GarageBand for PC Windows Free Download [2023]

Introduction to GarageBand

GarageBand is a popular music-making app used by many music artists globally to record, mix, play, and perfect songs. The app was created to help anyone with an interest in music to be able to create music anytime and anywhere. GarageBand is friendly for both beginners and pros. What’s more, it’s FREE despite being one of the best music creator apps available today. However, there’s one problem. GarageBand was made by Apple Inc. that isn’t interested in changing developer program policies.

In simple terms, you can’t use the app if you don’t have an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or a Mac computer. What’s more, you can’t wait for GarageBand to be available on Android or Windows PC anytime soon. However, it is possible to install GarageBand on your Windows PC. The process is, however, complex. So, how do you get GarageBand working on your Windows PC? We’ve prepared a detailed guide below. If you don’t know how to download GarageBand using Windows, look no further.

But first things first, why should you bother with GarageBand? What GarageBand features stand out?

Main Feature of GarageBand

Before going through the process of GarageBand for PC download on Windows, it’s advisable to know the main features or what you can do with the app. You can;

 I. Record any song or tune from your device at any time. GarageBand acts as a complete studio packed with presets, voice, and all kinds of instruments (from piano/keyboards and drums to guitars and samplers. The app also has a sound library and external apps).

 II. Record as much music as you want

 III. Add to pre-recorded tunes already available to you

 IV. Get access to 100s of Jazz, Hip Hop, and EDM sounds

 V. Play with the volume, pitch, and density of songs to perfection or desired taste

 VI. Fix autotune or rhythm issues, track and mix music with instruments, put effects such as compression, visual EQ, and more with a simple click.

 VII. Share your music creations on social media like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. by simply tapping a button

 VIII. Use the app in a variety of languages

 IX. Use the app with podcasting software

Now that you have a sneak peek of what GarageBand can do, here’s how to download and install GarageBand on your PC safely and effectively. There are several methods that we’ve tested and proven to work. We’ll discuss all these methods below, but first, ensure you have a PC that can get the job done.

Ensure Your Windows PC has the Right Specs

This is the first step to downloading GarageBand in a Windows PC. Your PC should have Windows 7 or a higher OS. The RAM also needs to be 4GB or more. However, 8GB is highly recommendable. The app also needs at least 2GB of disk space. Lastly, the processor needs to be Intel i5, RYZEN 7, or higher. Your PC should have the above specs or better.

Summary of Windows PC Specifications for Running GarageBand;

· Operating system: Windows 7 or higher

· RAM: 4GB or more

· Disk space: 2GB or more

· Processor: at least Intel i5 or RYZEN 7

Method 1: Downloading GarageBand for Windows Using VMware

VMware is a cloud computing and virtualization tech company. The company makes software that creates virtual computer systems. Since GarageBand will only run on an Apple device, the goal is to transform your computer into a MAC.

However, your PC’s processor should be up to the task. If you have a PC with an Intel processor (i5 or higher), you can download and run GarageBand with ease using VMware. However, if you have a PC with an AMD processor (RYZEN 7 and above), such PCs may not support virtualization, especially older versions. Recent ones work perfectly. Virtualization is critical for running a virtual-based OS on a Windows PC.

You can check for hardware virtualization support using command prompt.

Step 1: Check for Hardware Virtualization Support

To begin, use the Windows Key + R. Type CMD and click OK

Proceed and type “systeminfo” and press “enter”.

This should display all system details including if your PC supports hardware virtualization.

If compatibility is detected but not enabled, you need to go to the BIOS and enable. The procedure for this will depend on your PC brand. For HP PCs, for instance, you can enter BIOS by restarting your machine and pressing ESC key repeatedly to open Start-up Menu. Proceed by pressing F10 to open BIOS setup Utility. Once virtualization is enabled, VMware should work perfectly.

Step 2: Install macOS Sierra VMware

macOS Sierra is Apple’s latest OS version for all laptops and PCs. macOS Sierra can be installed on Windows after which you will be able to use GarageBand on your Windows PC.

Visit the official VMware site and download VMWare Workstation Pro. Download VMware Workstation Pro and download a VMware unlocker software for macOS Sierra. Alternatively, download macOS Sierra-10.12.6 or the latest version.

Step 3: Install VMware

After completing the download, run the setup file and follow the prompts with all options as default.

