AirPods work with Windows, but the process is different from pairing with iPhone or Mac

AirPods connect to Windows through Bluetooth, the same way they connect to any other device. Windows 10 and Windows 11 both support AirPods, but you cannot use the automatic pairing that works between Apple devices. Instead, you put your AirPods in pairing mode and manually select them in Windows settings. The whole process takes about two minutes.

AirPods will work for audio playback and calls on Windows. You will not get some Apple-specific features — like automatic switching between your devices or Siri voice control — but the core functionality is there. If you use AirPods with both Apple devices and Windows, you can pair them to both and switch between them by selecting the device in each system's audio settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for three seconds until the light flashes white.
  • Open Windows Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and select your AirPods from the list of available devices.
  • Once paired, select your AirPods as the default audio device in Windows sound settings if they do not automatically become the default.
  • AirPods will not automatically switch to Windows like they do between Apple devices — you must manually select them each time you want to use them.
  • If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list, reset them by holding the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then try pairing again.

Put your AirPods in pairing mode

Open the AirPods case and hold the small button on the back of the case for about three seconds. You will see the light inside the case start flashing white. This means the AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect to a new device. Keep the case open and nearby while you complete the next steps.

The light will continue flashing white for about 15 seconds. If the light turns off before you finish pairing, hold the back button again for three seconds to restart pairing mode. Do not close the case during this process — closing it will end pairing mode.

Open Bluetooth settings on your Windows computer

On Windows 11, click the Start button, type "Bluetooth settings" into the search box, and press Enter. On Windows 10, click the Start button, go to Settings, then select Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices.

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. You should see a toggle switch at the top of the Bluetooth settings page. If it is off, click it to turn it on. Your computer will now start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.

Select your AirPods from the device list

Wait a few seconds for your AirPods to appear in the list of available devices. They will show up as "AirPods" or "AirPods [Your Name]" if you have customized the name. Click on them to start the pairing process.

Windows will display a message saying the device is pairing. Wait for the message to change to "Connected" — this usually takes five to ten seconds. Once you see "Connected," your AirPods are paired with your Windows computer.

Set AirPods as your default audio device

After pairing, your AirPods may not automatically become your default audio device. To make sure sound plays through them, open Windows Settings and go to System > Sound. Scroll down to the "Advanced" section and look for "Output device." Click the dropdown menu and select your AirPods from the list.

If you do not see your AirPods in the output device list, scroll down further to "Volume mixer" and click it. You should see your AirPods listed there. Click on them and select "Set as default" from the menu that appears.

Test your AirPods and adjust volume

Play a video or audio file on your Windows computer to confirm sound is coming through your AirPods. You can adjust the volume using the volume slider in Windows Settings, or by using the physical buttons on your AirPods if your model has them. Some AirPods models do not have volume buttons, so you will need to adjust volume through Windows instead.

If you do not hear any sound, go back to Sound settings and make sure your AirPods are still selected as the output device. If they have disconnected, go back to Bluetooth settings and click on them again to reconnect.

Reconnect your AirPods after the initial pairing

Once your AirPods are paired, you do not need to put them in pairing mode again. The next time you want to use them with Windows, straightforward open the case near your computer. Your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth settings as "Connected" within a few seconds, and you can start using them right away.

If your AirPods do not reconnect automatically, open Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods in the list, and click "Connect." If they still do not appear, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and your AirPods are charged. A low battery can prevent them from connecting.

What to do if your AirPods will not pair

If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth device list after you put them in pairing mode, try resetting them. Hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. The light will flash amber, then white. Release the button and try pairing again from the beginning.

If resetting does not work, make sure your Windows computer has Bluetooth turned on and is not already connected to your AirPods on another device. AirPods can only connect to one device at a time, so if they are currently paired to your iPhone, they will not show up on Windows until you disconnect them from the iPhone first. You can also try moving your AirPods closer to your Windows computer, as Bluetooth range is usually about 30 feet but can be shorter if there are obstacles between the devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair my AirPods every time I use them with Windows?

No. Once you pair them the first time, they stay paired to your Windows computer. You just need to open the case and they will reconnect automatically. If they do not reconnect, you can manually select them in Bluetooth settings.

Can I use AirPods with both my iPhone and Windows computer at the same time?

AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If you want to switch from your iPhone to Windows, you need to disconnect them from your iPhone first. You can do this by going to Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and clicking the "i" icon next to your AirPods, then selecting "Disconnect."

Will Siri work on my AirPods when they are connected to Windows?

No. Siri only works when AirPods are connected to Apple devices. On Windows, you can use the microphone on your AirPods for calls and voice chat in applications like Zoom or Discord, but voice assistant features will not work.

What if my AirPods keep disconnecting from Windows?

Try moving your computer closer to your AirPods to rule out a range issue. If they still disconnect, go to Bluetooth settings, click on your AirPods, and select "Remove device." Then pair them again from the beginning. Outdated Windows drivers can also cause disconnection problems — check Windows Update to make sure your system is fully updated.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with Windows the same way?

Yes. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max pair with Windows using the same process as standard AirPods. The pairing button is in the same location on the case, and they will work for audio and calls. Noise cancellation and transparency mode will work, but features like automatic device switching will not.