Dear Elizabeth King3
Thank you for posting in the Microsoft community.
I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble connecting your AirPods Pro to Windows 11. Here are some steps you may have tried or can try that will hopefully help:
1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on:
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your Windows 11 device, which can be viewed in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth.
2. Re-pair your AirPods Pro:
Open the Bluetooth settings on your computer and select “Remove AirPods from list.
Press WIN+X to go to Device Manager and remove all drivers that are clearly labeled as 'Airpods' in the Bluetooth, Sound Video and Game Controllers, and Sound menus.
Place your AirPods back in the charging case and close the cover. After about 15 seconds, open the lid and press and hold the Settings button on the back of the charging case until the status light turns white and blinks. o Go to Bluetooth Settings and select Add.
Go to Bluetooth Settings, select Add Device, followed by Bluetooth, and then select your AirPods for pairing.
TIPS: When you pair your AirPods, it should also be listed as an Input option.
After re-pairing, you will see a black window prompting "Do you want to allow the connection to AirPods?" If you do not click "Allow", there will be no sound even if the prompt says it is connected.
3. Update the Bluetooth driver:
In Device Manager, locate Bluetooth and expand it, then right-click on the Bluetooth driver and select “Update Driver.
If there is no update option, try uninstalling the device and restarting the PC and the driver should be reinstalled.
4. Windows Audio Services:
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type services.msc and press Enter. o Find “Windows Audio”.
Find the “Windows Audio” and “Bluetooth Support Service” services and make sure they are running. If not, right-click on them and select “Start”.
5. Check for system updates:
Occasionally, Windows Updates may resolve compatibility issues. Go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update to check for updates.
6. Bluetooth conflicts: Ensure that other paired Bluetooth devices are not connected or interfering with the connection process.
For example, other Bluetooth keyboards, headsets, and mice.
7. Alternative: Re-pair AirPods using an external USB Bluetooth receiver.
(This problem is usually due to a low Bluetooth version in the user's Windows device)
Best Wish
Shawn.Z-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist
