How to Get AirPlay on Windows

Stream music and videos via Apple AirPlay on a Windows PC

by
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
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Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Sam Costello
Updated on September 11, 2020
reviewed by
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Ryan Perian
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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Article reviewed on Feb 13, 2020
Ryan Perian

Apple's AirPlay streams media from Macs or iOS devices to other devices such as wireless speakers and HDTVs. You can use AirPlay on Windows if you have at least two AirPlay-compatible devices on the same Wi-Fi network. To use some advanced Airplay features, you'll need to download extra software.

This article references several programs that aren't included with Windows. Check individual software requirements to make sure they are compatible with your version of Windows.

AirPlay Streaming From iTunes on Windows

Basic AirPlay audio streaming comes built into the Windows version of iTunes. Just install iTunes on your PC and connect to the Wi-Fi network hosting the devices, then you're ready to send music from your computer to compatible audio devices.

Illustration of AirPlay on a PC
Lifewire / Nusha Ashjaee 

Stream Any Media Over AirPlay on Windows

Non-audio streaming through AirPlay requires a Mac. You can stream media from virtually any program including ones that don't support AirPlay, since the features is part of the macOS operating system. For example, if you're running the desktop version of a music app that doesn't support AirPlay, you can use macOS to send music to your wireless speakers.

This method won't work for PC users because AirPlay on Windows only exists as part of iTunes, separately from the operating system. A pair of programs might help:

  • TuneBlade is free to use on open-source operating systems, but it's available to purchase for Windows.
  • Airfoil for Windows offers a free trial version you can use before deciding to upgrade to the full, paid edition.
Download Airfoil for Windows
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AirPlay Mirroring on Windows With Extra Software

AirPlay Mirroring lets you show whatever is on your Mac or iOS device's screen on an HDTV using the Apple TV. This method is another OS-level feature that's not available as part of Windows, but you can add it with these programs:

  • AirMyPC lets you use AirPlay to mirror to an Apple TV or Chromecast. Add-on software for Windows lets you use the mirrored screen like a virtual whiteboard.
  • AirParrot enables mirroring to Apple TV and Chromecast. It also lets you mirror one program to the Apple TV while showing something else on your PC, which is not possible on Macs.
  • AirServer is a powerful tool designed for educators that allows a PC to receive video over AirPlay. It comes with a free trial.
  • X-Mirage supports AirPlay Mirroring to any Mac or PC and adds the ability to record what's on your screen as well as audio. It also lets you mirror more than one device at a time onto the same screen. It is not compatible with Apple TV. 
AirServer trial on Windows 10 PC
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AirPlay Receiver on Windows

Another Mac-only feature of AirPlay is the ability for computers to receive AirPlay streams from other devices, so Macs running recent versions of macOS can essentially function like an Apple TV. A few stand-alone programs will give your Windows PC this same ability:

  • AirPlay Client for Windows Media Center is a free program that requires Bonjour, which comes as part of iTunes on Windows.
  • LonelyScreen is a free program that supports both receiving and recording content over AirPlay.
  • Shairport4w is an open-source project available as a free download.
AirPlay Client for Windows Media Server
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