Can you connect airpods to a microsoft computer

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And what to do if they won't connect

What to Know

  • Open Settings and select Devices > Add Bluetooth & other devices > Bluetooth.
  • Open the AirPods case and then select its name from the list of devices on your Surface.
  • Press the sync button on the AirPods case until the sync process is complete.

This article will walk you through the steps for how to connect your Apple AirPods to your Microsoft Surface and what to do when they aren’t detected or don’t pair correctly.

These instructions apply to all Microsoft Surface models from the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro to the Surface Studio. 

How to Pair Apple AirPods to a Microsoft Surface

Here’s what you need to do to make the initial pairing between your Surface and AirPods.

  1. Open the Windows 10 Action Center on your Surface.

    You can do this by swiping in from the right side of the screen or by selecting its icon in the Windows 10 taskbar.

  2. Check that Bluetooth is turned on. If Bluetooth’s turned off, select its icon from the Action Center, so it’s highlighted.

  3. Select All settings.

  4. Select Devices.

  5. Select Add Bluetooth & other device.

  6. Select Bluetooth.

  7. Open the AirPods’ case (keep the AirPods inside). Firmly press the button on the back of the AirPods’ case until the light on its front begins to flash. Doing this will make them discoverable by your Surface.

  8. Select your AirPods from the list of Bluetooth devices.

    If you've previously given your AirPods a custom name, that name should appear on this list.

  9. Select Done.

Why Won't My AirPods Connect to My Surface Pro?

There are several potential reasons your Apple AirPods aren’t connecting to your Surface Pro or other Surface devices properly.

  • Bluetooth is disabled on your Surface. Turn Bluetooth back on via the Windows 10 Action Center.
  • You connected the AirPods to something else. Apple AirPods often stay connected to the first synced device they detect when activated. Remove them from the other device or turn that device’s Bluetooth off to disconnect them.
  • You connected your Surface to something else. Your Surface Pro might already be streaming audio to a speaker or pair of headphones. Disconnect that other device or turn it off. 
  • The batteries may be flat. Make sure to charge your AirPods daily, so they have plenty of battery life, and place them back in their case so they don’t accidentally turn on and use all their power when not in use.
  • Your Surface isn’t seeing your AirPods. To fix this, place your AirPods in their case, close the lid, and then open it again.
  • Windows 10 is glitching. Restart your Surface and run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. Go to All Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters to fix any potential Bluetooth problems. If that doesn’t work, there are some additional Windows 10 Bluetooth tips worth trying.
  • Your AirPods could be fake. The chances of this happening are slim if you bought your AirPods from an Apple Store, but if you got them from a reseller, your AirPods could be fake or damaged.

FAQ

  • How would I connect AirPods to my Surface Pro 6?

    Connecting AirPods to a Surface Pro 6 involves the same steps as connecting AirPods to all other Surface models. Open Settings and select Devices > Add Bluetooth & other devices > Bluetooth. Open the AirPods case, and then select its name from the list. Press the sync button on the AirPods case until the sync process is complete. This article explains the process in detail.

  • Can I connect my AirPods to a Windows tablet?

    Yes. The process is the same as connecting a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Open your AirPods charging case, press and hold the pairing button, launch Bluetooth on your device, select your AirPods, and then confirm the pairing. Learn more about pairing and connecting AirPods to a Windows 10 PC.

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Use Bluetooth to pair Apple's wireless headphones

What to Know

  • In the Action Center, select All settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and follow instructions to add your Airpods.
  • Once the pairing process begins, press the circle on the charging case until the process completes.

This article explains how to use Bluetooth to connect AirPods to a non-Apple computer plus explains what to do if syncing isn't working.

How to Pair Your AirPods to Windows 10 Computers

Instructions in this article apply to all Apple AirPods and Windows PCs with wireless capabilities. You can also pair AirPods with Surface devices. The method for connecting Apple AirPods is the same process as adding any other Bluetooth speaker or headphones to a Windows computer:

  1. Select the Action Center icon in the bottom-right corner of the Windows taskbar to open Windows Action Center.

  2. Select All settings in the Windows Action Center.

    While you have the Action Center open, check to make sure Bluetooth is enabled. The Bluetooth tile should be highlighted; if it’s not, select the tile to turn it on.

