Pair AirPods to Windows 10

We will be covering two scenarios for using Apple’s AirPods’ with a Windows 10 computer:

1. Pairing the AirPods for the first time.
2. Reconnecting the AirPods.

1] Pairing the AirPods for the first time

Before pairing, make sure that AirPods are at least 40% charged. If not, insert into the AirPod case, and charge it. Keep it inside for the pairing process.

1. Open the cap of your AirPods’ case.
2. Press and hold the circular button on the rear portion of the charging case for few seconds.
3. Release the button when the light inside the case blinks in white colour.
4. Open Windows Settings app. (WIN + I)
5. Navigate to Devices > Bluetooth
6. Select Add Bluetooth or other devices.
7. In a mini window that pops up, select Bluetooth. 
8. A list of available Bluetooth devices will be populated.
9. Select your AirPods from there.
10. It will automatically pair and connect your AirPods, and they will be available for the first use.

2] Reconnecting the AirPods again

Technically, once paired, your AirPods should be able to auto connect to already paired devices.  But the chances are that you have it connected to your phone or tablet. So if it doesn’t connect automatically, it is best to connect it manually.

• Open Settings and navigate to Devices > Bluetooth.
• Under the section of Audio, select the entry for your AirPods.
• Select the button that says Connect.
• Once it prompts you of the connection, you are good to go.

If it still keeps connecting an disconnecting, read our guide on how you can fix AirPods frequent disconnection.

The guide should help you connect  AirPods to your Windows 10 computer.

 

SOURCE: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-connect-airpods-to-windows-10-pc

UPDATE 6/11/2020:

https://www.reddit.com/r/airpods/comments/f7jpj7/using_your_airpods_with_their_microphones_on/

When paired to your regular Bluetooth connection, do this:

Control Panel

Settings

Devices

Devices and Printers (far right-hand side)

If you can’t find this, press WINDOWS KEY + R to bring up RUN, then type in CONTROL PRINTERS and click OK to get to the Devices & Printers screen

Find your AirPods “device” and then Right click on your headset & choose Properties (it must be connected, paired & active for you to adjust these settings below)

Click the Services Tab

De-Select/Un-check Handsfree Telephony and hit Apply/OK

You shouldn’t need a restart after this, but worth doing if it doesn’t work right away.

This is a bit of a work-around and doesn’t help you if you want to use it as a true headset in things like games for chat, or via Skype/WebEx/etc. That said, it’ll ensure that your headphones show up as only one device, with quality stereo sound… so you don’t accidentally select the hands-free audio device which produces terrible quality sound.