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How to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop
July 30, 2025
The AirPods are the perfect companion to any iOS device, but you don’t have to limit them to one operating system. If you prefer an iPhone but you also use Windows, it takes just seconds to connect your earbuds to both platforms. Here are the steps you need to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop.
See also:How to connect Apple AirPods to an Android phone

If you have a MacBook or an iMac, we have adifferent guideto help you get connected. Otherwise, let’s get to it.
Unfortunately, Windows laptops can’t make full use of the Apple H1 or W1 chips. That means we’ll have an extra step or two to jump through on the road to audio bliss. Luckily, it should still only take a minute whether you have theAirPods, AirPods Pro, orAirPods Max. Follow these steps once you’re ready:

Now you should have one freshly paired set of AirPods. You can test the playback to make sure that the volume sounds just right. If you’re hoping to make this a long-term partnership, let’s take you through how to reconnect your AirPods to a Windows laptop.
See also:From PCs to Macs and Chromebooks: The best laptops for students
Reconnecting to your laptop
The good news is that the first connection is the toughest, and that didn’t even take very long. If you need to connect your AirPods to your laptop again for a conference call or just to binge Netflix, it’s even faster. Head back to the Settings menu and open your list of devices. Now, follow these steps:
There you go, one reliable pair of AirPods connected to yourWindows laptop. Don’t forget, the process is just about identical for all three pairs of AirPods, so you should be able to take care of business in a hurry. Check out our AirPods reviews if you’re still shopping for an audio companion.
Apple AirPods (2019) review|Apple AirPods Pro review
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