How to Pair AirPods with a Windows Laptop

Connect your AirPods to a Windows laptop using Bluetooth. Step-by-step pairing instructions for all AirPods models.

1. Verify your Windows laptop has Bluetooth enabled. Select the Windows Start menu and type "Bluetooth settings" into the search box. Open the Bluetooth & devices settings page. Confirm the Bluetooth toggle is switched On. If your laptop does not have built-in Bluetooth, you will need to purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter.
2. Place AirPods in pairing mode. Open the AirPods charging case lid. Press and hold the small button on the back of the case for approximately 15 seconds until the LED light on the case flashes white. This indicates the AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect to any device.
3. Open the Add device panel in Bluetooth settings. In the Bluetooth & devices settings page, locate the "Add device" button near the top of the window. Click it to open the device pairing dialog. The system will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
4. Select your AirPods from the device list. Wait for your AirPods to appear in the list of available devices. They will display with a name like "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro" followed by numbers. Click on the AirPods entry to initiate the pairing process.
5. Complete the pairing process. Windows will display a pairing confirmation screen. Click the "Done" or "Pair" button to finalize the connection. The AirPods LED will turn solid white, and the device will be added to your connected Bluetooth devices list.
6. Test audio playback through the AirPods. Return to Bluetooth & devices settings and confirm your AirPods appear in the "Your devices" section with a "Connected" status. Open the Volume mixer from the system taskbar and select your AirPods as the default output device. Play audio to verify sound is routed through the AirPods.
7. Close the AirPods charging case. Once pairing is complete and audio is confirmed, close the AirPods charging case. The AirPods will remain connected to your Windows laptop as long as Bluetooth is enabled and they are within range.