Here’s How To Use Airplay with Windows

AirPlay lets you wirelessly cast video or audio from your Apple device to a compatible device. But what happens when you’re using Windows? Can you use AirPlay to stream to a Windows computer?

Having a Windows PC or laptop and an Apple device and not knowing how to bridge the gap between the two technologies can be inconvenient. Luckily, using AirPlay on a Windows PC is possible by installing iTunes or one of several other third-party applications.

Read on for information on how to use AirPlay on Windows with various third-party apps.

How to Use AirPlay Streaming From iTunes on Windows

iTunes is the easiest route when connecting to AirPlay devices over Wi-Fi to your Windows computer.

The iTunes for Windows app has built-in support for basic AirPlay audio streaming. You just need to install iTunes, then connect to the Wi-Fi network hosting the devices to send music to your PC.

The latest version of iTunes for Windows 10/11 can be downloaded from the official Microsoft Store. Here’s how to get started using AirPlay via iTunes for Windows.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
   
2. Enter a search for “iTunes.”
   
3. Click on the “Free” button to download iTunes to your PC.
   
4. Once installed, open iTunes and ensure your Apple device is on the same Wi-Fi network.
   
5. Start enjoying audio files on Windows from the Apple Music app.

Mirroring Your Windows Screen Requires an App

AirPlay Mirroring can display whatever is shown on your iOS device or Mac screen on an HDTV via the Apple TV. This support isn’t natively built into Windows, but there are several third-party solutions that allow this functionality.

AirServer

The AirServer app for Windows is a powerful universal mirroring receiver. It allows a Windows PC to receive media over AirPlay and has Google Cast and Miracast capabilities. It is compatible with the latest iOS version.

AirMyPC

AirMyPC allows you to mirror your Windows PC to an Apple TV, Roku TV, or Chromecast by adding Windows AirPlay and Cast screen mirroring capabilities. The AirMyPC app is an AirPlay Windows sender. It facilitates AirPlay, Cast, and can stream media from your Windows computer to your Chromecast or Apple TV if they are on your PC’s Wi-Fi network.

X-Mirage

X-Mirage turns your Windows PC into a screen mirroring receiver. It supports AirPlay and Google Cast to let you mirror or cast screens from any AirPlay or Google Cast compatible device. It offers screen recording and audio. It allows you to mirror several devices onto the same screen simultaneously. However, it does not support Apple TV.

AirDroid Cast

AirDroid Cast is an Android device manager app that facilitates remote access and control of an Android device from a computer. It is the most powerful web application for screen mirroring. Although this feature is not called “AirPlay,” it does the same thing. It facilitates cross-platform screen sharing and screen casting from a compatible Android device to Windows.

AirParrot 3

AirParrot 3 mirrors and extends your Windows screen or streams media files to various receivers. It also allows you to mirror one open window to the Apple TV while displaying a different one on your computer screen, a feature not possible on Macs.

How To Mirror Your Screen with Airplay from a Windows PC

To demonstrate how to use the AirPlay feature from your Windows computer, we’ll use AirParrot 3. While the software costs $17.99, there is a fully functional seven-day free try-before-you-buy trial.

1. Download the latest version of the AirParrot3 app on your computer.
   
2. Complete the installation instructions.
   
3. Ensure your computer and the iOS device you are streaming to are using the same Wi-Fi device.
   
4. Access the AirParrot 3 menu. The AirParrot 3 icon should display near your system clock.
   
5. AirParrot will list all available destinations, e.g., Apple TV or Chromecast. Select a device from the list.
   
6. AirParrot 3 will now connect your PC to your selected destination.

How To Receive an Airplay Mirror on a Windows PC

The ability to receive AirPlay streams from other devices is another Mac-only feature. So Macs running the latest version of macOS can function like an Apple TV. Here are some stand-alone programs to offer your Windows computer the same capability.

Airfoil

Airfoil is a well-known Windows app for streaming over AirPlay. Using this app, you can stream media from your Windows computer, and also cast media to Apple TV, and stream to iOS devices.

Tuneblade

The Tuneblade app lets you stream media to Windows, Apple TV, AirPort Express, and AirPlay-supported speakers. It also supports connection to AirPlay audio-receiving apps. This app allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously and enjoy listening to synced multi-room audio.

AirPlay Client

The AirPlay Client for Windows Media Center is a free app that requires “Bonjour” technology included in iTunes for Windows.

LonelyScreen

LonelyScreen is a free application for Windows and Mac. It supports receiving and recording content via AirPlay.

How to Mirror an iPhone’s Screen to Windows Using Airplay

If you own an iPhone or iOS device, you may wonder how to mirror your iPhone’s screen on your Windows PC. This is possible if your iPhone supports AirPlay, your computer is running Windows 10 or 11, and a supporting third-party app is installed to get it working.

For this demonstration, we’ll use the free LonelyScreen app.

1. Download and install the latest version of the LonelyScreen app on your PC.
   
2. Once installed, open it, then click “Maybe Later” to continue using it.
   
3. Connect your Windows computer and iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network.
   
4. Swipe downwards from the top-right of your iOS device to access the “Control Center.”
   
5. Press the “Screen Mirroring” icon.
   
6. “LonelyScreen” should appear as an available option on your iOS device. Tap it to start mirroring.
   

FAQs

What does the AirPlay icon look like?

The AirPlay icon looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing upwards at the bottom.

AirPlay Like a Mac User

Using the iTunes for Windows app and other supporting third-party apps, you can enjoy the entertainment stored on your AirPlay-compatible device from your Windows computer. There are several third-party apps available that facilitate AirPlay functionality. They work as expected if you’re running Windows 10 or 11, connected to an AirPlay-compatible device, and everything is on the same Wi-Fi.

Were you able to get AirPlay working on your Windows PC? What app did you use? Tell us about your AirPlay experience in the comments section below.