AirPods Pro are designed primarily for Apple devices, but you can also use them with a Windows 11 PC or laptop. Windows treats AirPods Pro like other Bluetooth headphones, so you can use them for listening to music, watching videos, joining meetings, and making voice calls.
The connection process is slightly different from connecting AirPods to an iPhone because Windows does not provide Apple’s automatic pairing experience. You need to put the AirPods Pro into pairing mode and then select them from the Bluetooth settings in Windows 11.
If your AirPods Pro do not appear immediately, there are also several simple things you can check, including Bluetooth settings, the charging case, existing connections, and the Windows Bluetooth driver.
Method 1: Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 11
Before pairing your AirPods Pro, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Windows 11 computer.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn on the Bluetooth switch.
- Keep the Settings window open.
You can also turn Bluetooth on from Quick Settings.
- Press Windows + A.
- Find the Bluetooth button.
- Turn Bluetooth on if it is disabled.
If your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, you may need a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter.
Method 2: Put AirPods Pro Into Pairing Mode
Your AirPods Pro must be discoverable before Windows can connect to them.
- Place both AirPods Pro inside the charging case.
- Keep the lid open.
- Locate the setup button on the back of the case.
- Press and hold the setup button.
- Continue holding it until the status light begins flashing white.
The flashing white light indicates that the AirPods Pro are ready to pair with a Bluetooth device.
Keep the case close to the Windows 11 computer while performing the pairing process.
If the AirPods are already connected to another nearby device, they may not immediately appear on your Windows computer. Disconnecting them from that device can help.
Method 3: Pair AirPods Pro With Windows 11
Once the AirPods Pro are in pairing mode, you can connect them through Windows 11.
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Select Add device.
- Choose Bluetooth.
- Wait for Windows to search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Select your AirPods Pro when they appear.
- Wait for Windows to complete the connection.
Windows should display a message indicating that the AirPods Pro have been connected.
You can now close the charging case and remove the AirPods.
If Windows displays the AirPods Pro but does not connect, place them back into pairing mode and try again.
Method 4: Select AirPods Pro as the Audio Output
After pairing, Windows may not automatically switch all audio to your AirPods Pro.
You can manually select them as the output device.
- Click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
- Select the audio output selector.
- Find your AirPods Pro.
- Select them as the output device.
You can also change the output device through Settings.
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Sound.
- Under the output section, select your AirPods Pro.
Windows should now send system audio through the AirPods.
If you are using an application that has its own audio settings, such as a video conferencing or media application, check that application’s output device as well.
Method 5: Use AirPods Pro for the Microphone
AirPods Pro can also be used as a microphone on Windows 11.
After connecting them:
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Sound.
- Find the Input section.
- Select your AirPods Pro as the input device.
You can speak into the AirPods and check the input level to confirm that Windows is receiving sound.
Keep in mind that Bluetooth audio behavior can change when the microphone is being used. Depending on the Bluetooth hardware, drivers, and Windows configuration, audio quality may differ between normal listening and microphone use.
For calls and meetings, select the AirPods Pro as both the microphone and speaker inside the application if necessary.
Method 6: Remove and Re-Pair AirPods Pro
If your AirPods Pro were previously connected but no longer work correctly, removing the Bluetooth device and pairing it again can solve the problem.
- Open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Find AirPods Pro in the device list.
- Select the three-dot menu beside the device.
- Choose Remove device.
- Confirm the removal.
Next, place the AirPods Pro into pairing mode again.
- Put both AirPods in the case.
- Open the lid.
- Press and hold the setup button.
- Wait for the white flashing light.
- Return to Bluetooth & devices.
- Select Add device > Bluetooth.
- Select AirPods Pro.
Windows will create a new Bluetooth connection.
This method is useful when Windows shows the AirPods as connected but no audio comes through them.
Method 7: Fix AirPods Pro When They Do Not Appear
If the AirPods Pro do not appear in the Windows Bluetooth device list, check the connection from both sides.
First, make sure the AirPods have sufficient battery power. Place them in the charging case for a while if necessary.
