How to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop

The AirPods are the perfect companion to any iOS device, but you don’t have to limit them to one operating system. If you prefer an iPhone but you also use Windows, it takes just seconds to connect your earbuds to both platforms. Here are the steps you need to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop.

See also: How to connect Apple AirPods to an Android phone

If you have a MacBook or an iMac, we have a different guide to help you get connected. Otherwise, let’s get to it.

How to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop

Unfortunately, Windows laptops can’t make full use of the Apple H1 or W1 chips. That means we’ll have an extra step or two to jump through on the road to audio bliss. Luckily, it should still only take a minute whether you have the AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. Follow these steps once you’re ready:

1. Open the Settings app on your PC.
2. Choose the Devices section from the main menu.
3. At the top of the Bluetooth & other devices menu, make sure to toggle Bluetooth to On.
4. Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
5. Select Bluetooth from the Add a device menu.
6. Open your AirPods and press the round button on the charging case.
7. Wait for the AirPods to appear on your list of available devices.
8. Click on them and wait for a pairing notification.

Now you should have one freshly paired set of AirPods. You can test the playback to make sure that the volume sounds just right. If you’re hoping to make this a long-term partnership, let’s take you through how to reconnect your AirPods to a Windows laptop.

See also: From PCs to Macs and Chromebooks: The best laptops for students

Reconnecting to your laptop

The good news is that the first connection is the toughest, and that didn’t even take very long. If you need to connect your AirPods to your laptop again for a conference call or just to binge Netflix, it’s even faster. Head back to the Settings menu and open your list of devices. Now, follow these steps:

1. Find your AirPods under the list of paired audio devices.
2. Click on them and select Connect from the options menu.
3. Check your playback to make sure that they are connected.

There you go, one reliable pair of AirPods connected to your Windows laptop. Don’t forget, the process is just about identical for all three pairs of AirPods, so you should be able to take care of business in a hurry. Check out our AirPods reviews if you’re still shopping for an audio companion.

Apple AirPods (2019) review | Apple AirPods Pro review