Fixing AirPods Connected But No Sound on Windows 10
Many Windows 10 users have reported issues getting their AirPods to produce audio even when connected via Bluetooth. This frustrating problem seems to stem from compatibility issues between AirPods firmware and Windows 10 builds.
After analyzing numerous user reports on forums and tech sites, we’ve compiled the most effective troubleshooting solutions. Follow the steps below to get your AirPods working with stereo sound on Windows 10.
Check AirPods Battery and Firmware
Before troubleshooting software issues, verify your AirPods have sufficient battery and the latest firmware installed. Check the status light color and blink pattern to gauge remaining battery level. Then connect your AirPods to an iOS device and use the paired iPhone or iPad to check for firmware updates. Apply any available updates to ensure maximum compatibility.
How to connect AirPods to Windows 10?
Put your AirPods in the charging case. Close the lid and wait for one minute. Then open the lid. Go to Windows Settings. Select Bluetooth and Devices. Click on the three dots and select Remove Device. Restart your computer. Then press and hold the Setup button on your case to pair your AirPods with Windows again.
How good is AirPods sound on Windows 10?
Also on Windows 10 via bluetooth, sound quality is good when using the “Airpods stereo” mode. However, in the headset mode (“Airpods Hands-Free AG Audio”) sound and especially microphone quality is extremely bad. I tried to change the default format (see screenshot, it’s only 8000Hz), but I cannot change it as it’s grey.
Reset Your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods can often resolve quirky connectivity issues. First unpair the AirPods from all devices. Open the AirPods case near your iOS device and hold down the setup button on the back until the status light blinks white. This resets your AirPods to their factory settings. Repair and reconnect them to your Windows 10 PC.
Set AirPods as Default Audio Output
Even when paired and connected, Windows may default to a different audio output device. To change this:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound
- Under Choose your output device, select your AirPods.
- Click Apply.
This ensures Windows routes all audio to your AirPods when connected via Bluetooth.
Adjust Audio Balance
Another quick fix is to check the audio balance settings in Sound control panel:
- Go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound
- On the Playback tab, select your AirPods and click Configure
- In the Speaker Settings dialog, drag the audio balance slider to the middle.
- Click OK and test your AirPods again.
Centering the balance can resolve left/right channel issues causing no audio.
How do I change the sound on my AirPods?
Follow the instruction to configure the settings correctly. Type control panel in the Windows search box and select Control Panel. Select Small icons next to View by, and click Sound. Under the Playback tab, make sure your AirPods are enabled (there should be a green checkmark). Then click the AirPods and click Set as default.
Do AirPods work with Windows PC?
To connect AirPods and a Windows computer, you need only some AirPods and a PC. 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.
How do I Fix my AirPods not connecting to my 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. Click Devices on the Settings window. In Devices, click Bluetooth & other devices in the left sidebar.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings helps troubleshoot any conflicts between network adapters and Bluetooth connectivity:
- Go to Start and search for "cmd"
- Right-click the Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator
- Enter the command: netsh winsock reset
- Restart your PC.
After your PC reboots, reconnect your AirPods and test if sound works.
Restart Bluetooth Audio Support Service
The Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service manages connections between wireless audio devices like AirPods and your Windows 10 PC. Restarting this service can resolve sound issues:
- Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog
- Enter "services.msc" and click OK
- Find Bluetooth Audio Gateway service in the list and right-click it
- Select Restart from the menu.
This reinitializes the service, potentially fixing any audio glitches.
Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that checks for common Bluetooth issues and attempts to repair them automatically.
- Go to Start and search for "find and fix problems"
- Open Troubleshooting from the results
- Select Bluetooth in the list of troubleshooters
- Follow the onscreen directions.
The troubleshooter will walk you through steps to diagnose and resolve any Bluetooth connectivity problems with your AirPods.
Why can’t I connect my AirPods to my PC?
However, it may also be why your AirPods can’t connect properly to your PC. To see if it solves disconnection issues, disable this feature with the following steps: Right-click on Start and select Settings . “Settings” highlighted in Windows Start menu. Select Bluetooth & other devices from the left sidebar and click Devices .
Do AirPods mute on Windows 10 or 11?
How to bring the sound back when AirPods go mute on Windows 10 or 11. AirPods are a versatile audio accessory. They’re easy to connect and use with just about any Bluetooth-enabled device on the market, including Windows PCs. However, some users report that their AirPods sometimes do not have any sound despite being properly connected to their PC.
Update Drivers and Windows Build
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still aren’t working, updating drivers and your Windows OS build may help. Download and install the latest drivers for your Bluetooth adapter and audio controller from your PC or hardware vendor’s website.
You can also update to the newest Windows 10 version to take advantage of any compatibility improvements for Bluetooth audio devices like AirPods.
Contact Support for Further Assistance
For advanced troubleshooting help, reach out to Microsoft’s customer support channels or your PC manufacturer’s technical team. They can run diagnostics, check error logs, and suggest additional solutions tailored to your specific hardware and setup.
With some diligent troubleshooting using these methods, you should be able to get your AirPods pumping out great stereo sound when connected to your Windows 10 computer. Let us know in the comments if any of these solutions worked to fix the no audio problem with your AirPods on Windows!
Does Windows 11 support Apple AirPods?
That’s especially now that Windows 10 has at last added improved support for the popular Apple AirPods, and because Windows 11 is likely to employ the same support and method. While AirPods have been able to connect to Windows 10 PCs for some time, this change now means that their audio quality should be improved.
How do I change the default sound on my AirPods?
Select Small icons next to View by, and click Sound. Under the Playback tab, make sure your AirPods are enabled (there should be a green checkmark). Then click the AirPods and click Set as default. Navigate to the Recording tab, and also set your AirPods headset as the default device. Click OK to save the changes.
How to fix AirPods connected but no sound?
Below is how to fix AirPods connected but no sound by checking for the latest Windows Updates: Step 1: Go to the Start menu, and click on the gear (Settings) icon. Step 2: Now, Windows Settings will be prompted on your screen. From the window, choose the Update & Security option. Step 3: Next, select Windows Update from the left pane.
