Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

How to Connect AirPods to a PC

by Suzanne Kantra on February 16, 2021

While Apple’s AirPods are designed to work out of the box with other Apple devices, they’re also very easy to pair with your Windows PC. You just need to take the usual Bluetooth pairing steps to complete the process.

1. Put your Windows PC into Bluetooth pairing mode

To put your Windows PC into Bluetooth pairing mode:

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other devices.
  2. Select “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
  3. Choose Bluetooth

2. Put your AirPods into Bluetooth pairing mode

To put your AirPods into Bluetooth pairing mode:

  1. Make sure your AirPods are in their case.
  2. Open the AirPods case. If this is the first time pairing a device to your AirPods, you should see a flashing white light. If you don’t see a flashing white light, press and hold the Setup button, a small circular button on the back of the AirPods case, until you see a flashing white light appear.
    AirPods Setup button
  3. You should now see the AirPods appear in the list of available devices to pair. If you have paired your AirPods to an Apple device before, you’ll see the name of your AirPods.
  4. Select your AirPods.
  5. You will see “Connecting” and then the message “Your device is ready to go!”

Now your AirPods are connected to your Windows PC. When you next open your AirPods case, your AirPods will automatically connect to your Windows PC.

Choosing the right headphone setting for music or video conferencing

Windows audio settings

There are two settings for AirPods audio on your Windows PC. Tap the audio icon in the lower right of your taskbar. You’ll see two choices for your AirPods: “Stereo” and “Hands-Free AG Audio.” If you plan on listening to music, choose the “Stereo” setting for your headphones. “Stereo” will deliver full, rich sound but no access to your microphone. If you’re using your AirPods for Zoom and other video conferencing apps, select “Hands-Free AG Audio.” Not only does “Hands-Free AG Audio” provide access to the AirPods’ mic, but the setting also does a better job making voices sound crisp and clear.  However, “Hands-Free AG Audio” doesn’t do a good job playing music – it sounds flat and tinny. So make sure you’re using the correct audio setting for your AirPods.

[Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious]

For the past 20+ years, Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Ten years ago, she founded Techlicious, which serves the role of that tech-savvy friend you can count on to share tips and tricks to get the most out of technology; whether that’s saving time in our hectic schedules, discovering new ways to enjoy our personal interests, or keeping up with the latest technology trends and styles. Before that, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, where she hosted the radio show “Living with Technology." Previously, she served as Technology Editor for Popular Science Magazine. She has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.


Topics

Tips & How-Tos, Computers and Software, Computers & Accessories, Phones and Mobile, Headphones


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.