Shazam for PC Windows 10/11 — download and install guide (2026)

Shazam does not have a native Windows app. Apple pulled it from the Microsoft Store back in February 2017 and has not released a replacement. In 2026, your options are the Shazam web app at shazam.com or installing the Android version through an emulator like BlueStacks.

This guide covers both methods with exact steps.

What is Shazam?

Shazam is a music recognition app owned by Apple since 2018. Point your phone or laptop microphone at a song playing nearby, and Shazam identifies it within seconds — returning the title, artist, album, and lyrics. It also links out to Spotify and Apple Music so you can save or stream the track immediately.

The app launched in 2002 as a UK SMS service. By 2026 it has identified over 70 billion songs across iOS, Android, and the web. On mobile it runs as a background listener. On PC, it works through the browser or an Android emulator.

Is there a native Windows version?

No. Shazam released a Windows 10 UWP app and it worked reasonably well, but Apple discontinued it on February 7, 2017. The app was removed from the Microsoft Store and received no further updates. Older copies that were installed before that date no longer connect to the recognition servers.

As of 2026, Apple has not announced plans to bring Shazam back to Windows natively. The browser version at shazam.com works on Chrome and Edge and covers most use cases without any installation.

Method 1: Use Shazam in the browser (recommended)

The quickest way to use Shazam on a Windows PC is through the web app. No download needed.

1. Open Chrome or Edge and go to shazam.com
2. Click the Shazam button in the center of the page
3. When prompted, allow microphone access
4. Play the song near your mic or play it through your speakers — Shazam listens for about 5 seconds
5. The result appears on screen with title, artist, and streaming links

The web version identifies songs the same way the mobile app does. It does not have the continuous background listening feature (that requires the mobile app), but for one-off identification it works fine.

Method 2: Install Shazam via BlueStacks emulator

If you want the full app experience including history, library sync, and playlist integration, run the Android version through BlueStacks.

System requirements for BlueStacks:

Installation steps:

1. Go to bluestacks.com and download the BlueStacks installer
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts — installation takes about 5-10 minutes
3. Once BlueStacks opens, sign in to Google Play with a Google account
4. In the search bar at the top, type Shazam and press Enter
5. Select the official Shazam app by Apple and tap Install
6. Once installed, click the Shazam icon to launch it
7. Allow microphone permissions when prompted
8. Tap the main button to start identifying music

BlueStacks uses your PC’s microphone, so make sure it is set as the default recording device in Windows sound settings before launching.

Common problems and fixes

Shazam can’t hear the audio

This usually means BlueStacks is not using the right microphone. Open Windows Settings > System > Sound > Input, and check which microphone is set as default. Then in BlueStacks, go to Settings > Preferences > Microphone and select the same device.

If you’re trying to identify music playing through your speakers, Windows needs to capture “what you hear.” Go to Sound settings, click on your output device, and enable “Stereo Mix” as an additional input device. Some audio drivers hide this option — right-click in the sound input list and check “Show disabled devices.”

BlueStacks is slow or crashes

BlueStacks performance depends on CPU and RAM. Close other applications before running it. In BlueStacks settings, set the performance mode to “High performance” and allocate at least 4 GB RAM. If your PC does not meet the recommended specs, the browser method is a better fit.

Shazam identified the wrong song

Shazam works best when it can hear the audio clearly. Background noise, low volume, or a phone call happening simultaneously can throw it off. Mute other tabs, move closer to the audio source, and try again.

Alternatives to Shazam on PC

If you want other options:

SoundHound — Available for Android and iOS, also runs through BlueStacks on PC. SoundHound can identify songs from humming, which Shazam cannot. The free tier includes ads.

Google Search — Open Chrome, click the microphone in the Google search bar, select “Search a song,” and hum or play the track. Google’s recognition is solid for popular songs and requires nothing extra installed.

Midomi — A browser-based music finder at midomi.com. Works similarly to Shazam’s web version and lets you hum or sing to find a song.

For most people on PC, the Shazam web app or Google’s built-in music search covers the use case without any additional software.

If you use other apps on your PC, check out best Android emulators for PC for a full comparison of BlueStacks alternatives. For video and media tools, CapCut for PC and InShot for PC also run through emulators.

FAQ

Does Shazam have an official Windows 10 app?
No. Apple discontinued the Windows app on February 7, 2017. It is no longer available in the Microsoft Store.

Can I use Shazam on Windows 11?
Yes, through the web version at shazam.com or through BlueStacks running the Android app. No native Windows 11 version exists.

Is BlueStacks safe to install?
BlueStacks is a legitimate commercial product used by millions of people. Download it only from bluestacks.com to avoid modified versions.

Does Shazam work with Spotify on PC?
When Shazam identifies a song in the browser or emulator, it shows a link to open the track in Spotify. You need Spotify installed separately.

Can Shazam identify songs playing through PC speakers?
Through BlueStacks, yes — but you need to configure Windows to capture system audio using Stereo Mix. The browser version can also capture audio if you allow the site microphone access and the sound is playing audibly near your mic.

Summary

Shazam does not have a native Windows app in 2026. The two ways to use it on PC are the web app at shazam.com (easiest, no install) or the Android app running inside BlueStacks (more features, more setup). The web version handles most casual use cases. Use BlueStacks if you need history sync and playlist integration.