How to Connect AirPods to Windows Laptop & PC (Photos)

Odi Productions Mar 29, 2024

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Holding Apple AirPods 2nd generation with Windows Laptop PC in background

In this article, I'm going to share how to connect AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max to any Windows Laptop or PC with photos!

These instructions apply to any Windows 10 or 11 operating system laptops or desktop PCs.

If you just received your AirPods and are excited to listen to music and videos with them, follow the simple instructions below to get them connected as soon as possible.

I've also included instructional photos to help you understand the steps even easier with a visual aid.

How to Connect AirPods or AirPods Pro to Windows Laptop or PC

Bluetooth pairing button on back of AirPods Pro charging case

Here's how to connect AirPods or AirPods Pro to any Windows 10 or 11 Laptop or PC:

Step 1: On your Windows Laptop or PC, click the magnifying glass on the bottom-left and search "bluetooth" > Click "Bluetooth and other devices settings". This is also accessible from "System settings".
Step 2: Click "Add Bluetooth or other device"
Step 3: Click "Bluetooth"
Step 4: Open your AirPods or AirPods Pro case while leaving them inside, then press down and hold the button on the back of the case for at least 5 seconds (see photo above)
Step 5: Now the LED light on the front or inside of the case should turn a blinking white, signaling that your AirPods are now in "Pairing Mode" (see photo below)
Step 6: On your Windows laptop or PC, you should see the AirPods in the list of discoverable devices to pair with. Simply click your AirPods and it should begin pairing.
Step 7: Once paired, click your AirPods from the "Audio" list on "Bluetooth & other devices", then click "Connect".

When AirPods or AirPods Pro 2 enters Bluetooth pairing mode, there will be a flashing white light on the charging case (or inside the case for some models)

AirPods Pro 2 in Bluetooth pairing mode with white light on charging case

How to Connect AirPods Max to iPhone, MacBook, or iPad (ALL Models)

AirPods Max laying flat on computer keyboard

Here's how to connect AirPods Max to any Windows 10 or 11 Laptop or PC:

Step 1: On your Windows Laptop or PC, click the magnifying glass on the bottom-left and search "bluetooth" > Click "Bluetooth and other devices settings". This is also accessible from "System settings".
Step 2: Click "Add Bluetooth or other device"
Step 3: Click "Bluetooth"
Step 4: Take the AirPods Max out of the Smart Case. Sometimes your device may automatically prompt you to connect, but if not, continue to the next step.
Step 5: Press and hold the noise control button (the oval button, not the circular digital crown) on the AirPods Max for at least 5 seconds until the LED light begins flashing white
Step 6: On your Windows laptop or PC, you should see the AirPods in the list of discoverable devices to pair with. Simply click your AirPods and it should begin pairing.
Step 7: Once paired, click your AirPods from the "Audio" list on "Bluetooth & other devices", then click "Connect".

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 2nd generation on keyboard of Windows 11 Laptop PC

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my AirPods not connecting to my Windows laptop or PC?

First, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on for your laptop, and that the AirPods are charged and have battery life. Next, put the AirPods into pairing mode by pressing the circle button on the back of the charging case for at least 10 seconds. Now, go to your "Bluetooth & other devices" from system settings > Audio > Scroll through the list and click your AirPods to connect.

How to reset and restore AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max back to factory settings?

Put AirPods back in its case and wait for 30 seconds. Open the lid, and hold the pairing button for at least 15 seconds until the status light flashes orange then white. Now the AirPods are restored to factory settings.

How to fix and troubleshoot AirPods pairing problems?

If your AirPods are having issues connecting, try placing them back in their case for a few seconds, then put them back on your ears. If it's still not connecting, you can go to System settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Click on your AirPods > "Forget this device" or "Unpair" > then repeat the pairing process. Lastly, you can try resetting them to factory settings by following the instructions above.