdated Bluetooth drivers on your PC.
Can I use my AirPods’ microphone on Windows 11?
Yes, the AirPods’ built-in microphone should work once connected, but you may need to select them as your input device in the sound settings.
How do I disconnect my AirPods from my PC?
Go back into the Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods in the list of connected devices, and click “Remove device.”
Do AirPods work the same on Windows as they do on Apple devices?
While the sound quality remains excellent, some features like automatic switching and battery level indicators may not be available on Windows.
What should I do if the sound quality is poor?
Ensure your AirPods are fully charged and close to your PC. You may also want to check for any Bluetooth interference or update your Bluetooth drivers.
Summary
- Open Bluetooth Settings.
- Turn On Bluetooth.
- Open AirPods Case.
- Add a Device.
- Select Your AirPods.
Conclusion
Connecting your AirPods to a Windows 11 PC is a breeze if you follow the steps outlined above. Not only will this set you up to enjoy your favorite tunes and videos, but it also opens up a world of wireless convenience for your meetings and calls.
If you run into any issues, don’t forget the handy tips and FAQs we provided to troubleshoot common problems. As technology continues to evolve, being able to seamlessly use devices from different ecosystems makes life a lot easier. So, go ahead and get those AirPods connected!
For further reading, you might want to check out more tips on maximizing your AirPods’ battery life or troubleshooting Bluetooth connections. Happy listening!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.