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AirPods Won’t Connect to PC: 10 Valuable Methods to Fix it
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Apple AirPodsare Bluetooth earbuds you can utilize with Windows 10 PCs. However, users have reported on Microsoft’s forum that they can’t connect paired AirPods with Windows 10.
When they try to connect them, the AirPods don’t connect or disconnect very quickly.
One usersaid this:
I haven’t had any problems connecting to my work laptop ever since I got my AirPods at Christmas. But starting this week, they won’t stay connected anymore. I can pair them up and see them on my PC, but when I click connect, it goes Connecting, Connected, and back to Paired all within 10 seconds, and then stays disconnected.
How come my paired AirPods won’t connect to the PC?
There are a few potential reasons (causes) for paired AirPods devices not connecting with Windows PCs. First, the issue can arise because of specific enabled Windows 10 features. For example, the Swift Pair and Fast Startup features are two that can generate Bluetooth device connection issues.
Some users have cited power settings as another factor behind AirPods not connecting with PCs. Those users have been able to resolve the issue by changing their PCs’ power options in Windows 10. Alternatively, disabling network adapter power management can also fix this issue.
Buggy Windows updates can also cause paired AirPods to stop connecting with PCs. It has been confirmed that Windows updates for Edge can cause the issue. Some users have said they’ve needed to roll back (remove) new updates that generated the problem.
Or there might be some issue with your PC’s Bluetooth adapter driver. For example, connectivity issues might arise if your PC’s installed Bluetooth driver is old, missing, or faulty. Updating your PC’s Bluetooth adapter driver might fix such issues.
As there are varied causes for AirPods not connecting with Windows 10 PCs, there are numerous potential fixes. So if you need to fix a paired AirPods device not connecting with a Windows 10 PC, give these possible resolutions a try.
How can I fix paired Airpods that won’t connect to a PC?
1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
2. Restart the Bluetooth service
3. Select your AirPods to be the default playback device
4. Disable Bluetooth on mobile devices
Disabling conflicting Bluetooth mobile devices might also help some users resolve the issue. To do so on an Apple iOS phone or tablet, tapBluetoothin Settings and toggle off theBluetoothoption.
On an Android mobile, swipe down from the top of the screen to tap theBluetoothbutton.
5. Disable the Swift Pair Feature
6. Select a balanced power plan
It’s also recommended that you deselect (disable) theTurn on fast startupoption via the Power Options applet.
To do so, clickChoose what the powerbuttons doin Power Options. Then clickChange settings that are currently unavailable,and deselect theTurn on fast startupcheckbox.
7. Update your PC’s Bluetooth driver
Note:There might still be a newer update driver available even if the Update Driver tool determines the best one for your PC is installed. So, you might need to scan your PC with third-partydriver updater softwarelike Outbyte Driver Updater. That utility will list all devices on your PC with outdated drivers.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
8. Remove any greyed-out Bluetooth devices
Note:It’s also recommended to uninstall multiple instances of AirPods devices listed within the Bluetooth category, whether greyed out or not.
9. Edit the registry
10. Uninstall recent Windows 10 updates
Who to contact for more potential fixes
Microsoft’s support service is the best to contact about Windows 10 issues. You can reach that service by clickingGet supporton theContact Microsoft Support page.
Enter a description in the text box, and click theGet Helpbutton. Then you can press aContact Supportbutton.
Alternatively, you can ask the Microsoft community instead. To do so, clickAsk a questionon theWindows forum. Then you can post a question about the issue you need to fix on that forum.
Those are some of the resolutions users have confirmed can fixpaired AirPodsnot connecting with Windows 10 PCs. So, there’s a good chance those fixes will resolve that issue for most users.
More about the topics:bluetooth issues
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.