How to Listen to Apple Music on a Windows PC

Apple devices are smooth, efficient, and preferred by many as their go-to mobile device. But not everyone with an iPhone uses a Mac. Plenty of users still prefer the versatility of a Windows PC or laptop.

Does that mean you can’t listen to your Apple Music library unless you’re on an iPhone? No.

The Apple Music service is available to Windows users, and you can experience it in two different ways. You can install a Windows-friendly app or use the web-based service. Here’s what you need to know about both.

Install iTunes on a Windows PC

The iTunes app for Windows has been around for a few years. Apple users with a Windows device can easily access their Apple Music library and listen to their favorite playlists and artists or binge episodes of popular podcasts.

1. Download the Microsoft version of the iTunes app from the iTunes website.
   
2. Select “Get it” to launch the download.
   
3. Once you have downloaded it, click “Open.”
   
4. A license agreement will appear; click the “I Agree” button.
   
5. Click “agree” after the process has finished.
   
6. You can purchase iTunes music and video by “Go to the iTunes Store” or “Sign in to the Itunes Store”.
   
7. Enter a valid Apple ID and password or “Create a new Apple ID” button.
   
8. When the software asks, select “Merge Library” or “Not Now” to import your iCloud Music Library or start a new library.
   

If you don’t want to use iTunes for more than three months, you can avoid being charged by changing your account’s subscription settings.

1. Click on the “Account” in the upper left corner of the iTunes app interface.
   
2. Go to “Sign in.”
   
3. Enter your “Apple ID” and “Password”.
   
4. Select “Sign in” to access your account.
   
5. Go to “Account” and choose “View My Account”
   
6. Click the “Manage” button for the “Subscriptions” setting.
   
7. Set the “Automatic Renewal” option to “Off.”
   

Now you’ll be able to enjoy the free trial without worrying about being charged once the trial period is over.

Users with existing Apple Music subscriptions can go to the “Library” section to see their saved playlists and purchased tracks. Those with a new Apple ID and no listening history can access the “For You” tab for random recommendations or the “Browse” tab to search for their favorite artists and hit songs.

Use the Apple Music Browser App

If for some reason, you can’t install the iTunes app on your PC, the browser app is a reliable alternative for listening to Apple Music.

Here’s how to access the web-powered music player.

1. Launch the music.apple.com service in any browser.
   
2. Click “Sign In” and type your Apple ID and password.
   
3. Type the passcode sent to your Apple device to complete the authentication.
   
4. Browse the library and listen to your favorite songs.

If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one from the Apple Music website.

1. Go to music.apple.com.
   
2. Click the “Sign In” button.
   
3. Click the “Create new Apple ID” option.
   
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Sign in using your new credentials and listen to your favorite artists, podcasters, or radio stations.
   

Using the browser app is a reliable solution for users with limited storage space. Apple Music streams at fast bit rates and has excellent audio quality. Therefore, there’s no need to download songs unless users want to listen to music when offline.

The browser service is also available for users with Chromebooks and Linux-based systems.

Use an Apple Music Converter

Since you can install iTunes on a Windows PC or a Chrome OS laptop, there’s no reason to try playing Apple Music on other media players.

However, if you don’t want to subscribe to the service, an Apple Music converter is necessary to continue playing music downloaded in your iTunes library once the free trial expires.

Various converters can record DRM-protected M4P Apple Music tracks and export them in unprotected formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.

For this to work, you must start converting your library while you’re still able to access the iTunes library. Note that Apply Music converters aren’t usually free to use.

Try It Out for Yourself

Listening to tracks, radio, and podcasts on Apple Music from a Windows device or other non-iOS or non-macOS devices is easier than ever before. Whether installing the iTunes app directly or using the web-based app, users can enjoy their favorite audio content provided by Apple.

Let us know which version of Apple Music you prefer. Is it the desktop app or the cloud-based service? Share your thoughts on the differences in quality and the interfaces’ navigability in the comments section below.