You love the seamless, wireless experience your AirPods provide with your iPhone, but what about when you need to use them with your Microsoft laptop for a video call or to listen to music while you work? The good news is that connecting your AirPods to a Windows computer is a straightforward process. While it might not be the one-tap magic of the Apple ecosystem, it only takes a minute to get set up and enjoy that cord-free freedom.
Getting Your Laptop Ready to Pair
Before you open the AirPods case, you’ll need to make sure your laptop’s Bluetooth is turned on. Click on the Start menu and open the Settings app. From there, navigate to Bluetooth & devices. Ensure the Bluetooth toggle is switched on. This tells your computer it’s ready to find new gadgets like your AirPods.
Putting Your AirPods in Pairing Mode
This is the most important step. With your AirPods in their charging case, open the lid. Now, look for the small, circular setup button on the back of the case. Press and hold this button until the status light on the front starts flashing white. That flashing light means your AirPods are now discoverable and waiting for your laptop to find them.
Connecting in Windows Settings
Head back to the Bluetooth & devices menu in your laptop’s Settings. Click on Add device and then select Bluetooth from the list of options. Your laptop will start scanning. After a moment, your AirPods should appear in the list of available devices—they’ll likely be named “AirPods” or something similar. Click on their name and then hit the Connect button. A confirmation message will let you know they’re successfully paired.
Making Sure the Sound Comes Through
Even after they’re connected, your laptop might not automatically switch the audio to your AirPods. To check, click on the speaker icon in your taskbar (usually in the bottom-right corner). In the volume slider that pops up, click the small arrow to see all available audio output devices. Select your AirPods from the list. You should now hear all your system sounds, music, and meeting audio through them.
And that’s all there is to it! Your AirPods are now ready to use with your Microsoft laptop. For the most part, they will automatically reconnect when you open the case near your laptop, making future use just as easy. Enjoy your wireless listening.
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