How to Connect AirPods to an HP Laptop

This article explains how to connect AirPods to an HP laptop. The instructions apply to Windows 11 and Windows 10.

How to Connect AirPods to an HP Laptop

AirPods work over Bluetooth, so connecting a pair to your laptop is as simple as turning on Bluetooth, placing the AirPods into pairing mode, and then connecting them.

The steps are a little different depending on which version of Windows your HP laptop is running. Below are directions for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Windows 11

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to a Windows 11 laptop:

1. Right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar.

2. Select Settings.

3. Select Bluetooth & devices.

4. Select the Bluetooth toggle if it isn’t already on.

5. Select Add device.

6. Place the AirPods in their case, and then open the case.

7. Press and hold the button on your AirPods case.

8. When the light flashes white, release the button.

9. On your Windows 11 PC, select Bluetooth.

10. Wait for your PC to search for devices, then choose your AirPods when they appear in the list.

11. Wait for the connection to be established, then select Done.

Windows 10

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to a Windows 10 laptop:

1. Select the Action Center button on your taskbar, or press Win+A to open Action Center.

2. Right-click Bluetooth.

3. Select Go to Settings.

4. If the Bluetooth toggle is off, select it to turn it On.

5. Select Add Bluetooth or other device.

6. Select Bluetooth.

7. Open your AirPods case and press-and-hold the button.

8. When the light flashes white, release the button.

   The light may be inside your case or on the front.

9. Select your AirPods in the list of discovered devices.

   The AirPods will show up as headphones first, and then display the name you assigned when you set them up.

10. Wait for the AirPods to pair, then select Done.

How to Use AirPods With an HP Laptop

Connecting AirPods to an HP laptop isn’t the same as actually using the AirPods with the laptop. If you want to use your AirPods to listen to music or videos, or video chat, or anything else, you’ll need to switch the audio output to be your earbuds. This may happen automatically the first time your AirPods connect, but you can also do it manually if you find that audio isn't coming through.

Your laptop may have multiple audio options if you’ve connected a variety of devices in the past, but an HP laptop will show Speaker / Headphone (Realtek(R) Audio) at a minimum. Switching from that output to your AirPods will let you use your AirPods with your laptop.

Windows 11

Here’s how to use AirPods with a Windows 11 laptop:

1. Take your AirPods out of the case.

   If your laptop automatically switches audio outputs and your AirPods work at this point, you don’t need to perform the rest of the steps. This process is only necessary if another device prevents the automatic switching of the audio output.

2. Select the Speaker icon on the taskbar.

3. Select the > icon to the right of the volume control.

   If the Bluetooth button is grayed out, it means Bluetooth has been turned off. Select the Bluetooth button to turn it on.

4. Select Headphones (AirPods) in the list of devices.

   When your AirPods are selected in this menu, it means they’re connected, ready to use, and set as the default audio source on your Windows 11 PC.

Windows 10

Here’s how to use AirPods with a Windows 10 laptop:

1. Take your AirPods out of the case.

   If your laptop automatically switches audio outputs and your AirPods work at this point, you don’t need to perform the rest of the steps. This process is only necessary if another device prevents the audio output from switching automatically.

2. Select the speaker icon on your taskbar.

3. Select the dropdown menu.

4. Select Headphones (AirPods Stereo). You can now use your AirPods with your laptop.

Do AirPods Work With Laptops?

AirPods work with any device designed to connect to an audio output or input device via Bluetooth. This means most laptops will work, especially brand-new ones. Since all modern HP laptops are equipped with Bluetooth, you can use AirPods with an HP laptop the same way you can use any other Bluetooth earbuds, headphones, or headset.

You can add a Bluetooth adapter to your laptop if you need to.

Why Can’t I Connect My AirPods to My HP Laptop?

If your AirPods won’t connect even after following the steps above, it could be an issue with Bluetooth on your laptop or a problem with your Airpods. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Fix Bluetooth problems. There could be an issue with your device's Bluetooth. This is especially true if none of your other Bluetooth devices seem to work with your laptop.
• Update your PC's drivers. If your Bluetooth driver is outdated or missing, you'll have problems connecting to your earbuds.
• Put the AirPods into pairing mode. The white light on your AirPods case needs to be flashing or you won’t be able to make the initial connection.