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How to Fix AirPods Disconnecting on Windows 11: Effective Solutions to Solve the Issue

AirPods are a popular choice for wireless audio, but sometimes they can disconnect unexpectedly when used with Windows 11. This can disrupt your listening experience and cause frustration.

Fortunately, there are several simple solutions you can try to fix this issue. Most problems stem from connectivity settings or driver-related errors.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to help you keep your AirPods connected smoothly on your Windows 11 PC.

Whether you’re a beginner or somewhat experienced, these instructions are clear and detailed to ensure success.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your AirPods are fully charged. Low battery can cause unexpected disconnections.
  • Confirm that Windows 11 is updated to the latest version for better compatibility.
  • Check that your PC’s Bluetooth is turned on and working correctly.
  • Ensure your AirPods are not connected to any other device nearby, as this can cause interference.

Step 1: Restart Your PC and AirPods

Restarting both devices can often resolve temporary glitches that cause disconnections.

  1. Put your AirPods back in their case and close the lid.
  2. Turn off Bluetooth on your Windows 11 PC by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and selecting “Turn Bluetooth Off.”
  3. Restart your PC by clicking the Start menu, selecting Power, and then Restart.
  4. Wait for your PC to reboot, then turn Bluetooth back on.
  5. Open the AirPods case near your PC and try reconnecting.

This process refreshes the Bluetooth connection and can clear minor bugs.

Step 2: Remove and Re-Pair Your AirPods

Sometimes the connection profile between your AirPods and Windows gets corrupted. Removing and pairing again can fix this.

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11 by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices.
  3. Find your AirPods in the list of paired devices.
  4. Click the three dots next to your AirPods and select Remove device.
  5. Put your AirPods back in pairing mode by opening the case, pressing, and holding the setup button on the back until the light flashes white.
  6. Click Add device in Windows, select Bluetooth, and choose your AirPods from the list.

Re-pairing ensures a fresh connection without any corrupted settings.

Step 3: Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated or faulty Bluetooth drivers can cause connection issues with AirPods. Updating them can improve stability.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Bluetooth section.
  3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter (often named something like “Intel Wireless Bluetooth”) and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow any prompts to install updates.
  6. If no update is found, you can visit your PC manufacturer’s website to manually download the latest Bluetooth driver.

Updated drivers help your system communicate properly with your AirPods, reducing dropouts.

Step 4: Adjust Power Management Settings

Windows may turn off Bluetooth devices to save power, which can cause disconnections.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Expand the Bluetooth section and right-click your Bluetooth adapter.
  3. Select Properties and go to the Power Management tab.
  4. Uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
  5. Click OK to save changes.

This prevents Windows from disabling Bluetooth unexpectedly.

Step 5: Disable Bluetooth Collaboration

Bluetooth collaboration with Wi-Fi can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth audio devices.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Find the setting named Bluetooth Collaboration and set it to Disabled.
  4. Click OK and restart your PC.

Disabling this can improve Bluetooth audio stability, especially if you notice interference or dropouts.

Step 6: Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Bluetooth problems.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Bluetooth in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool can identify issues you might miss and fix them automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from Windows 11?

This usually happens due to Bluetooth driver issues, interference from other wireless devices, power saving settings, or outdated system updates.

Can I use AirPods with Windows 11 without Apple software?

Yes, AirPods work as standard Bluetooth audio devices on Windows 11 and don’t require any special Apple software.

Why is the sound quality poor after reconnecting AirPods?

Sometimes Windows switches to the “Hands-Free” Bluetooth profile which reduces sound quality. Try disconnecting and reconnecting or updating your drivers.

Do I need to update Windows 11 for better AirPods support?

Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility and bug fixes for Bluetooth devices like AirPods.

Can interference from Wi-Fi cause AirPods to disconnect?

Yes, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth share frequency bands, which can cause interference. Disabling Bluetooth collaboration in Wi-Fi adapter settings may help.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your AirPods still disconnect frequently, consider these options:

  • Reset your AirPods: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and then white. Then pair again.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
  • Try another Bluetooth adapter: Sometimes your PC’s internal Bluetooth hardware may be faulty. A USB Bluetooth dongle can be a workaround.
  • Contact Apple Support: If the issue persists, there may be a hardware problem with your AirPods.
  • Visit Microsoft Support: For advanced troubleshooting related to Windows 11 Bluetooth, visit the official Microsoft support site.

Conclusion

AirPods disconnecting on Windows 11 can be annoying, but most issues can be solved by following straightforward steps like restarting devices, re-pairing, updating drivers, and adjusting power settings.

Make sure your system is up-to-date and that you avoid interference from other devices. Using the built-in troubleshooter can also help identify hidden problems.

If all else fails, resetting your AirPods or trying external Bluetooth hardware may be necessary. With patience and these tips, you can enjoy a stable wireless audio experience on your Windows 11 PC.

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