You don’t need a Mac or an Apple TV box to watch Apple’s shows and movies on a Windows 10 PC. There are two easy ways to do it: the free Apple TV app from the Microsoft Store, or the tv.apple.com website in your browser. Both let you stream Apple Originals, rent or buy movies, and pick up where you left off on your other devices.
Apple’s subscription service, formerly called Apple TV+, is now simply called Apple TV, which can make older guides confusing. This guide covers both methods, how to sign in or subscribe, and fixes for common playback problems.
Method 1: Use the Apple TV App for Windows
Step 1: Get the app from the Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store, search for Apple TV, and click Get or Install. Make sure the publisher is Apple Inc. The app is free.
Step 2: Open the app and sign in
Launch Apple TV from the Start menu. Click Sign In in the sidebar and enter your Apple Account email and password. If you don’t have one, you can create it there for free.
Step 3: Subscribe or start a free trial
Click a show or movie from Apple Originals. If you don’t have a subscription, the app shows the current trial or subscription offer. If you already pay for Apple TV on another device, or through Apple One, signing in unlocks it automatically.
Step 4: Watch
Click Play. Use the controls to change subtitles, audio language and quality. Your progress syncs with your iPhone, iPad or TV through your Apple Account.
Apple’s Apple TV App User Guide covers subscriptions, purchases and supported devices in more detail.
Method 2: Watch in Your Web Browser
- Open Edge, Chrome or Firefox and go to tv.apple.com.
- Click Sign In in the top-right corner and enter your Apple Account details.
- Pick a show or movie and click Play.
The browser version is handy on work PCs where you can’t install apps, or when you’re using someone else’s computer. Remember to sign out afterward on shared PCs.
What About iTunes?
On Windows, Apple split iTunes into separate apps. Once you install the Apple TV app, it handles your movie and TV purchases, and iTunes no longer shows them. Your previous purchases appear in the Apple TV app’s library when you sign in with the same Apple Account.
What You Can Watch
- Apple Originals: series and films made by Apple, included with an Apple TV subscription.
- Movies to rent or buy: available without a subscription, paid individually.
- Sports: MLS Season Pass and, for US customers, Formula 1 coverage, depending on your subscription and region.
- Channels: add-on subscriptions from other services, where available.
Troubleshooting
- Video won’t play or shows an error. Update Windows and your graphics driver, and close screen recording or capture tools, which can block protected video.
- Black screen during playback on a second monitor. Protected content needs HDCP. Try the built-in display, or a different cable or monitor that supports HDCP.
- Can’t sign in. Check your Apple Account password at account.apple.com, and approve the sign-in on your iPhone if you use two-factor authentication.
- The app isn’t in the Microsoft Store. It may not be offered in your country, or your Windows 10 version is too old. Update Windows, or use tv.apple.com instead.
- Low video quality in the browser. Browsers may stream at lower resolution than the app. Use the Apple TV app for the best picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Apple TV on Windows 10 without an Apple device?
Yes. You only need an Apple Account, which is free to create, and a subscription or purchase for the content you want.
Do I need to download anything?
No. The website works in any modern browser. The app is optional but offers better playback and downloads where available.
Is Apple TV free?
The app is free. Apple Originals need a paid subscription, and movies are rented or bought individually.
What if I forget my Apple Account password?
Click Forgot password on the sign-in screen, or reset it from a trusted iPhone or at account.apple.com.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Yes. The same app and website work on Windows 11.
Wrapping Up
Install the free Apple TV app from the Microsoft Store and sign in with your Apple Account, or go to tv.apple.com in your browser. Either way you can stream Apple Originals, rent movies and keep your progress in sync with your other devices. If you also stream from your phone, see how to mirror an iPhone to a Windows 10 PC.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.