Apple AirPods Pro are among the most popular wireless earbuds available today, offering excellent sound quality, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, and seamless connectivity with Apple devices. However, many users don’t realize that AirPods Pro can also be paired with Windows 11 computers using Bluetooth. While some Apple-exclusive features aren’t available on Windows, you can still enjoy wireless audio for music, videos, online meetings, and voice calls.
Connecting AirPods Pro to Windows 11 is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Once paired, the earbuds will automatically reconnect whenever Bluetooth is enabled and the AirPods are nearby. Whether you’re using AirPods Pro (1st generation) or AirPods Pro (2nd generation), Windows 11 recognizes them as standard Bluetooth audio devices.
In this guide, you’ll learn several ways to connect AirPods Pro to Windows 11, troubleshoot common pairing problems, reconnect previously paired earbuds, and optimize your audio settings for the best listening experience.
Can You Use AirPods Pro with Windows 11?
Yes. AirPods Pro are fully compatible with Windows 11 through Bluetooth.
After pairing, you can:
- Listen to music.
- Watch videos.
- Join Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings.
- Make voice calls.
- Use the built-in microphone.
- Play games with wireless audio.
However, certain Apple-exclusive features such as automatic device switching, “Hey Siri,” and battery status within Windows are not supported natively.
Before You Start
Before pairing your AirPods Pro, make sure:
- Bluetooth is enabled on your Windows 11 PC.
- The AirPods Pro are charged.
- The charging case has sufficient battery.
- The earbuds are inside the charging case.
- The lid of the case remains open during pairing.
- The AirPods are not actively connected to another nearby device.
These steps help ensure a smooth pairing process.
Method 1: Connect AirPods Pro Using Windows Settings
This is the easiest method for most users.
Place both AirPods inside the charging case.
Open the case lid.
Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes white.
On your Windows 11 PC, press Windows + I to open Settings.
Select Bluetooth & devices.
Turn on Bluetooth if it isn’t already enabled.
Click Add device.
Choose Bluetooth.
Wait for AirPods Pro to appear in the list.
Select the earbuds.
Click Done once pairing is complete.
Your AirPods Pro are now connected to Windows 11.
Method 2: Connect Using Quick Settings
Windows 11 also allows Bluetooth pairing through Quick Settings.
Click the Network, Volume, or Battery icon on the taskbar.
Enable Bluetooth.
Click the arrow beside Bluetooth.
Select More Bluetooth settings if available.
Choose Add device.
Put your AirPods Pro into pairing mode.
Select AirPods Pro when they appear.
Finish the pairing process.
This method provides faster access to Bluetooth settings.
Method 3: Reconnect Previously Paired AirPods Pro
Once paired, reconnecting is much easier.
Open the AirPods charging case.
Enable Bluetooth on your PC.
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Locate AirPods Pro.
Click Connect if necessary.
In most cases, Windows reconnects automatically when the AirPods are nearby.
Method 4: Set AirPods Pro as the Default Audio Device
Sometimes Windows continues using your laptop speakers after pairing.
To switch audio output:
Right-click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
Choose Sound settings.
Under Output, select AirPods Pro.
Audio immediately switches to your earbuds.
You can also change the default communication device if you plan to use the AirPods microphone during video calls.
Method 5: Select AirPods Pro as the Default Microphone
If you’re using Zoom, Discord, Microsoft Teams, or another communication app, set the AirPods microphone as the input device.
Open Settings.
Go to System > Sound.
Under Input, choose AirPods Pro.
Speak into the microphone to verify that Windows detects your voice.
Most communication apps also allow you to choose the microphone directly within their settings.
Method 6: Disconnect AirPods Pro
If you want to stop using the AirPods temporarily without removing them from Windows:
Open Settings.
Select Bluetooth & devices.
Click AirPods Pro.
Choose Disconnect.
The AirPods remain paired and can reconnect later without repeating the setup process.
Method 7: Remove AirPods Pro from Windows 11
If you’re experiencing connection issues, removing and pairing the earbuds again often resolves the problem.
Open Settings.
Go to Bluetooth & devices.
Locate AirPods Pro.
Click the three-dot menu.
Choose Remove device.
Confirm the removal.
Repeat the pairing process to reconnect them.
Method 8: Fix AirPods Pro Not Connecting
If Windows can’t find or connect to your AirPods Pro, try these solutions:
- Turn Bluetooth off and back on.
- Restart your computer.
- Charge the AirPods.
- Place the earbuds back into the case.
- Hold the setup button until the LED flashes white.
- Move closer to the PC.
- Disconnect the AirPods from nearby Apple devices.
These steps resolve most pairing issues.
Method 9: Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated Bluetooth drivers may cause connection problems.
Right-click the Start button.
Open Device Manager.
Expand Bluetooth.
Right-click your Bluetooth adapter.
Choose Update driver.
Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
Restart your PC after updating.
Keeping Bluetooth drivers current improves compatibility with wireless devices.
Method 10: Improve Audio Quality
After connecting your AirPods Pro, you can improve the listening experience by adjusting Windows audio settings.
Open Settings > System > Sound.
Select AirPods Pro under the output device.
Adjust the volume level.
Disable unnecessary audio enhancements if they reduce sound quality.
Keep your Bluetooth drivers updated for the best performance.
Position yourself close to the computer to minimize wireless interference.
These adjustments can help reduce audio dropouts and improve overall playback quality.
AirPods Pro Features Available on Windows
Although Windows doesn’t support every Apple feature, many core functions still work.
Available features include:
- Stereo audio playback.
- Wireless Bluetooth connection.
- Built-in microphone.
- Volume adjustment.
- Voice and video calls.
- Automatic reconnection after pairing.
These features make AirPods Pro suitable for everyday Windows use.
Features Not Available on Windows
Some Apple-exclusive functions require an Apple device and are unavailable in Windows.
These include:
- Automatic switching between Apple devices.
- “Hey Siri.”
- Native battery level display.
- Personalized Spatial Audio settings.
- Seamless iCloud integration.
Despite these limitations, AirPods Pro still perform well as standard Bluetooth earbuds.
Conclusion
Connecting AirPods Pro to Windows 11 is a quick and straightforward process thanks to built-in Bluetooth support. Once paired, you can enjoy wireless audio for music, videos, games, online meetings, and voice calls without requiring additional software. Although some Apple-exclusive features aren’t available outside the Apple ecosystem, core functions such as stereo playback, microphone support, and automatic reconnection work reliably on Windows. By following the methods in this guide and keeping your Bluetooth drivers up to date, you can enjoy a smooth and dependable wireless listening experience with your AirPods Pro on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AirPods Pro connect to Windows 11?
Yes. AirPods Pro can connect to Windows 11 using Bluetooth and function like standard wireless earbuds.
Why won’t my AirPods Pro appear in Bluetooth devices?
Ensure the AirPods are inside the charging case, open the lid, and hold the setup button until the LED flashes white to enter pairing mode.
Can I use the AirPods Pro microphone on Windows?
Yes. Windows 11 supports the built-in microphone for video calls, voice chats, and online meetings.
Does Active Noise Cancellation work on Windows?
Yes. If your AirPods Pro support Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode, you can switch between these modes using the earbuds’ stem controls, even while connected to a Windows 11 PC.
