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AirPods are a popular choice for wireless audio, but sometimes they can disconnect unexpectedly when paired with Windows 10. This can interrupt your music, calls, or work, causing frustration.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix this issue. Most solutions involve adjusting Bluetooth settings or updating drivers.

In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions to stop your AirPods from disconnecting on Windows 10.

These steps are designed to be easy, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before starting, make sure your AirPods are sufficiently charged. Low battery levels can cause connection problems.

Also, confirm that your Windows 10 device has Bluetooth enabled and is within a reasonable range (about 10 meters) of your AirPods.

Close any other Bluetooth devices nearby that might interfere with the connection.

Finally, ensure that your Windows 10 system is up to date, as updates can improve Bluetooth performance.

Step 1: Restart Your Devices

Often, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Begin by turning off your AirPods and turning them back on.

• Put your AirPods in their case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
• Open the lid and take the AirPods out to activate them.
• Restart your Windows 10 PC by clicking the Start menu, selecting Power, and then Restart.

This clears temporary system errors and refreshes Bluetooth connections.

Step 2: Reconnect Your AirPods

Sometimes, the connection between Windows and AirPods can get interrupted. Removing and re-pairing them can help.

• Open Settings on your PC by pressing Windows + I.
• Go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
• Find your AirPods in the list, click on them, and select Remove device.
• Put your AirPods in pairing mode by pressing and holding the setup button on the back of the case until the LED flashes white.
• Click Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth and select your AirPods to reconnect.

Re-pairing ensures a fresh connection and clears any corrupted pairing data.

Step 3: Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated or faulty Bluetooth drivers can cause disconnections. Updating them can improve stability.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Bluetooth section.
• Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter (e.g., “Intel Wireless Bluetooth”) and choose Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
• Follow any prompts to install updates, then restart your PC.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, check the manufacturer’s website for the latest version.

Step 4: Change Bluetooth Power Management Settings

Windows may turn off your Bluetooth adapter to save power, causing disconnections. Disabling this can help.

• Open Device Manager again.
• Expand Bluetooth and right-click your Bluetooth adapter.
• Select Properties, then go to the Power Management tab.
• Uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
• Click OK and restart your PC.

This stops Windows from disabling Bluetooth when it thinks it’s saving power.

Step 5: Disable Bluetooth Collaboration and Enable High Performance

Adjusting Bluetooth adapter settings can reduce interference and improve connection quality.

• In Device Manager, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Properties.
• Go to the Advanced tab.
• Look for settings like Bluetooth Collaboration or Wireless Mode.
• Try disabling Bluetooth Collaboration or setting Wireless Mode to High Performance.
• Click OK and restart your computer.

These options vary by adapter model, so they may not be available on all devices.

Step 6: Use the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix Bluetooth problems.

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
• Select Bluetooth and click Run the troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes suggested.

This tool helps identify issues that may not be obvious.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t fully solve the problem, you can try these advanced options:

• Reset your AirPods: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then white. This erases all previous pairings.
• Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, system updates improve Bluetooth compatibility. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• Disable Bluetooth LE Enumerator: In Device Manager, disable the “Bluetooth Low Energy Enumerator” device if present, as it can sometimes cause conflicts.
• Try a Bluetooth USB adapter: If your PC’s built-in Bluetooth hardware is faulty, an external adapter can provide a more stable connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from Windows 10?

Common reasons include outdated Bluetooth drivers, low battery on AirPods, interference from other devices, or Windows power management settings turning off Bluetooth.

Can I use AirPods with Windows 10 without issues?

Yes, AirPods work with Windows 10, but since they are designed primarily for Apple devices, occasional compatibility issues may occur.

Does restarting Bluetooth on Windows help?

Yes, turning Bluetooth off and on again can reset the connection and resolve temporary glitches.

Is updating Bluetooth drivers necessary?

Yes. Keeping drivers up to date ensures your hardware functions correctly and can fix bugs that cause disconnections.

Will resetting AirPods erase data?

Resetting AirPods removes their pairing information but does not delete any personal data stored on your PC or Apple devices.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your AirPods still keep disconnecting, consider contacting Apple Support or Microsoft Support for specialized assistance.

You can also visit the official Apple AirPods support page for detailed troubleshooting tips: https://support.apple.com/airpods

Alternatively, check Windows support forums or communities where users share solutions for Bluetooth issues.

Conclusion

Fixing AirPods disconnection issues on Windows 10 usually involves simple steps like restarting devices, re-pairing your AirPods, and updating drivers. Adjusting power management settings and running the Bluetooth troubleshooter can also help improve connection stability.

By following this guide, you should be able to enjoy uninterrupted audio with your AirPods on your Windows 10 PC. Remember to keep your devices charged and updated to prevent future problems.