How to Get Apple Music on Windows

Apple Music is available on Windows through a dedicated app, replacing the older iTunes method. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and using the Apple Music app on a Windows PC, including how to access your library, download songs for offline listening, and troubleshoot common issues.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) or Windows 11.
• An Apple ID (free to create if you don’t have one).
• An active Apple Music subscription (or a free trial) to stream and download songs.
• A stable internet connection for the initial download and setup.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Microsoft Store. Click the Store icon on your taskbar, or search for “Microsoft Store” in the Start menu.
2. Search for Apple Music. In the Store’s search bar, type “Apple Music” and press Enter. Look for the official app published by Apple, Inc.
3. Click “Get” or “Install.” This will start the download and installation automatically. You may be prompted to sign in to the Microsoft Store, but it’s not required to install the app.
4. Launch the app. Once installed, click “Open” in the Store, or find Apple Music in your Start menu.
5. Sign in with your Apple ID. The app will ask you to sign in. Enter your Apple ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete the verification prompt.
6. Choose your plan or start a trial. If you’re not already a subscriber, you’ll see options to start a free trial or choose a subscription plan. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the sign-up process.
7. Access your library. After signing in, your existing Apple Music library, playlists, and downloaded content will appear automatically. You can browse the catalog, listen to radio stations, and create new playlists.
8. Download music for offline listening. To download a song, album, or playlist, click the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to it. Once downloaded, the icon changes to a solid checkmark.
9. Adjust settings. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the bottom-left corner to change audio quality, manage downloads, and set other preferences.

Common Mistakes

• Downloading the wrong app. There are third-party apps that mimic Apple Music. Always check the publisher is “Apple, Inc.” before installing.
• Signing in with the wrong account. Make sure you use the same Apple ID you used for your Apple Music subscription. If you have multiple Apple IDs, check which one is active on your iPhone or other devices.
• Expecting iTunes features. The new Apple Music app is for music only. It does not manage podcasts, audiobooks, or device backups. For those, you still need iTunes.
• Not allowing the app to access the internet. If you’re behind a strict firewall or VPN, the app may not connect. Ensure your network allows connections to Apple’s servers.

Tips

• Use keyboard shortcuts. Press Space to play/pause, Ctrl + Right Arrow for next track, and Ctrl + Left Arrow for previous track.
• Sync your library. Turn on “Sync Library” in Settings (under General) to see music you’ve added from other devices, even if it’s not from Apple Music.
• Check audio quality. In Settings > Playback, you can choose between High Quality (AAC 256 kbps) and Lossless (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) if you have a compatible setup.
• Use the mini player. Click the small album art icon in the top-right to switch to a compact player that stays on top of other windows.
• Drag and drop files. You can drag local MP3 files into the app to add them to your library and sync them to your iPhone.

Troubleshooting

• App won’t install from the Store. Make sure Windows is updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. If the Store itself is stuck, run the Store’s built-in troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps.
• Can’t sign in. Check your internet connection. If you have two-factor authentication, make sure you receive the prompt on your trusted device. If you’re still stuck, reset your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com.
• Music won’t play or downloads are stuck. Sign out of the app (Settings > Sign Out) and sign back in. Also, check your storage space—if your drive is full, downloads will fail.
• App crashes or freezes. Close the app completely (right-click its icon in the taskbar and choose “Close window”), then reopen it. If that doesn’t work, restart your PC. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the app from the Store.
• Library doesn’t show my music. Ensure “Sync Library” is enabled in Settings. Also, verify you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on all devices. It may take a few minutes for changes to appear after enabling sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall iTunes to use Apple Music on Windows?

No, you can have both installed. The Apple Music app will take over music playback, but iTunes remains for podcasts, audiobooks, and device management.

Is Apple Music on Windows free?

The app itself is free to download, but you need a paid subscription to stream music. Apple occasionally offers free trials for new subscribers.

Can I download songs for offline listening on Windows?

Yes, just click the download icon next to any song, album, or playlist. Downloaded music is stored locally and can be played without an internet connection.

Will my playlists and library sync between Windows and my iPhone?

Yes, as long as you enable “Sync Library” in the app’s settings and are signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices.

Does Apple Music on Windows support lossless audio?

Yes, you can enable Lossless in Settings > Playback. However, you need a compatible audio device and a wired connection to get the full benefit.

Can I use Apple Music on Windows without a subscription?

You can browse the catalog and listen to a limited number of songs with ads, but you won’t be able to play full tracks on demand or download them without a subscription.

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