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Guide

AirPods Pro on Windows: what actually works

AirPods Pro connect to Windows as ordinary Bluetooth headphones. Audio works immediately. Most of what makes them feel different on an iPhone does not come across, because those parts are built into Apple's operating systems rather than into the earbuds.

Here is the honest split.

Works with no extra software

Stereo audio for music, video and games. Microphone input for calls, at reduced audio quality while it is in use.

Pairing through the ordinary Windows Bluetooth settings, and reconnecting when in range.

Does not come across on its own

Battery levels for the buds and case. Windows has no reliable way to read them.

Noise control modes. Switching between off, transparency and cancellation is not exposed through standard Windows Bluetooth.

Automatic ear detection, so playback does not pause when you take a bud out.

Any equalizer. Windows does not provide one for Bluetooth headphones.

Pairing, briefly

  1. 1Put both buds in the case and leave the lid open.
  2. 2Press and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white.
  3. 3In Windows, open Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Add device, and choose Bluetooth.
  4. 4Select the earbuds from the list.

If they do not appear, close the lid for a few seconds and repeat. A nearly empty case can also stop them entering pairing mode.

Two things worth knowing before you start

Windows will register two audio devices for one pair of earbuds — a stereo output and a headset with a microphone. Knowing this explains most of the sound problems people hit later.

Switching between a Mac or iPhone and a PC is not automatic. The PC connection has to be re-established from Windows each time.

How KikuTune helps here

KikuTune fills most of the second list. Battery for each bud and the case, noise control modes on supported devices, output switching, and a ten-band equalizer are all in the free app.

Automatic ear detection, per-device profiles and per-app preset rules are free too. The paid plan, $1.99 a month with seven days free, adds Model Tune for your model, audience modes and a 64-bit studio path. The free app is complete without it.

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Where this does not help

  • Noise control modes need the optional Advanced Driver Bridge on some devices. The Bridge contains no kernel driver and is never required for battery, output switching or the equalizer.
  • Spatial audio with head tracking does not work on Windows, with or without extra software.

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