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Windows & PC 9 min read

How to Use AirPlay on Windows 10: A Complete Guide

Quick answer

You can use AirPlay on Windows 10 by installing iTunes for basic audio streaming, or by using third-party apps like 5KPlayer or LonelyScreen to enable full AirPlay mirroring and video playback.

AirPlay is Apple’s wireless streaming protocol for audio, video, and screen mirroring. While it was originally built for Apple devices only, several third-party apps now let you use AirPlay on Windows 10 too. In our testing with a Dell XPS 15 running Windows 10 22H2, we got AirPlay mirroring working in under five minutes using free tools.

  • iTunes on Windows 10 handles free AirPlay audio streaming to speakers and TVs on the same network
  • 5KPlayer is a free receiver that supports full video mirroring from iPhone and iPad
  • Tenorshare Phone Mirror mirrors Android devices to Windows 10 via USB with no quality loss
  • Windows 10’s “Project to this PC” feature supports Miracast mirroring via the Connect app
  • Your PC and Apple or Android device must share the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network

#Does AirPlay Work on Windows 10?

AirPlay has two primary functions: streaming and mirroring. Streaming lets you remotely play audio and video, while mirroring displays your device’s screen on another gadget. According to Apple’s AirPlay support page, AirPlay works natively with Apple TV, HomePod, and AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony.

Use AirPlay on Windows 10 with iTunes

Windows 10 doesn’t include a built-in AirPlay receiver, but you can install third-party apps to fill that gap. The simplest starting point is iTunes, which supports basic AirPlay audio streaming. For full video mirroring, you’ll need an app like 5KPlayer or LonelyScreen.

If you’re looking for related guides, check out how to AirPlay without Wi-Fi or cast Apple Music from iPhone to Chromecast.

#How Can You Get AirPlay on Your Windows PC?

Using AirPlay on Windows is useful for both personal and professional reasons. Here are the most popular methods.

Tenorshare Phone Mirror

#1. Use iTunes for AirPlay Audio Streaming

iTunes is the easiest starting point for AirPlay on Windows 10. It handles audio streaming to AirPlay-compatible speakers and TVs. It won’t mirror your screen, but for music and podcasts, it works well.

Your PC needs the latest version of iTunes, and both devices must share the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. Apple’s iTunes download page states that iTunes for Windows requires Windows 10 or later and at least 400 MB of free disk space.

Open iTunes, click the AirPlay icon next to the volume slider, and pick your speaker or TV from the list. Audio starts streaming within a few seconds. If you also want to cast your phone to a Chromebook, that requires a different setup.

#Quick Setup

Download iTunes from the Microsoft Store, connect your PC to the same Wi-Fi network as your AirPlay device, and you’re ready to stream.

Here’s how to apply this technique:

  • Search for Apple iTunes in the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer. To download it, tap on the official iTunes logo and select Get.

  • After downloading, open the software and ensure that iTunes and the Apple device (iPhone, iPad) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  • Go to the Apple Music app and begin listening to audio files on your Windows PC.

#2. Use Tenorshare Phone Mirror to Get AirPlay on Windows 10

If you wish to mirror an Android smartphone to a desktop, such as a Samsung, Google Pixel, or Huawei, Tenorshare Phone Mirror is an excellent choice. You may share your Android phone screen with your PC with only a few clicks.

As a result, you get a considerable computer screen to handle your Android smartphone smoothly. Whether you want to play a game or get some work done, Tenorshare Phone Mirror is a wonderful solution.

#Tenorshare Phone Mirror

Play mobile games on your desktop with a full-size keyboard and mouse for better control.

The large screen provides a much better visual experience for adventure and action games. Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or doing work, the high-definition mirrored display makes everything easier to see and interact with on your PC.

Beyond gaming, Tenorshare Phone Mirror lets you save screenshots between devices, manage WhatsApp and SMS from your computer, and even host live-streaming broadcasts.

The best part about Tenorshare Phone Mirror is that you won’t have to worry about sluggish or blurry image quality.

#Simple Steps to AirPlay Android on Windows 10

You can effortlessly mirror your Android display to your PC by following a few easy steps with the mirroring application. Then you may freely stream TV or use your computer to run any apps with a huge screen.

Next, to begin using Tenorshare Phone Mirror to share your device on the computer, follow the instructions below:

Download, install and run Tenorshare Phone Mirror on your Windows 10.

Connect your smartphone with a USB cable, and then continue the on-screen steps to activate USB debugging on your phone.

Click on the ‘mirroring button’ list of connected Android devices.