Step 4: Install Unlocker Program

Install the VMware unlocker program while running as administrator.

Step 5: Create Your macOS Virtual Machine

Open the program to create your virtual mac. Select the create new virtual machine option.

Step 6: Select OS

Choose the operating system you want to use and macOS 13 as the version.

Step 7: Adjust Virtual Machine Settings

Proceed and select the desired memory if you wish. Higher memory will result in better performance. Do the same for the processor. Increase to the highest cores. Under CD/DVD (SATA) option, select macOS Sierra ISO. Finish the setup.

Step 8: Perform a macOS Sierra Boot

Before you proceed and install GarageBand on your mac virtual machine, you’ll need to perform the first boot. Reload the workstation and select play virtual machine. Adjust basic setup elements like the date, location, and time zone.

Important: You don’t need an Apple ID to complete this step. Your macOS will begin setting up. The process should take several minutes to finish after which you’ll have a mac0S Sierra interface. You can proceed and download GarageBand on your virtual machine and install the software.

If you get stuck anywhere during the above process, you can refer to this video guide.

Alternatively, you can follow the other methods for downloading GarageBand for Windows below;

Method 2: Download GarageBand for Windows Using Emulators

You could also use an emulator – software/hardware that enables your Windows PC to act like a MAC computer. Emulators enable host systems to run software or peripheral devices made for guest systems.

Emulators differ from virtualization in that emulators emulate the behavior of another device/program while virtualization is a process of creating virtual instances of computer platforms. There are many emulators that can be used to download GarageBand on Windows PCs.

1. Download GarageBand on a Windows PC using iPadian Emulator

For a small fee, you can download iPadian an iOS emulator, and use it for downloading and installing GarageBand on your Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 PC.

Step 1: Installing iPadian iOS is as simple as downloading the software from the official iPadian website.

Step2: Proceed by downloading the file with .exe extension. Hit finish when the files are downloaded. This should complete the installation process.

Step 3: Proceed and open iPadian iOS emulator and visit the App Store.

Step 4: Find the GarageBand app and click on it. Download and install on iPadian.

Step 5: Finish the process. At this step, you should have GarageBand ready for use on your iPadian home screen.

Step 6: Open and start using GarageBand on your Windows PC via iPadian.

Many people use iPadian globally to download GarageBand and use the software to make music on their Windows PCs. Ipadian is a fast, reliable, and trusted emulator in the market so you don’t have to worry about ratings. However, you should download the installation files from the official website only for obvious reasons.

2. Download GarageBand for Windows Using BlueStacks Emulator

You can consider using BlueStacks which is another great android emulator. BlueStacks will work for Windows 7 and above PCs. The installation process is fast and simple.

Step 1: Download the emulator from the official BlueStacks website.

Step 2: Proceed by searching for GarageBand on the BlueStacks search bar. The app should be displayed in the search results.

Step 3: Proceed and download GarageBand and click install to automatically install the app on your Windows PC.

Step 4: Open GarageBand and start using the app for whatever reason. The app will be fully functional via BlueStacks for FREE.

3. Download GarageBand for Windows Using Smartface

If you want a third emulator capable of downloading GarageBand for Windows PCs, consider Smartface. This iOS emulator is also noteworthy. To get started, follow these steps;

Step 1: Go to the official Smartface website and download the emulator.

Step 2: Install the emulator on your PC.

Step 3: Open the emulator and download GarageBand.

Step 4: Open GarageBand and start making music. Like other emulators above, you have access to all GarageBand features and aren’t limited in any way.

4. Download GarageBand via Rare

You can also use Rare software to get GarageBand downloaded and installed on your Windows PC. For this method, you won’t need Android or iOS emulators. The software simply allows Windows PC users to download iOS and Mac apps on their computers in the simple steps discussed below;

Step 1: Visit the official Rare website and download.

Step 2: Run the file to install the software on your PC. Since the app is large, this may take some time.

Step 3: Run Rare software and use it to get the GarageBand app.

Step 4: Finish by downloading and using GarageBand.

GarageBand Alternatives

While the above methods for GarageBand Windows 10, 8 and 7 downloads are tested and proven, you may be wondering if there are better or easier ways? YES! You can use several alternatives below instead of GarageBand.

