Music lovers have everything they have when choosing a streaming platform. While Deezer, Tidal and Pandora also have some popularity, there is no doubt that the competition for the top spot is mainly between Spotify and Apple Music. While you might think that Apple Music is limited to Apple devices, you can also listen on Windows. For $10 a month subscription, you can sign up for a free trial to play your favorite music on Windows now. Here we will show you how to listen to Apple Music on Windows.

Table of contents

• 1. Listen on iTunes
• 2. Try Apple Music Web Player
• 3. Using Apple Music PC app
• 4. Using third-party applications
• Frequently Asked Questions

1. Listen on iTunes

iTunes is Apple's default music and podcast player on macOS, but it also provides powerful apps for Windows. In addition to organizing and listening to your downloaded songs and MP3, you can also use iTunes to listen to Apple Music. You can download it through the Microsoft Store, but the experience is not perfect. For example, there are users who have feedback that it often crashes and data is confused.

Note : iTunes is available for Windows 10 and 11, and the current latest version is 12.12.9.4.

1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer, search for iTunes and click "Get".

2. After the download is complete, click "Open".

3. To access Apple Music, you need to log in to your Apple account. Click "Account" in the top ribbon, and then click "Login".

4. Click "Browse" to start listening.

5. If you don't have an Apple Music subscription, or just want to try it out, click "For You" and then click "Try Now", you will be prompted to select the subscription level. You can then go back to "Browse" or search directly for your favorite artist.

Tip : Here is an easy way to find and delete duplicates in Apple Music on your Mac.

2. Try Apple Music Web Player

Listening to music through iTunes is relatively simple, but if you don't have iTunes installed on your working machine, you can also listen through a web player. It provides the same functionality as a PC application, but slightly different in design.

1. Navigate to the web player and if you already have an Apple Music subscription, click the profile icon in the upper right corner to log in. To start now, click "Listen Now".

2. If you just want to browse the available content and preview it, click "Browse" in the left panel. If you like to hear something, you can sign up for a free trial.

You will immediately notice that web players are responsive faster than iTunes, making it easier to spot songs, playlists, and artists through the Browse section.

The “Broadcast” section of the web player is where you find all podcasts and live broadcasts from creators and news organizations. However, if you want to discover new artists and latest releases, the "Listen Now" section is the best choice.

You can browse the web player easily, but if you want to listen to music through the app (whether it's iTunes or Apple Music), there is a "Open in Music" button in the lower left corner.

3. Using Apple Music PC app

If you're wondering if there is a dedicated Apple Music desktop app, the answer is yes. Apple Music Preview is available for download from the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 (version 19045.0 or higher) and 11.

But before you download, there are a few things you need to know. It will replace your iTunes experience (iTunes will no longer run), and all audio books or podcasts will be opened in the Apple Music app. Here is how to get it:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer and search for Apple Music Preview. Click "Install" to start the download process. Its size is about 170MB and will be installed automatically. When finished, click "Open".

2. This will pop up a prompt that Apple Music for Windows is still in the preview stage. This means that if you have iTunes installed, iTunes will no longer be opened. If you have no comment on this, click "Continue" and then click "Agree" in the next window.

3. To log into your Apple account, click the profile icon in the lower left corner and click Login.

4. In the left panel, click "Listen Now" or browse directly to the artist or song of your choice.

The app is nearly identical to Apple Music web player, with the added benefit of importing your local music library and organizing your audio collection like you do in iTunes.

Note : The only way to go back to listening to music on iTunes is to uninstall the Apple Music app.

Worth knowing : Want to experience Apple Music for free? Check out these promotions!

4. Using third-party applications

If the previous options do not suit your preference, you can listen to Apple Music through the third-party app Cider. It was initially a replacement for Apple Music desktop client, but the upcoming update will turn it into a one-stop destination that integrates all streaming platforms into one app. It costs $3.99 in the Microsoft Store.

Cider is an open source software from the enthusiastic music community. It is not affiliated with Apple, but uses the Apple Music API MusicKit, several software development kits (SDKs), and other APIs to plug content into the platform.

In addition to providing access to Apple Music, the clean dashboard is customizable, supports spatial audio and integrates with Discord, Last.FM and Spotify. You still need an Apple Music subscription, and the login process on Cider is similar to Apple.

Worth knowing : Learn how to transfer Spotify playlists to Apple Music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sound quality can you expect when using Apple Music on Windows?

By default, Apple Music streams audio in AAC format. However, in the Apple Music app, there is a sound quality enhancer to improve sound quality. There is also an option to switch to high resolution lossless audio, which uses more bandwidth.

Apple Music has lossless audio tracks, but not available to everyone. If you have a voice-only subscription, you can listen to music in a standard streaming format. Student, personal and family subscriptions have access to a full lossless audio catalog.

Is Apple Music the same as iTunes on your PC?

Essentially, Apple Music has the same features as iTunes, but looks much simpler and easier to navigate. You can still import the songs you downloaded from your hard drive (just like in iTunes) and listen offline.

Does Apple Music have ads?

No, since there is no free streaming option, there is no ad play when listening to music.

What is the difference between Apple Music and Apple Music Classical?

The two applications are basically the same. Apple Music Classical only provides listening to classical music. You won't find Taylor Swift or Jay Z here, because it's all about Bach, Mozart and Chopin. It is available as a free companion app for individual, family and student subscribers, as well as Apple One.

Image source: Freepik. All screenshots are provided by Charlie Fripp .

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