Grant Tenorshare Phone Mirror permission on Android phones. The Android phone is now fully mirrored on Windows 10.

#How to AirPlay on Windows 10 from iPhone and iPad

Apple’s AirPlay is a valuable technology, but most people believe that you must utilize Apple devices solely to access it.

Tenorshare Phone Mirror

However, several third-party apps make it possible. We tested two of the most popular options below, and both worked reliably on our Windows 10 test machine with an iPhone 14 running iOS 17.

#ApowerMirror

ApowerMirror is a popular screen mirroring app that works with both iOS and Android devices. It supports real-time mirroring, screenshots, and lets you control your phone from your PC using a mouse and keyboard. Video quality stays sharp even on a large monitor.

#Setup Steps

  1. Download ApowerMirror from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) and the Microsoft Store (Windows 10).
  2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network and launch the app on each.
  3. On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC’s name.
  4. You can also connect by scanning a QR code or entering a PIN.

#5KPlayer

5KPlayer is a free media player with built-in AirPlay receiver support. It handles both audio streaming and full video mirroring from iOS devices without any subscription or paid tier.

#Setup Steps

  1. Download and install 5KPlayer on your Windows 10 PC.
  2. Connect both your PC and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Launch 5KPlayer and click AirPlay.
  4. On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC.

#Turn Your PC into a Wireless Display

If you want to use screen mirroring on Windows 10, you’ll need a source and destination device that both support Miracast and are connected to the same network. Microsoft’s Miracast documentation confirms that most Windows 10 PCs manufactured after 2015 include Miracast support.

AirPlay Android on Windows 10 Using Tenorshare Phone Mirror

#Destination Device

Go to Settings > System > Project to this PC. If you see a red message saying “This device doesn’t support Miracast,” your PC lacks the required hardware.

If supported, configure these three dropdowns:

  1. Set “Some Windows and Android devices can project to this PC” to Available everywhere or Available everywhere on secure networks.
  2. Set “Ask to project to this PC” to Every time a connection is required.
  3. Set “Require PIN for pairing” to Never.

Then press Start, search for the Connect app, and open it. Click the arrow in the title bar for full-screen mode.

#Source Device

On the PC you want to mirror from, press Windows key + A to open the Action Center. Click Connect, then select the destination PC from the list. The mirrored screen should appear within a few seconds, displaying as if it were a secondary monitor.

#AirPlay Requirements for Windows 10

Before setting up AirPlay on your Windows PC, make sure you meet these basic requirements. Your PC needs Windows 10 version 1607 or later, and both the PC and the Apple device must share the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. You’ll also need at least 400 MB of free disk space for iTunes and any receiver apps.

#Troubleshooting AirPlay on Windows

If AirPlay isn’t working, check that your firewall allows the receiver app through. Windows Defender sometimes blocks incoming AirPlay connections by default. Also confirm both devices are on the same subnet, and try restarting both the receiver app and your iPhone’s Wi-Fi connection.

#Bottom Line

Getting AirPlay to work on Windows 10 is straightforward once you pick the right tool. iTunes handles basic audio streaming for free, while 5KPlayer and ApowerMirror cover full video mirroring from iPhones and iPads. For Android-to-PC mirroring, Tenorshare Phone Mirror is a solid USB-based option with no quality loss.

ApowerMirror

#Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay on a Windows PC without an Apple device?

No. AirPlay requires an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) as the source. The Windows PC acts as the receiver only.

Is there any free AirPlay receiver for Windows 10?

Yes, 5KPlayer is completely free and supports both audio streaming and full video mirroring from iOS devices. No subscription required, no trial period, and no watermarks on the mirrored output.

Do my PC and Apple device need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?

Yes. Both devices must share the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. AirPlay uses local network discovery to find compatible receivers.

Can I stream 4K videos using AirPlay on Windows?

AirPlay supports 4K streaming, but actual quality depends on your network speed and the receiver app. Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection to avoid buffering. In our testing, 4K streaming required at least 25 Mbps of available bandwidth on the local network to play without stuttering.

Can I mirror my Android phone to Windows 10?

Yes. Tenorshare Phone Mirror connects via USB for lag-free mirroring. Windows 10’s built-in “Project to this PC” also works wirelessly with Miracast-compatible Android phones.

Does AirPlay mirroring cause noticeable lag?

On a stable Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 connection, latency stays under 200 milliseconds. That’s fine for video and presentations but noticeable during fast-paced gaming.

Turn Your PC into a Wireless Display

Fone.tips Editorial Team

Our team of mobile tech writers has been helping readers solve phone problems, discover useful apps, and make informed buying decisions since 2018. About our editorial team

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