Apple Music has a dedicated Windows app in 2026 that’s separate from iTunes and works well on Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how to download it, what it includes, and what to do when things go wrong.
What is Apple Music?
Apple Music is Apple’s subscription streaming service launched in June 2015. It gives you access to over 100 million songs, curated playlists, artist radio stations, and music videos. Unlike Spotify’s free tier, Apple Music requires a paid subscription, individual, family, and student plans are available. The service also integrates your existing iTunes library and syncs across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, and Windows devices using the same Apple ID. Songs can be downloaded for offline listening on mobile devices and on the Windows app.
Can you use Apple Music on Windows?
Yes. Apple released a standalone Apple Music app for Windows in 2022, separate from iTunes. The app is available through the Microsoft Store and focuses purely on music, it doesn’t include the device management, podcast, or video functions that were bundled in iTunes. If you need to manage your iPhone from Windows or access Apple TV+, those are now separate apps (Apple Devices and Apple TV). For music alone, the Apple Music app is cleaner than the old iTunes experience.
How to install Apple Music on Windows 10/11
Option 1: Microsoft Store (recommended)
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
- Search for “Apple Music” in the store search bar.
- Click “Get” and wait for the download and installation to complete.
- Launch Apple Music from the Start menu or taskbar.
- Sign in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple Music subscription, you’ll be prompted to start a free trial.
- Your library, playlists, and downloaded tracks from other devices will sync automatically once signed in.
Option 2: Via iTunes (legacy method)
- Download iTunes from apple.com/itunes or the Microsoft Store.
- Install and launch iTunes, then sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click “Music” in the top menu bar to access Apple Music within iTunes.
- Note: This method still works but is no longer recommended. The standalone app provides a better experience without the iTunes overhead.
Key features
- Lossless and Dolby Atmos audio: Apple Music streams in lossless ALAC format up to 24-bit/192kHz, and Dolby Atmos spatial audio on supported content, no extra charge for either. You do need appropriate hardware to hear the difference.
- Library sync: Upload up to 100,000 songs from your own collection to iCloud Music Library, which then becomes accessible across all your devices alongside the Apple Music catalog.
- Offline downloads: Download albums and playlists for offline listening. Downloaded files are DRM-protected and tied to your Apple ID, but they play reliably without an internet connection.
- Apple Music Classical: A separate app (also available on Windows via the Store) dedicated to classical music, with works organized by composer, conductor, and ensemble rather than just artist and album.
- Lyrics view: Real-time synchronized lyrics display for most songs, similar to Spotify’s lyrics feature.
- Radio stations: Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and genre-specific radio stations with live DJ programming.
System requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 version 19041+ | Windows 11 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 500 MB (app) + space for downloads | 2 GB+ for downloaded music |
| Internet | Required for streaming | 10 Mbps+ for lossless streaming |
| Account | Apple ID + Apple Music subscription | Apple ID + Apple Music subscription |
Common issues and fixes
Apple Music app not showing in Microsoft Store search
This can happen if your Store region doesn’t match your location. Go to Windows Settings > Time & Language > Region and make sure it matches your country. Then open the Store, click your profile icon, and sign out and back in to refresh the available apps. If Apple Music still doesn’t appear, try searching for it directly at apps.microsoft.com in a browser.
Songs stuck buffering or not playing
Check your internet connection first. If streaming works in a browser but not the app, sign out of Apple Music, restart the app, and sign back in. Also check whether the song is available in your country, some catalog items are region-restricted. Clearing the app cache (Settings > Apps > Apple Music > Advanced Options > Reset) can resolve persistent playback issues.
Lossless audio not playing correctly
Lossless and Dolby Atmos require specific settings. In Apple Music go to Settings > Playback and make sure Audio Quality is set to Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless. For Dolby Atmos, Windows must have Spatial Sound enabled, go to Sound settings > Speaker properties > Spatial Sound and select Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos if supported by your hardware.
Library not syncing from iPhone
Make sure iCloud Music Library is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Music > Sync Library). On the Windows app, sign in with the same Apple ID. Allow a few minutes for large libraries to sync after initial sign-in, it’s normal for it to take time if you have thousands of tracks.
Alternatives to Apple Music for Windows
Spotify is the most widely used alternative and has a free ad-supported tier, which Apple Music doesn’t offer. Its Windows app has been more stable for longer, though it still lacks lossless audio as of 2026. Tidal offers lossless and MQA audio at a higher subscription price and is worth considering if audio quality is your main priority. YouTube Music is a good option if you’re already in the Google ecosystem, it integrates with YouTube Premium and includes music videos. Amazon Music Unlimited is included in some Amazon Prime bundles and supports lossless streaming with Dolby Atmos on select tracks. For broader Apple ecosystem connectivity on Windows, check out our guide on Logic Pro for PC and the best Android emulators for PC for running iOS apps on Windows.
FAQ
Is Apple Music free on Windows?
The app is free to download. A subscription is required to stream music, individual plans start at around $10.99/month. New subscribers usually get a free trial period. Students get a discounted rate.
Can I use Apple Music on Windows without an iPhone?
Yes. You just need an Apple ID, which is free to create. You don’t need an iPhone to use Apple Music on Windows.
Does Apple Music for Windows support Lossless audio?
Yes. The Windows app supports lossless ALAC streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz when your hardware supports it. You need to enable it manually in the app’s playback settings.
Can I download music for offline listening on Windows?
Yes. Click the download icon next to any song, album, or playlist. Downloads are stored locally and play without an internet connection. They require an active subscription to remain accessible, if you cancel, downloaded tracks become unplayable.
What happened to iTunes on Windows?
iTunes still exists but Apple has moved its functions to separate apps: Apple Music for music streaming, Apple TV for video, Apple Devices for iPhone/iPad management, and Apple Podcasts. iTunes is still available if you prefer it, but the individual apps are lighter and more focused.
Is Apple Music better than Spotify for Windows?
Depends on what matters to you. Apple Music wins on audio quality (lossless, no ads, Dolby Atmos). Spotify wins on app polish, social features, the free tier, and cross-platform consistency. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem and have an iPhone, Apple Music integrates more naturally.
The Apple Music app for Windows is a solid option if you’re subscribed and want access to your library from your PC. For other Apple services on Windows, our guide to Logic Pro for PC covers music production options, and if you use TikTok or other mobile-first apps on your Windows machine, see our TikTok for PC guide.
