While some users prefer the tactile feel of a solid mechanical keyboard, others opt for a streamlined and simple look. In the tech world, Apple is the king of modern design. However, this poses a problem for users who prefer Windows 10, or who may be working in a Windows-only organization.

The good news is that even if you’re using Windows 10, you can still take advantage of Apple’s peripherals with your machine. One of the most popular accessories from Apple, its wireless keyboard, is simple to set up for Windows.

Jump to:

Step 1: Confirm the wireless keyboard is charged or has fresh batteries

To connect an Apple keyboard to a PC, first make sure your wireless keyboard is charged. If you have the older Apple Wireless Keyboard, check that you are using fresh batteries. If you have the newer Apple Magic Keyboard, ensure that it has been charged with the cable it comes with, although it might have some charge out of the package.

Note: Apple’s wireless keyboards are configurable to work with Windows 10 but require slightly different steps toward the end.

Step 2: Enable Bluetooth on the Windows PC

Next, you need to enable Bluetooth on your Windows 10 machine. Click the Start button (the Windows icon in the bottom left of the desktop) and then click Settings (Figure A).

Figure A

Use the Settings menu to access the controls necessary for connecting an Apple keyboard to a Windows PC.
Use the Settings menu to access the controls necessary for connecting an Apple keyboard to a Windows PC.

You should be looking at the standard Settings pane (Figure B), where you can access System, Network & Internet, Update & Security and other settings. Click the Devices option, which in newer Windows versions says Bluetooth, Printers, Mouse underneath it.

Figure B

The Devices option is among the options Windows displays when clicking Start and selecting the gear (Settings) icon.
The Devices option is among the options Windows displays when clicking Start and selecting the gear (Settings) icon.

Once you’re in the Devices pane, click the Bluetooth & Other Devices option on the left-hand side of the screen. Ensure the slider under Bluetooth is turned to On and is displaying in blue (Figure C).

Figure C

Ensure the Bluetooth devices option is enabled to permit connecting the Apple wireless keyboard to the Windows PC.
Ensure the Bluetooth devices option is enabled to permit connecting the Apple wireless keyboard to the Windows PC.

Note: Other versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 21H2, require that you click the Add Bluetooth Or Other Device icon to proceed.

Step 3: Connect the Apple wireless keyboard

Once that slider is in the On position, there should be text that reads ‘Your PC Is Searching For And Can Be Discovered By Bluetooth Devices’ or ‘Now Discoverable As [Computer Name]’, depending upon the Windows version you’re using. Under that text, you’ll see a list of Bluetooth devices that are available for pairing (Figure D). Click the option that says either Magic Keyboard, Apple Magic Keyboard w Number Pad or Apple Wireless Keyboard depending on which model you have, and click the gray Pair button.

Figure D

The Windows PC will display available Bluetooth accessories.
The Windows PC will display available Bluetooth accessories.

You will see a popup window that offers a passcode; this is when the setup for the two types of Apple wireless keyboards differs. If you have the older wireless keyboard, type the code on the screen and hit the Enter/Return key on your Apple keyboard.

If you have a newer Apple Magic Keyboard or the model with the numeric keypad, confusing behavior may occur. Windows 10 seems to read the newer Magic Keyboard models as a separate device, complete with a screen, so it will present a code in the window and text asking that you compare and confirm the passcodes, under the assumption that it wants you to compare displayed text on another screen. Since the Magic Keyboard doesn’t have a screen, you can just click Yes or Connect, depending upon which Windows version is operating. At this point, you should be connected.

To test the keyboard, click in the search bar and try to enter text. If you want to be sure, follow the same steps above to get to the Bluetooth settings pane and under Magic Keyboard, a model of which is shown in Figure E, Apple Magic Keyboard w Number Pad or Apple Wireless Keyboard it should say Connected.

Figure E

Apple’s original Magic Keyboard is popular with many users, including Windows professionals.
Apple’s original Magic Keyboard is popular with many users, including Windows professionals.

How to disconnect an Apple wireless keyboard from Windows 10

To disconnect the keyboard, click your keyboard’s name and click the Remove device button that pops up. When it asks if you’re sure you want to disconnect the device, click Yes.