Next, make sure pairing mode is active. The case should be open and the status light should be flashing white after holding the setup button.
Also check that Bluetooth is enabled on Windows.
You can then restart Bluetooth:
- Open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn Bluetooth off.
- Wait several seconds.
- Turn Bluetooth back on.
- Put the AirPods Pro into pairing mode again.
- Select Add device.
Move the AirPods closer to the computer while pairing.
If another phone, tablet, or computer is already connected to the AirPods, temporarily disconnect Bluetooth on that device and try pairing again.
Method 8: Update or Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver
A Bluetooth driver problem can prevent Windows 11 from detecting or maintaining a connection with AirPods Pro.
You can check the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager.
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Find your Bluetooth adapter.
- Right-click the adapter.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows does not find a newer driver, check your computer manufacturer’s support software or website for the latest Bluetooth driver designed for your specific computer model.
You can also reinstall the Bluetooth adapter:
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Confirm the removal if prompted.
- Restart the computer.
Windows may reinstall the adapter automatically after restarting.
If it does not, install the appropriate Bluetooth driver from your computer manufacturer’s support package.
AirPods Pro Connected but No Sound
If Windows says the AirPods Pro are connected but you cannot hear anything, check the selected output device first.
Open Settings > System > Sound and select the AirPods Pro as the output device.
Also check the volume level and make sure the application you are using is not muted.
If the AirPods appear as connected but audio remains unavailable, remove the AirPods from Bluetooth settings and pair them again.
Restarting Windows can also clear a temporary Bluetooth or audio-service problem.
AirPods Pro Microphone Not Working
If the AirPods Pro work for listening but the microphone does not work, open Settings > System > Sound and check the input device.
Select the AirPods Pro as the microphone.
Also check microphone permissions:
- Open Settings.
- Select Privacy & security.
- Select Microphone.
- Make sure microphone access is enabled.
- Make sure the application you are using is allowed to access the microphone.
For applications such as meeting software, also check the application’s own audio settings.
Can You Use AirPods Pro Features on Windows 11?
Basic Bluetooth audio and microphone functions work with Windows 11, but the experience is not identical to using AirPods Pro with Apple devices.
Some Apple-specific features depend on Apple’s ecosystem and may not be available through a normal Windows Bluetooth connection.
The most important functions for Windows users are listening to audio and using the AirPods Pro microphone. Advanced Apple integration should not be expected from a standard Windows Bluetooth connection.
Conclusion
Connecting AirPods Pro to Windows 11 is straightforward once the earbuds are placed into Bluetooth pairing mode. Windows recognizes them as a standard Bluetooth audio device, allowing you to use them for music, videos, calls, meetings, and other audio tasks.
Start by enabling Bluetooth in Windows 11 and putting the AirPods Pro into pairing mode. Then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth and select the AirPods Pro from the available devices.
If the AirPods connect but do not produce sound, select them manually under Windows sound settings. For microphone problems, check the input device and Windows microphone permissions. If the AirPods do not appear at all, restart Bluetooth, remove existing pairings, check the charging case, and update the Bluetooth driver.
These steps should resolve most common AirPods Pro connection problems on a Windows 11 computer.
FAQs
1. Can AirPods Pro connect to Windows 11?
Yes. AirPods Pro can connect to Windows 11 through Bluetooth and can be used for audio playback and microphone functions.
2. Why are my AirPods Pro not showing up in Windows 11?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled, the AirPods are in pairing mode, the case has sufficient battery, and the AirPods are not actively connected to another nearby device.
3. Can I use AirPods Pro as a microphone on Windows 11?
Yes. After connecting them, open Settings > System > Sound and select the AirPods Pro as the input device.
4. How do I reconnect AirPods Pro to Windows 11?
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select your AirPods Pro from the saved devices, and choose Connect. If they do not connect, remove the device and pair the AirPods again.
Quick Summary
- Turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11.
- Put AirPods Pro into pairing mode by holding the case setup button.
- Select Add device > Bluetooth and choose AirPods Pro.
- If connection problems continue, remove the device, restart Bluetooth, or update the Bluetooth driver.