Think AirPods only work with Apple devices? Think again. I also assumed that they would only work smoothly with Apple devices. But to my surprise, they appear just as easy with my Windows 10 laptop, and I’ve been using them that way ever since.
So, you don’t need a Mac to enjoy the wireless convenience they offer.
In this guide, I will walk you through how to connect your AirPods to a Windows 10 computer, based on my own experience. I will also cover how to fix some common issues and what features you can expect to work (and what might be missing). Even if you are not tech-savvy, don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds.
What You Will Need
Before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. You don’t need much, just a few basics:
- First, you will need a pair of AirPods.
- You will also need a Windows 10 laptop or PC that has Bluetooth
- Don’t forget the charging case for your AirPods; you will need it to put them into pairing mode.
- And if your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth built in, no worries. You can grab a USB Bluetooth adapter online, and that will do the trick.
Once you have got all that, you are good to go. Let’s get them connected.
How to Check if Your PC Has Bluetooth
Not sure if your computer has Bluetooth? No problem, here’s how you can check:
- Open the Start menu and head to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- If you see a Bluetooth toggle there, you are all set. Your PC has Bluetooth.
- Or you can open the Device Manager and look for ‘Bluetooth’ in the list.
Don’t see it? No worries. You can grab a small USB Bluetooth adapter online. They are cheap, super easy to plug in, and they work great.
How to Connect AirPods to Windows 10
Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth
- Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices
- Toggle Bluetooth to on
Step 2: Put Your AirPods in Pairing Mode
- Place both AirPods in the charging case
- Open the lid
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED light flashes white (if using AirPods Max, press and hold the digital crown + noise control button for 15 seconds until the LED flashes white)
Step 3: Add AirPods to Windows Bluetooth settings
- On your PC, click on Bluetooth or other devices
- Choose Bluetooth
- Select your AirPods from the list, wait a few seconds for the connection to complete
Step 4: Set AirPods as Default Output Device
- Go to Settings > System > Sound
- Under Output, choose AirPods from the dropdown
Windows may switch your AirPods to ‘hands-free’ mode when using the Mic, which lowers sound quality. If audio sounds bad during calls, consider using a separate microphone for better results.
How to Reconnect Your AirPods Later
Once your AirPods are paired, reconnecting them is simple:
- Open Bluetooth settings.
- Click on your AirPods.
- Hit Connect.
That’s it! They should work again!
How to Remove or Disconnect Your AirPods
If you want to unpair your AirPods:
- Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices
- Find your AirPods in the list
- Click Remove Device
This is useful if you are switching to another device or troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having trouble getting your AirPods to show up?
Don’t worry, it happens. Try this:
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on again.
- Restart your PC. It sounds simple, but it works more often than you think.
- If this also doesn’t help, reset your AirPods, just hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes amber, then white.
Audio keeps getting cut?
That can be super annoying. Try these tips:
- Make sure you are sitting close to your computer.
- Stay away from the things that cause interference, like routers, USB 3.0 ports, or other wireless gadgets.
Mic not working right, or sound quality just sounds off?
That is a common one on Windows. It’s because of the Bluetooth ‘hands-free’ profile Windows uses when the Mic is active.
- For better audio, try using your AirPods just for listening and use a separate mic if you are on a call or recording. That actually does that trick.
What Works and What Doesn’t on Windows
| Feature | Works on Windows? |
|---|---|
| Audio Playback | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (limited) |
| Volume Control | Yes |
| Siri or Voice Assistant | No |
| Automatic Device Switching | No |
| Spatial Audio | No |
| Noise Cancellation Toggle | No |
While AirPods are fully functional for basic use, some Apple-specific features don’t work on Windows.
Alternative: Use a Bluetooth Adapter for Better Connection
If your built-in Bluetooth has been a bit unreliable, like dropping connections or acting glitchy, it might be worth picking up a USB Bluetooth adapter. Just make sure to get one that supports modern Bluetooth codecs.
Now, to be clear, AirPods won’t take advantage of every advanced feature out there (they are still tuned mostly for Apple devices), but a good adapter can definitely give you a more stable connection and better range. It made a noticeable difference for me.
Wrap Up
Who knew pairing AirPods with a Windows 10 PC could be this easy, right? No secret handshakes, no magic spells, just a few clicks and you are in wireless audio heaven.
You can binge-watch, work like a boss, or pretend to listen during Zoom calls (we have all been there); your AirPods will be more than ready to tag along, even without a shiny Apple logo nearby.
So now that you have got the know-how, go ahead, connect those little earbuds and set your ears free. Your Windows PC just got a whole lot cooler.
