AirPods Max can connect to a Windows 11 computer as a Bluetooth headset. You can listen and talk through supported apps, although Apple-specific features such as Siri are not available in the same way as on Apple devices.
How to Pair AirPods Max with Windows 11
- Open Settings in Windows 11.
- Select Bluetooth & devices and turn Bluetooth on.
- Select Add device, then Bluetooth.
- On AirPods Max, press and hold the listening mode button for about five seconds, or until the status light flashes white. This is Apple’s current pairing-mode procedure for non-Apple devices.
- Select AirPods Max when they appear in the Windows Bluetooth list.
- Wait for Windows to finish connecting them.
If AirPods Max Do Not Appear
Make sure the headphones have charge and are in pairing mode. Move them close to the PC. If they are actively connected to another nearby device, disconnecting that device temporarily can make troubleshooting easier.
Select AirPods Max for Sound
If pairing succeeds but sound still comes from the PC speakers, open Windows sound controls and select AirPods Max as the output device. Apps that manage their own speaker or microphone choice may need to be changed separately.
What Works on Windows?
Apple says AirPods can be used as Bluetooth headsets with non-Apple devices for listening and talking, but Siri is unavailable. Other Apple ecosystem features may also be limited on Windows.
Summary
Turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11, choose Add device, and hold the AirPods Max listening mode button for about five seconds until the light flashes white. Then select AirPods Max from the Windows device list.