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Fix AirPods & AirPods Pro Not Connecting to Windows 11
Make sure you connect them properly to the PC
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 28, 2024
updated onOctober 28, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
Several users have reported that their AirPods are not working in Windows 11. If there are problems with the connection, or an outdated driver is installed, you might encounter issues with it.
Apart from that, running an older version of the OS is just as likely to cause the error. Many a time, it’s the selection of the audio output device that can lead to issues with AirPods in Windows 11.
What can I do if the AirPods are not working in Windows 11?
1. Reconnect the AirPods
2. Set AirPods as default device
If you have the AirPods connected in Windows 11 but there’s no sound, it could be likely that the playback device selection is misconfigured. Setting your AirPods as the default device should fix the issue.
3. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
Whenever facing a problem in Windows, it’s recommended that you look for a built-in troubleshooter. Microsoft offers several of these to diagnose and eliminate problems with the system and connected devices.
4. Update Bluetooth drivers
Drivers are extremely critical for the effective functioning of any device since these are primarily responsible for the relay of commands between the OS and the hardware. Also, it’s imperative that you have the latest version of it installed.
Now, the Device Manager method listed above only scans for the driver versions available on the computer, and in case you haven’t downloaded one previously, the chances of it being updated are bleak.
In this case, you cansearch for the latest version in Windows Update or manually download the setup from the manufacturer’s website and install it.
Several users find the process of updating drivers monotonous and tricky, and that’s where third-party apps come to your rescue.
We recommend usingPC HelpSoft Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that scans all available sources for updates and keeps the installed drivers up-to-date. After updating the Bluetooth driver, check if the AirPods are now working in Windows 11.
⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
5. Update Windows 11
Running an older version of Windows 11 is just as likely to affect the working of AirPods. With each update, Microsoft releases patches for bugs along with various features and performance enhancements. And that’s why we recommend keeping the OS updated.
6. Verify if the Bluetooth Support Service is running
7. Disable Wireless iAP service
The Wireless iAP service makes it possible for you to use voice commands in Windows using AirDods, however, it is also known to affect its functioning.
Therefore, if none of the fixes listed above work, disable the service and your AirPods would now be working just fine in Windows 11.
Do AirPods work better in Windows 11?
Yes, Microsoft has been working on the wideband speech feature to enhance the AirPods experience, and it’s finally released for users. The feature works for all available models of AirPods and has gotten users all enthusiastic.
Wideband speech offers a much wider frequency range when it comes to audio output, thus enhancing the sound quality. If you have a pair of AirPods and a Windows PC, you are in for a treat.
At the time of writing this article, the feature was still in the Dev channel, and we expect it to be released in the coming months for all users. Make sure to keep checking for updates and not miss out.
Here are some other AirPods issues encountered by users:
These are all the ways you can eliminate issues preventing your AirPods from working in Windows 11, along with the other relevant information that might come in handy during the troubleshooting process.
If themicrophone is not working in your AirPods, check this article to find out the fixes for it. Also,learn how to resolve problems with Bluetooth in Windows 11.
Tell us which fix worked and your experience of AirPods in Windows 11 thus far, in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Headphones issues,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
