Share via

Is it possible to use apple Airpods Max with windows 11?

Jacob Gill 0 Reputation points
2025-09-16T17:59:09.3833333+00:00

How do I use audio input and output with the Airpods Max on windows 11? They are connected via Bluetooth as a wired connection allows for output only. Hands-free is enabled and I can hear audio, but when an application starts to use the mic like discord or even settings, the output stops completely and I can't hear anything until I set input device as something else then I can hear audio again. I have tried multiple Bluetooth adapters. I have not got the microphone to work at all yet.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
0 comments

4 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-16T18:35:03.2966667+00:00

    Hello there! I am Charity. I'm glad to help you today!

    Thank you for the information. You will need a separate microphone to use High quality audio/stereo and microphone at the same time. This happens because of how Windows handles Bluetooth audio profiles with the AirPods Max (and most Bluetooth headsets).

    Stereo (A2DP): great audio, no mic

    Hands-Free (HFP): mic works, but audio quality drops

    Also, The official Apple Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable only transmits audio output, not mic input.

    Kind Regards,

    Charity

    Please note that things might need more than one reply to completely resolve your issue, as it will completely depend on the complexity of the question and the amount of detail that you have provided me.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-17T14:55:07.88+00:00

    You're very much welcome! Is there anything else I can help you with?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-17T14:49:39.5133333+00:00

    Thank you for the confirmation. This also happened to my Airpods max, as it doesn't work on my built-in Bluetooth adapter. I used an external USB Bluetooth adapter just for calls. Results definitely vary. You can also try to update your Bluetooth drivers from your computer's official website. If you don't know the exact make and model of your computer's motherboard, I can provide the drivers for you.

    Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.

    In the System Summary section, please provide me the three things below.

    BaseBoard Manufacturer

    BaseBoard Product

    BaseBoard Version

    Also, please make sure that BOTH hands-free telephony is enabled on both input, and output/Recording tab

    Then, disable both stereo option on both input, and output/recording tab before reinstalling the drivers.

    Was this answer helpful?

  4. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-17T07:40:54.44+00:00

    Thank you for the confirmation. Please right click the volume slider in the lower right corner of your taskbar, then tap on "Sounds". In Playback tab on Sounds, do you see an "Airpods Max - Hands-free" option?

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.