Apple’s AirPods are best known for their seamless integration with iPhones and Macs, but they also work surprisingly well with Windows 11 PCs. Whether you’re using AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, you can easily pair them with a Windows computer using Bluetooth. Once connected, you can enjoy clear audio for music, videos, calls, and meetings — all without needing Apple hardware.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to connect AirPods to a Windows 11 PC, how to switch between devices, and what to do if your AirPods won’t connect.

Are AirPods Compatible with Windows 11?

Yes! AirPods work with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including:

• Windows 11 laptops
• Desktop PCs with Bluetooth
• Wireless dongles with Bluetooth support

You won’t get full Apple-exclusive features like Automatic Switching or Spatial Audio for movies, but you will get:

• High-quality sound
• Built-in microphone support
• Stable Bluetooth connection

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth on Windows 11

Before pairing, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your PC.

How to enable Bluetooth:

1. Click the Start Menu
2. Open Settings
3. Go to Bluetooth & devices
4. Toggle Bluetooth to On

You can also open the quick settings panel:

• Press Windows + A → Click the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.

Step 2: Put Your AirPods in Pairing Mode

AirPods don’t show up on Windows unless they’re in pairing mode.

How to enter pairing mode:

1. Place both AirPods in the case
2. Open the lid (don’t remove them yet)
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case
4. The LED light will blink white

This means your AirPods are ready to connect.

Step 3: Connect AirPods to Windows 11

Now it’s time to pair them with your PC.

How to pair:

1. On your PC, open Settings
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices
3. Click Add device
4. Select Bluetooth
5. Choose AirPods from the list
6. Click Connect

Once connected, you’ll see a confirmation message and your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth device list.

Step 4: Set AirPods as Your Audio Output & Input

Windows usually switches automatically, but if not:

Set as output:

1. Click the Volume icon in the taskbar
2. Click the arrow ► next to the audio source
3. Select AirPods from the list

Set as microphone (if needed):

1. Go to Settings → System → Sound
2. Under Input, choose AirPods

Now your AirPods are ready for calls, meetings, gaming, or streaming.

Switching Between Devices

AirPods don’t automatically switch between Apple and Windows devices.
To switch:

• Disconnect AirPods from one device
• Put them back in pairing mode
• Connect on the other device

If switching from iPhone to PC:

Settings → Bluetooth → Tap AirPods → Disconnect

Then pair again on the PC.

Troubleshooting: AirPods Not Connecting?

If your AirPods won’t connect, here’s how to fix it.

1. Forget AirPods and Pair Again

• Go to Bluetooth & devices → Remove AirPods
• Put them into pairing mode again
• Add as a new device

2. Reset Your AirPods

1. Put AirPods in case, open lid
2. Press and hold back button for ~15 seconds
3. Light turns amber → white
4. Pair again

3. Update Windows Bluetooth Drivers

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand Bluetooth
3. Right-click your adapter
4. Select Update driver

4. Use the Correct Audio Profile

Windows uses two modes:

• Stereo → High-quality sound (no microphone)
• Hands-Free → Lower-quality sound (microphone enabled)

To use stereo:

1. Go to Sound settings → More sound settings
2. Disable Hands-Free Telephony device
3. Enable Stereo output

5. Check Distance and Interference

Keep AirPods within 3–6 feet of your PC.

Can You Use AirPods for Gaming on Windows 11?

Yes — but with limitations.

Pros:

• Works for casual gaming
• Mic works in party chat and online calls

Cons:

• Bluetooth introduces slight audio delay
• Not ideal for competitive FPS games
• Quality drops when using both mic + audio

For low-latency gaming, consider:

• A USB Bluetooth 5.0 dongle
• Dedicated gaming headset

Final Thoughts

Connecting AirPods to a Windows 11 PC is simple, fast, and convenient. Even though you won’t get Apple-exclusive features, AirPods still offer excellent sound quality and reliable wireless performance on Windows. By following the steps above — enabling Bluetooth, pairing through Windows, and configuring audio settings — you can enjoy your AirPods on your computer in minutes.

Whether you’re joining online meetings, listening to music, or gaming casually, AirPods work great with Windows 11 once properly connected. Enjoy the wireless freedom!