I have been using AirPods for a while now, and even though they are made for Apple devices, I wanted to use them with my Windows 11 laptop too.
Honestly, I was not sure if they would work or not. So I tried connecting them to my laptop, and to my surprise, it turns out it is actually really easy.
They connect pretty well, just with Bluetooth, like any other wireless headphones.
So if you have got your AirPods and Windows 11 computer, and you’re wondering, just like me, how to connect the two, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve done it myself, and I will walk you through the steps, nice and simple, and in a way that you understand how to get them working smoothly.
What You Will Need
Alright, before we jump in, let’s make sure you have got everything you need. Don’t worry, it is just a short list.
- You will need your AirPods (any model works).
- A Windows 11 laptop or PC that has Bluetooth (most newer ones do, but it is good to double-check).
- And honestly, just a few minutes to walk through the setup.
How to Connect AirPods to Windows 11
So here is what you need to do next:
- Click on the Start menu (that little Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen).
- Go to Settings.
- Then click on Bluetooth and Devices.
- Now, just make sure Bluetooth is turned on. If it is off, switch it on.
Now, if you don’t see any Bluetooth settings at all, it might mean your computer does not have built-in Bluetooth. Don’t worry, you can still make it work. You just need to grab a small external Bluetooth adapter. (They are pretty cheap and plug right into a USB port.)
Put your AirPods in Pairing Mode
Okay, now let’s get your AirPods ready to connect. Here is what you need to do:
- First, put both AirPods back in the charging case.
- Then, open the lid, but don’t take the AirPods out yet.
- On the back of the case, you will see a small button. Press and hold it.
- Keep holding it until the light on the front starts flashing white.
That flashing white light means that your AirPods are now in pairing mode and ready to connect with your Windows computer.
Add AirPods to Your Windows PC
Once your AirPods are in pairing mode, here is what you need to do next on your computer:
- On your Windows 11 PC, go to the Bluetooth and Devices settings.
- Click ‘Add Device‘.
- A new window will pop up. Then choose ‘Bluetooth‘.
- Now, just wait a few seconds. Your AirPods should show up in the list. Sometimes they will simply say ‘AirPods,’ or they might mention the name you have given them.
- When you see them, click on them to Connect.
That’s it! Your PC will pair with them, and now you will be ready to listen.
Wait for Confirmation
Once you click on your AirPods to connect, your computer should say something like, “Your device is ready to go.”
From there:
- Just click Done.
- And now your AirPods are connected.
You can use them just like any other Bluetooth headphones. You can listen to music, attend Zoom calls, or watch YouTube videos. The sound will go straight to your AirPods.
How to Reconnect AirPods Later
Now that you have connected your AirPods to your Windows 11 laptop for the first time, Windows will usually remember them, which makes reconnecting them super easy.
Next time, you want to use them:
- Just open the case near your computer (you don’t even have to take the AirPods out yet).
- Go to Settings.
- Find Bluetooth and Devices, and click on it.
- Find your AirPods in the list.
- Then click on Connect.
If they don’t connect right away, no worries. Just pop them back into pairing mode, more like we did earlier, and try to reconnect. It happens sometimes, but it is a quick fix.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having trouble connecting them or something is not working? No worries. Here are a few quick things. I always check when my AirPods act up with Windows.
- Make sure your AirPods are charged: this sounds obvious, but it is really easy to miss.
- Bluetooth off and back on, on your PC: I have found that sometimes, a quick reset does the trick.
- Remove and re-pair the AirPods:
- Go to your Bluetooth settings
- Click the three dots next to your AirPods
- Hit remove
- Then just put your AirPods back in pairing mode and connect again like before.
It’s usually one of these simple steps that mostly solves the problem.
Wrap Up
And that’s it! Honestly, once you have done it, connecting your AirPods to a Windows 11 PC is super easy. I remember the first time I tried it, and I thought it would be a hassle since they are Apple, but no, with just a few quick steps, I was good to go.
Now I use them all the time for work calls, music, and even Netflix. And the best part? They reconnect automatically after the first setup. So if you ever wondered, if it’s possible, yep, it totally is.