  3. Select Devices in the Windows Settings.

  4. Select the Bluetooth & other devices tab on the left side, then select Add Bluetooth or other devices.

  5. Select Bluetooth in the Add a device window.

  6. Your Apple AirPods should appear on the list as AirPods. Select AirPods to begin the pairing process.

    If your AirPods aren’t showing up, open the lid of their charging case.

  7. Press the circle button on the rear of the Apple AirPod charging case while having the lid open. The charging case’s light should change from green to white.

    Continue firmly pressing the sync button until the pairing is complete. If you encounter an error message, press the sync button on the charging case before you select the AirPods on the Bluetooth device list.

     Apple
  8. If paired correctly, you should see a "Your device is ready to go!" message. Select Done to close the message.

How Can AirPods Connect to a Windows PC?

Apple AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to any computer, from laptops and traditional desktop computers running modern Windows 10. Once connected, you can use AirPods to listen to audio, input audio via their built-in mic, and control audio volume or pause sound via tap controls.

How to Fix Windows 10 Apple AirPod Sync Problems

If your Apple AirPods stop working on your Windows PC, try these fixes:

  • Disable Bluetooth on other devices. If you’ve paired your AirPods with your iPhone, it could interfere with the connection to your PC, so try temporarily turning off Bluetooth on other devices.
  • Open the charging case lid. Apple AirPods connect to devices when the charging case’s cover is open and its light turns green. Try opening it for a few seconds before removing the AirPods and putting them in your ears.

If you're still having problems, follow these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Open an app such as Spotify on your Windows 10 PC and begin playing some music.

  2. Place your Apple AirPods back in their charging case and close the lid, then wait a few seconds.

    Seremin / Getty Images 
  3. Open the Action Center and select All settings.

  4. Select Devices in the Windows Settings.

  5. Make sure your AirPods are on the list of paired devices.

  6. Open the charging case’s lid, remove the AirPods, and place them in each ear.

     John Edelson / Getty Images
  7. Select AirPods in the device list, then select Connect. The AirPods should connect, and the audio should being playing through them.

    If your Apple AirPods still won't play sound, open All settings > Devices, then select Remove Device under AirPods and repeat the pairing process.

FAQ

  • How do I connect AirPods to a Mac?

    To connect your AirPods to a Mac computer, select your Mac’s Apple menu and open System Preferences. Select Bluetooth > Turn Bluetooth On. Place your AirPods in their case, open the lid, and tap the button on the AirPods case until the status light blinks. Select Connect.

  • How do I connect AirPods to a laptop?

    For a Windows laptop, select Quick Settings, right-click Bluetooth, and select Go to Settings > Add Device. Open the AirPods case, press the button on the case until it flashes, select Bluetooth, and choose your laptop. On a Mac laptop, select System Preferences > Bluetooth. Open the AirPods case > Connect.

  • How do I connect AirPods to an Android?

    To connect AirPods to an Android device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is on. With the AirPods inside, open the charging case and press and hold the button on the case until it flashes. From the Android device, tap the AirPods from the available Bluetooth devices list.

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Do AirPods work with Microsoft computers?

Apple's AirPods are perhaps best paired with iOS devices, or at least other Apple computers. However, because they use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to tech gear, they work well with Windows PCs, Android phones, and other mobile devices, too.

Why can't I connect my AirPods to my Windows computer?

Re-Pair the AirPods With Your Windows PC If there's a minor Bluetooth glitch causing your AirPods not to connect to your PC, try unpairing your AirPods from your PC and then re-pairing them. This should fix most connection-related issues with your devices.

How do I connect my AirPods to Windows laptop?

How to connect AirPods to a Windows PC.
Find Bluetooth settings in general settings or the taskbar. ... .
Select Bluetooth to add a new device to pair. ... .
Press the white button on the back of the AirPods case to signal Bluetooth pairing. ... .
Wait until the green light turns white..