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Here’s How To Effortlessly Use AirPlay on Windows Computers

AirPlay is an Apple technology that allows you to wirelessly stream media and mirror your Apple device’s screen to compatible devices like Apple TVs. As a Windows user, you may be wondering if you can use AirPlay to stream content from your iPhone or iPad to your Windows computer.

The good news is – yes, you can use AirPlay on Windows! While AirPlay is not natively supported on Windows, there are several third-party apps that enable AirPlay functionality. In this article, I’ll walk you through the different methods to use AirPlay on Windows computers.

Stream Audio from iTunes

The easiest way to use basic AirPlay streaming on Windows is through Apple’s iTunes app.

Here’s how to set it up:

  • Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your Windows 10/11 computer from the Microsoft Store.
  • Connect your Windows computer and Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Open iTunes on your Windows computer.
  • Click the AirPlay icon in the upper right corner and select your AirPlay-compatible speaker or device.
  • Any audio played in iTunes will now be streamed to the selected AirPlay device.

Using iTunes allows you to stream audio to AirPlay 2-enabled smart speakers, Apple TVs, AirPort Express routers, and other compatible devices. However, iTunes does not support video streaming or screen mirroring.

Use Third-Party Apps

To unlock the full potential of AirPlay on Windows, including the ability to stream video and mirror screens, you’ll need to use a third-party AirPlay app.

Here are some of the best options:

1. AirServer

AirServer allows you to stream or mirror content from your iOS devices and Macs to your Windows computer. It works with AirPlay, Google Cast, and Miracast.

Key features:

  • Streams audio, video, photos, presentations, and mirrors screens
  • Supports streaming from multiple devices simultaneously
  • Free trial available

2. X-Mirage

X-Mirage transforms your Windows computer into an AirPlay receiver to stream media and mirror iPhone/iPad screens.

Key features:

  • Streams audio, video, and mirrors device screens
  • Records your iOS screen while mirroring
  • Supports mirroring multiple iOS devices simultaneously

3. AirParrot 2

AirParrot 2 streams 1080p HD video, 5.1 surround sound audio, and mirrors screens from iOS/Mac devices to Windows.

Key features:

  • Streams HD video without quality loss
  • 5.1 surround sound supported
  • 7-day free trial

Tips for Using AirPlay on Windows

Here are some tips to help you get the best experience while using AirPlay on your Windows 10/11 computer:

  • Update Windows and drivers – Install the latest Windows updates and graphics/audio drivers on your computer for maximum compatibility.
  • Optimize Wi-Fi – AirPlay performance depends heavily on your Wi-Fi connection. Move devices closer to the router, use the 5GHz band if available, and reduce interference from other wireless devices.
  • Close other apps – Streaming high-bitrate video can be resource intensive. Close any other demanding apps running in the background.
  • Enable hardware decoding – Hardware video decoding takes load off your CPU for smooth video streaming. Enable this option if available in your AirPlay app settings.
  • Use wired connections – For the most reliable and highest-quality AirPlay performance, connect streaming devices directly to your router using an Ethernet cable whenever possible.

Conclusion

Though AirPlay is designed to work within Apple’s ecosystem, Windows users need not feel left out. With the help of iTunes or third-party AirPlay apps like AirServer and X-Mirage, you can wirelessly stream audio, video, mirror screens, and more from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Windows 10/11 computer.

The setup only takes a few minutes, and the streaming performance is smooth as long as you follow the tips outlined in this article. So go ahead and enjoy AirPlay on your Windows machine!

I have over 10 years of experience using various Apple and Windows devices. I can confirm that with the right software, AirPlay works very reliably on Windows computers for media streaming and screen mirroring purposes.

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