Apple Music on Windows: Download and Install [Setup Guide]

Apple Music now has a dedicated Windows app in the Microsoft Store. This guide shows how to install it on Windows 11/10, enable Lossless and Spatial Audio, download songs for offline listening, and understand when to use the Apple Devices app or the legacy iTunes app.

Before you start

Requirements: Windows 10 version 19045 or newer, or Windows 11, with access to the Microsoft Store.
Account: You need an Apple ID for sign‑in. Offline downloads require an active Apple Music subscription.
Hardware: For Hi‑Res Lossless, use a USB DAC or audio interface that supports 24‑bit at higher sample rates; for Spatial Audio, use compatible headphones or speakers.

1) Install Apple Music on Windows

1. Open Microsoft Store on your PC.
2. Search for Apple Music and select the official app from Apple.
3. Select Get (or Install) and launch the app when finished.
4. Sign in with your Apple ID. If you are new to Apple Music, start a trial or choose a plan.

2) Turn on Lossless and Spatial Audio

1. Open Apple Music on Windows.
2. Select the sidebar menu button > Settings > Playback.
3. Enable Lossless audio. For highest quality, choose Hi‑Res Lossless for Streaming/Download (use a capable DAC/headphones).
4. (Optional) Turn on Dolby Atmos (Spatial Audio). Use supported headphones/speakers for best results.

Note: Lossless/Spatial availability varies by track, region, and hardware. If audio stutters on Wi‑Fi, set Streaming to Lossless only and keep Hi‑Res Lossless for Downloads.

3) Download music for offline listening

1. Browse Apple Music and select a song, album, or playlist.
2. Select Add to put it in your library.
3. Select Download to save it for offline playback. Downloads respect the quality set in Settings > Playback.

4) Understand Apple Devices vs. iTunes on Windows

• Apple Devices app: Use this to back up, restore, and sync content with iPhone/iPad/iPod on Windows. It replaces most old iTunes device‑management tasks.
• iTunes (legacy): Still available for Windows and remains the home for podcasts and audiobooks. If you use the new Apple Music app, install iTunes only if you need these legacy features.

5) Quick fixes if audio quality isn’t right

• Check output device: In Windows Sound settings, pick the correct headphones/DAC.
• Exclusive mode: In your DAC’s driver app, disable exclusive‑mode conflicts; let Apple Music or your player control sample rate.
• Wired for Hi‑Res: Use USB‑C/USB‑A to a capable DAC for 24‑bit/192 kHz. Bluetooth generally won’t deliver Hi‑Res Lossless.
• Stutter on Wi‑Fi: Lower streaming quality to Lossless, keep Hi‑Res for Downloads, or switch to Ethernet.

FAQs

Is Apple Music available on Windows 10? Yes. Install it from Microsoft Store on Windows 10 version 19045+ or Windows 11.

Do I still need iTunes? Only if you rely on podcasts/audiobooks in iTunes. For device sync/backups, use the Apple Devices app; for music, use Apple Music.

Can I upload local files? You can add local files to your library for playback on that PC. Cloud sync of personal files may be limited by track format and rights.

Does Apple Music on Windows support Lossless and Dolby Atmos? Yes, when enabled in Settings and when your hardware supports it.

Tips for power users

• Create a “Downloaded” smart playlist to see everything available offline.
• Tag large downloads overnight; keep the app open on AC power.
• For multi‑room playback, output Apple Music to an AirPlay‑capable receiver via third‑party tools, or use wired connections for bit‑perfect output.

Summary (ordered steps)

1. Install Apple Music from Microsoft Store and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Enable Lossless/Spatial in Settings > Playback.
3. Add music to your library and download what you want offline.
4. Use Apple Devices for iPhone/iPad backups and sync; use iTunes only for podcasts/audiobooks.
5. Optimize your audio chain (correct output device, wired DAC for Hi‑Res, stable network) and test.

Conclusion

Apple Music on Windows is finally a first‑class experience with Lossless, Spatial Audio, and offline downloads—plus a clean path for device sync via the Apple Devices app. Set it up once, choose the right quality settings, and enjoy your library across Windows and all your devices.