AirPods are extremely well thought out to pair with Apple products. And for the rest ? The true wireless headphones remain compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the connection is not as simple and “magical” as usual. Follow the leader !
With its AirPods, Apple revolutionized the market for Bluetooth headphones and propelled the category of wireless headphones. Designed to be part of the Apple ecosystem, they connect almost automatically to iPhones, iPads and other Macs.
However, you can just as well use AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods Pro or AirPods 3 with a PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11. Apple has in fact provided a more classic connection system for all third-party devices. A system similar to most lambda Bluetooth headphones and headsets.
How to connect your AirPods to Windows 10
To connect your AirPods to your PC, make sure your headphones are charged and in their box. On Windows 10, open the Settings and the menu Peripheral devices.
In the tab Bluetooth device and othersclick on Add a Bluetooth device, then on Bluetooth to start connecting your AirPods to your PC.
Now take the box of your AirPods, open it and press the small button on the back for a few seconds until the indicator light flashes white.
On Windows, your AirPods should appear in the list of Bluetooth devices to connect. Select them and click Connect.
There you go, your AirPods are added to your PC. A manipulation after all similar to the connection with any other classic Bluetooth device since in the end, the AirPods remain Bluetooth headphones optimized for Apple.
They can therefore connect to any compatible device such as an Android smartphone or tablet!
How to connect your AirPods to Windows 11
On Windows 11, the procedure is quite similar to that of Windows 10. First remember to charge the headphones in their case, then, on your Windows 11 PC, go to the Settings. On the left column, you will have access to a menu “Bluetooth and Devices”. Click on it.
Once in the Bluetooth and device menu, you can click on the large button “+ Add device”. A small window will then appear asking you what type of device you want to add. Select the first option: “Bluetooth, mice, keyboards, pens, audio devices, controllers, etc. ».
Your Windows 11 PC will then search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Now is the time to make your AirPods discoverable to your computer. The procedure is the same as on Windows 10, you just need to open the lid of the case — with the earphones inside — thenpress the pairing button for a few seconds on the back of the case until the indicator light on the front flashes white.
On your Windows 11 PC, the list of nearby Bluetooth devices should refresh and the name of your AirPods will then appear. All you have to do is click on it and your Windows PC can use the AirPods as wireless headphones.
You’ll also see the AirPods show up right in the Windows 11 Settings Bluetooth & Devices menu, even if they’re not connected. A good way to force login quickly if you want.
Can AirPods be connected to any Windows PC?
AirPods, like the vast majority of wireless headphones, are Bluetooth headphones. In order to connect to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, it must have a Bluetooth-enabled network card.
Rest assured, this is the case with the vast majority of laptops. On the other hand, not all fixed PCs are necessarily compatible with Bluetooth. If your desktop PC has a motherboard that supports Wi-Fi, then chances are it supports Bluetooth as well. The same is true if you have added a network card to your configuration. On the other hand, if you don’t have a Wi-Fi network card or a Wi-Fi-enabled motherboard, chances are you won’t be able to connect AirPods to your PC. The simplest way is then to go through a dongle Bluetooth to connect to one of your computer’s USB ports.
AirPods on Windows, a good solution?
When not connected to an Apple device, the headphones lose some functions such as association with Siri or those related to the various sensors. You keep the very “neutral” sound quality of the AirPods, their comfort and their fit in the ear in a compact format that is very easy to carry. AirPods Pro’s active noise reduction also works smoothly on Windows.
We do not necessarily advise you to fall for AirPods to use them only on your PC, but if you have an iPhone and you have to use them on Windows, it is obviously an interesting solution.
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