How to stream audio from macOS to Windows 10
macOS and Windows 10 are two operating systems that are rarely easy to use together. There are so many differences between the two that developers seldom see the need to create something for both platforms. Similarly, since it’s so hard to get the two to work cohesively, users tend to just stick to one machine. If you need to stream audio from macOS to Windows 10, you might find yourself abandoning the idea before you figure out a solution. There is a fairly simple way to do it though but it carries a $29 price tag. If that’s a price you’re willing to pay, check out Airfoil. You can start with the app’s trial version and if you like how it works, you can buy a license for the app.
Stream audio from macOS to Windows 10
In order to stream audio from macOS to Windows 10, you’re going to have to install the Airfoil app on both systems. You can use Airfoil to stream audio to multiple Windows 10 systems but each one must have the Airfoil app installed. All systems must be on the same WiFi network.
On your Windows 10 PC
Download the Airfoil Satellite app for Windows 10. Install and run it. That’s all you need to do. The app can run in the system tray and you won’t need to interact with it at all to start streaming. You can close the window and the app will go to the system tray where it will continue to listen for audio.
On your Mac
Download Airfoil for Mac and install it. Do not install the app with Satellite in its name. You want to install the main Airfoil app. Once installed, run the app. Open the dropdown and select which app you want to stream audio from. In the screenshot below, we’re streaming audio from the Music app.
The app will automatically detect which systems are running the Airfoil server app and list them. If you want to stream audio to a Windows 10 PC but also want it to play on your Mac, do not mute any of the listed devices in Airfoil’s interface. If you want to only stream audio to a Windows 10 PC but do not want it to play from your Mac’s speakers, you can mute the internal speakers.
Since the app is streaming audio over WiFi, latency is going to be a concern. During tests, the audio was a bit choppy to start out but it soon smoothed out and made for a perfectly good listening experience. Try the app’s trial version and see how well it works for you before you buy it.
There are free AirPlay receivers for Windows, like 5KPlayer.