1. LMMS

You can consider LMMS which isn’t your average GarageBand alternative. This app is open-source. It’s also cross-platform combining a variety of solutions in one. LMMS also stands out for being powerful and fast. The app doesn’t lag. Most importantly, it is free.

The main features include a MIDI editor, track automation support, separate instruments editor, and bundled free plugins. Compared to other open-source music production suites, LMMS comes highly recommended.

2. FL Studio

This GarageBand alternative is compatible with a variety of operating systems including Mac, Android, and iOS. FL Studio comes in four editions namely the Producer, Fruity, single Bundle, and All Plugin bundle. The four editions all have different features you can consider based on requirements. FL Studio is arguably the closest GarageBand alternative available today. However, it may be more user-friendly and comes with other notable pros like free lifetime upgrades.

3. MPC Beats

If you wish to make music on the go, consider MPC Beats. This GarageBand alternative by AKAI is a great DAW offering many features like multi-track recording, AU & VST support, among others. If you want the fully licensed version, you should consider AKAI MPC plugin to get access to more features. MPC Beats has unique abilities to make lovely beats and control groves.

Key features include but aren’t limited to load 3^rd party VST plugins, a virtual mixer, and sample editing. You should really consider MPC Beats as the best plugin alternative to GarageBand.

4. Mixcraft 8

This app runs on Windows and is actually comparable if not better than GarageBand. Mixcraft 8 is also highly regarded by many music

professionals. While the software has had some bugs in the past, numerous upgrades have resolved the problem.

The latest version also has a better interface, better sound library and offers next-generation sound engines coupled with innovative sound-controlling features. You can also export/import MP4 videos from your devices such as cameras and smartphones.

5. Reaper

Reaper is compatible with both Windows and Mac. However, the app isn’t free and doesn’t have an inbuilt sound library. Nevertheless, it is affordable and has many other outstanding features. Reaper stands out as a GarageBand alternative for having a big loops library. Although you need to pay to use this software, there is a genuine effort to make music creation accessible. The software doesn’t sell for hundreds of dollars but doesn’t compromise on anything.

Key Reaper features include efficiency, multi-language capabilities, embedded FX plugins, and internal audio processing (64-bit). You may require some advanced skills when using Reaper, however, it is still a fantastic GarageBand alternative.

6. Music Maker Jam

This software is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows. Music Maker Jam is free on these platforms. Like other music-making software on this list, Music Maker Jam is user-friendly and ideal for beginners.

7. OHM Studio

This is yet another DAW. However, OHM Studio is underrated. The software offers peer-to-peer linkage making it a perfect GarageBand alternative for persons who want to work real-time in groups. OHM Studio offers powerful remote capabilities that include real-time suggestions. It is comparable to apps like Zoom and Skype. Key features include automation, full audio routing, VST support, unlimited tracks, and peer-to-peer linkage.

8. Stagelight

The last alternative to consider in this list is Stagelight. The software is compatible with Mac, Android, and Windows. It’s also free to try. However, you must buy to unlock the most value. Nevertheless, you get a user-friendly music-making software with many features.

Conclusion: How Do You Download GarageBand on Your Windows PC?

GarageBand is a great virtual music studio that offers plenty of sounds, a library of percussion/rhythm, vocal lessons, and more. The app has everything you would need to create professional-sounding music on the go. In fact, there’s no need to buy pricey audio gear or pay for expensive studio time if you are an upcoming or seasoned musician.

However, there’s one problem – you can’t download GarageBand normally if you don’t have an Apple device. From the above, information, it’s clear that there are several workarounds you can use. They range from using VMware to using emulators like iPadian, BlueStacks, and Smartface. You can also use Rare software.

If that’s too much work for you and you are open to GarageBand alternatives, we’ve discusses eight of them namely; LMMS, FL Studio, MPC Beats, Mixcraft 8, Reaper, Music Maker Jam, Stagelight, and OHM Studio.

GarageBand is clearly among the best, if not the best software of its kind. However, you can always consider alternatives if how to download GarageBand for Windows 10 and earlier versions is a challenge. We’ve covered many alternatives above. You can also consider others like Virtual Box.

With the above information, you should be in a position to create music from any location at any time for free or a small fee. Most importantly, remember to download software from official or reputable websites only to avoid security challenges.

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