Connect Apple Pencil to Windows: Full Guide

This guide explains how to connect an Apple Pencil to a Windows PC or laptop, what you can realistically do once connected, and what limitations you’ll face. It covers both first-generation and second-generation Apple Pencils, the necessary hardware and software, and step-by-step instructions for pairing and using the stylus with Windows applications.

What You’ll Need

• An Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd generation)
• A Windows PC or laptop with Bluetooth (most modern devices have it)
• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• For 1st generation Apple Pencil: a Lightning to USB-C or Lightning to USB-A cable (the same cable used for charging)
• For 2nd generation Apple Pencil: a device that supports magnetic wireless charging (like an iPad Pro) – you’ll need it to initially pair the pencil, as Windows cannot charge or pair a 2nd gen pencil directly
• Optional but recommended: a drawing or note-taking app that supports stylus input (e.g., OneNote, Krita, Sketchable, or any app that accepts pen input)

Step-by-Step

1. Check your Apple Pencil generation. Look at the pencil: if it has a Lightning connector hidden under a cap at one end, it’s a 1st generation. If it’s completely smooth and charges magnetically on the side of an iPad, it’s a 2nd generation.
2. For 1st generation Apple Pencil: Connect the pencil to your Windows PC using the Lightning to USB cable. Plug the Lightning end into the pencil and the USB end into your PC. This will not only charge the pencil but also put it into pairing mode. Keep it connected for at least 10 seconds.
3. For 2nd generation Apple Pencil: You must first pair it with a compatible iPad (iPad Pro, iPad Air 4th gen or later, iPad mini 6th gen). Attach the pencil magnetically to the iPad’s side and tap “Connect” when prompted. This step is mandatory because the 2nd gen pencil uses a proprietary wireless pairing protocol that Windows cannot initiate. Once paired with the iPad, the pencil will remain paired with that iPad, but you can still use it as a generic stylus on Windows.
4. Open Bluetooth settings on Windows. Click the Start button, type “Bluetooth”, and open “Bluetooth and other devices settings”. Ensure Bluetooth is toggled on.
5. Add a Bluetooth device. Click “Add Bluetooth or other device” and select “Bluetooth” from the menu.
6. Put the Apple Pencil into pairing mode. For 1st gen: while plugged into the PC via USB, the pencil should appear in the list of discoverable devices. For 2nd gen: this is tricky – the pencil only enters pairing mode when attached to a compatible iPad. There is no way to force it into pairing mode from Windows. If you have already paired it with an iPad, it may appear in the Windows Bluetooth list as “Apple Pencil” (but often it does not, due to protocol differences).
7. Select the Apple Pencil from the list. If it appears, click it and select “Pair”. If it doesn’t appear, proceed to the next step.
8. If pairing fails or the pencil doesn’t appear: You can still use the Apple Pencil as a basic stylus on Windows without pairing. Simply connect it via USB (1st gen) or ensure it’s charged (2nd gen – charge it on the iPad). Then, in any app that supports pen input, the pencil will act as a generic stylus, allowing you to draw, write, and navigate. However, pressure sensitivity and tilt may not work, and the pencil won’t be recognized as an Apple Pencil.
9. Test the connection. Open a drawing app like OneNote or Krita and try writing or drawing. If the cursor moves and you can draw, the pencil is working as a stylus.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting full Apple Pencil features. The Apple Pencil is designed for iPadOS. On Windows, you lose pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, double-tap gestures (2nd gen), and palm rejection. It becomes a basic capacitive stylus.
• Forgetting to charge the 2nd gen pencil. Since you can’t charge it on Windows, you must charge it on an iPad or a compatible charging dock. If the battery is dead, it won’t work at all.
• Using the wrong cable for 1st gen. The 1st gen pencil uses Lightning. If you use a USB-C to USB-C cable, it won’t fit. You need a Lightning to USB-C or Lightning to USB-A cable.
• Assuming Bluetooth pairing is necessary. For basic stylus functionality, you don’t need to pair at all. Pairing only helps if the pencil appears in the Bluetooth list, which is rare.
• Not checking if your screen supports stylus input. Many Windows laptops have touchscreens, but some do not. If your screen is not touch-enabled, the Apple Pencil won’t work at all.

Tips

• Use a drawing app that supports stylus input. Apps like Krita, OneNote, and Sketchable are designed for pen input and will give you the best experience.
• Keep the pencil charged. For 1st gen, plug it into your PC via USB to charge. For 2nd gen, charge it on an iPad or a dedicated charging dock.
• If you need pressure sensitivity, consider a Windows-compatible stylus. Many Windows devices support active pens (like Surface Pen or HP Pen) that offer pressure sensitivity and tilt. The Apple Pencil simply won’t provide these features on Windows.
• Try using the pencil as a mouse replacement. Even without pairing, the pencil can tap, drag, and scroll, which can be handy for presentations or quick annotations.
• Check for driver updates. Occasionally, Windows updates improve Bluetooth compatibility. Make sure your system is up to date.

Troubleshooting

• Pencil not detected in Bluetooth. This is normal for 2nd gen pencils. Use it as a basic stylus via USB (1st gen) or just rely on the touchscreen. For 1st gen, try a different USB port or cable.
• Pencil connects but doesn’t draw. Make sure the app you’re using supports stylus input. Some apps only respond to touch, not stylus. Also, check if your screen is touch-enabled.
• Cursor moves but nothing happens on screen. This could be due to driver issues. Try restarting your PC, or check if the screen is properly calibrated for touch input.
• Pencil is not charging. For 1st gen, check the cable and USB port. For 2nd gen, you must charge it on an iPad – there’s no other way.
• Pairing fails with a generic error. This is common because Apple Pencil uses a proprietary protocol. Try removing the device from the Bluetooth list and restarting the pairing process, but if it fails repeatedly, it’s likely not compatible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Apple Pencil with any Windows laptop?
Only if the laptop has a touchscreen. The Apple Pencil is a stylus, so it requires a touch-capable display to work.

Does the Apple Pencil work with Windows without Bluetooth?
Yes, for basic stylus functionality. You can connect a 1st gen pencil via USB and use it as a touch input device. The 2nd gen pencil also works as a basic stylus if it’s charged, as long as your screen supports touch.

Will pressure sensitivity work on Windows?
No. Pressure sensitivity and tilt are proprietary features that require iPadOS. On Windows, the pencil acts as a simple stylus without these advanced features.

Can I pair a 2nd gen Apple Pencil with Windows?
In most cases, no. The 2nd gen pencil uses a wireless pairing protocol that Windows does not support. It may occasionally appear in the Bluetooth list, but pairing is unreliable. You can still use it as a basic stylus if it’s charged.

How do I charge a 1st gen Apple Pencil on Windows?
Plug the Lightning end into the pencil and the USB end into your PC. It will charge as long as the PC is on.

Is there any way to get full Apple Pencil features on Windows?
No. The features are hardware- and software-specific to Apple devices. If you need those features, you’d need to use an iPad or a Windows-compatible active stylus.

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