How to Pair AirPods or Bluetooth Headphones to a Windows 11 PC

Updated Sources linked 3 min read October 3, 2026 · by Ryan Bennett

You want to connect AirPods or another pair of Bluetooth headphones to a Windows 11 laptop or desktop and have them pair reliably.

Why: AirPods work with any Bluetooth PC, but Windows only finds them while they’re actively in pairing mode — and you have to select them as the output for sound to play. These steps go in order.

Fix 1: Turn on Bluetooth and put the headphones in pairing mode

Windows can only discover headphones that are actively broadcasting, so pairing mode has to come first.

On the PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is switched On.
Put the headphones in pairing mode using the instructions for their exact model.
Keep the headphones nearby while pairing.

AirPods 1, 2 or 3; AirPods Pro 1 or 2: put both earbuds in the case, open the lid, then hold the rear setup button for about five seconds until the light flashes white.
AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3: with the earbuds in the open case, double-tap the front of the case until the light flashes white.
AirPods Max: hold the listening mode button for about five seconds until the light flashes white.
For another headset, follow its model-specific pairing instructions.

Fix 2: Add the device in Settings

With the headphones broadcasting, Windows can scan for and connect them.

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then Add device.
Choose Bluetooth in the “Add a device” window.
Select your headphones (e.g. “AirPods Pro”) when they appear in the list, then follow any prompts and select Done.

Fix 3: Set the headphones as the audio output

Pairing alone doesn’t move sound to them — you have to pick them as the output.

Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
Under Output, select your headphones (Windows 11 normally uses one unified Bluetooth Classic output and switches audio profiles automatically).
Play a test sound; raise the volume slider and unmute if needed.

Fix 4: If they won’t appear, reset and re-pair

A stale pairing or a connection to another device is the usual reason headphones don’t show up.

Make sure the headphones aren’t connected to a nearby phone or tablet — disconnect or power off that device.
Re-enter pairing mode (Fix 1). For AirPods, use the pairing gesture for your model in Fix 1 until the light flashes white again.
If they were paired before, select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, choose More options > Remove device on the old entry, then add them fresh.

FAQ

Do AirPods work fully on Windows? Yes for audio and microphone, but Apple-only features (automatic ear detection, Siri, seamless device switching) aren’t supported on Windows.

They pair but there’s no sound. Set them as the output device in Sound settings (Fix 3). Windows 11 normally has a unified output rather than separate Stereo and Hands-Free choices.

The mic sounds bad on calls. Classic Bluetooth headsets use a lower-quality hands-free profile during microphone or communications audio. Close the microphone session or choose a separate microphone to allow higher-quality music playback to resume. LE Audio behavior depends on compatible hardware and Windows capabilities.

Sources: Apple — Pair AirPods with a non-Apple device, Microsoft Learn — Bluetooth Classic audio, Microsoft Support — Pair a Bluetooth device