Hello Fellow Musicians,
GarageBand turns your iPad, and iPhone into a collection of Touch Instruments and a full-featured recording studio — so you can make music anywhere you go. And with Live Loops, it makes it easy for anyone to have fun creating music like a DJ. Use Multi-Touch gestures to play keyboards, guitars, and create beats. USB Guitar Cable, VAlinks USB Interface Male to 6.35mm Mono Male Electric Guitar Cable Studio Audio Cable Connector Cords Adapter for Instruments Recording Singing iPhone GarageBand Game-3m 10ft.
In this article, we are going to talk about how you can download GarageBand for PC. I have always been asked this question: how can we use GarageBand on windows and Is there any alternative to GarageBand.
I’m a big supporter of GarageBand because it’s free and easy to use. But Sadly, Officially it’s available for only Mac.
A common question among Windows users is if there is any scope of Apple releasing a GarageBand version that supports Windows OS? The answer is No. Don’t get disheartened, I’m going to tell you 4 different methods to download GarageBand on your Windows PC. I have tested all the methods personally on my windows machine and all of them are working.
So, Let’s not waste any time and get started.
Alright, this is very important. You need to make sure that you have the below specifications to run GarageBand on Windows.
GarageBand on PC – Minimum System Specs Requirements
To be able to download and install GarageBand on your PC, below specs are suggested as must-haves on your PC.
- Windows 7 and higher OS
- At least 4GB of RAM , 8GB Recommended
- 2GB of Disk Space minimum
- At least Intel i5 processor
Obviously, the higher the better.
Garageband For Ipad App
So, If you want to start making music or podcasts on your computer, then follow the method given below exactly as it is.
4 Proven and Tested Methods to Download GarageBand for Windows
Just remember that you will come across various online methods to run GarageBand on a Windows PC. However, some procedures might turn out to be too complicated to follow, whereas others are unsafe and unreliable.
In this section, we are going to discuss 5 easy to understand methods that can help you download GarageBand on a Windows-based system. So, read through.
Method 1 – Downloading GarageBand on Windows PC using VMWare
In simple words, to run GarageBand for Windows, you need Mac OS X on your windows Machine. Kindly give attention to this part as this is the most important step to download, run, install and use garageband successfully on your windows desktop or laptop.
We need quite a few softwares and tools to make this method possible. I have created a Google Drive where you can download all the softwares needed in this process. The G drive link is given at the bottom of the article.
You need an Intel-based processor or AMD-V. AMD processors do not support AMD Virtualization, AMD-V, but your PC must support AMD for it to run Virtual-OS on the Windows PC. So first ensure that your system will support AMD. To Enable Virtualisation on your system’s BIOS you can read this article.
Step-by-Step Method to Install macOS Sierra on VMware in Windows 10
1: First of all you need to download and install VMWare Player to run the machine. You can download it from here
2: Download Mac OS SIERRA from the Google Drive given at the bottom of this article.
3: Download and install VMWare from the official site or Google Drive link given below.
4: Use WinRar to get the macOS folder.
5: Next, find this application, “Win-install”, then right-click the extension and “Run as Administrator”, from this… macOS Sierra> macOS Sierra 10.12 tools > Final YouTube Folder > unlocker208.
6: Step four will be followed by a command prompt. Just let it run its course.
7: Go to your desktop, open VMWare then click “Open VirtualMachine”.
8: Here, you will get a new window. Find macOS and double-click on it macOS Sierra > macOS Sierra 10.12 tools > Final YouTubeFolder > unlocker208.
9: After double-clicking, find “Edit the Virtual Machine Settings” and click on it then select the appropriate amount of processor score.
10: Select the RAM you want to use on VMWare, and click OK. To be safe, go with half of what your computer has. If it’s 8GBs, go with 4GB.
11: Open VMWare on your PC then click “Play Virtual Machine”. The Apple logo will appear and the screen loading which might take 10-15 minutes.
12: Select your country.
13: Select your preferred language.
14: Choose your preferred keyboard layout.
15: Skip the “transfer information now” and first enable your location.
16: Login using your current Apple ID.
17: Agree to their terms of use and conditions.
18: Choose the time-zone.
19: Here, macOS will start to set up and it might take some time, but once it’s done that’s it!
Now Install GarageBand for Windows using VMWare
Up to this point, you have managed to emulate Mac, meaning you now have a “MacBook” on your Windows PC. So, you now have what’s a virtual MacBook, and now all that’s remaining to finally install GarageBand. Open the App Store, checkup GarageBand, download the top result and you will be ready to start enjoying all the features it comes with.
Method 2 – Downloading GarageBand for Windows 10 using Andy Emulator
Andy is the most preferred Android emulator for PC. Here is a step-by-step guide to run and install GarageBand on Windows OS.
Step 1: Start by downloading Andy’s emulator on the Windows device.
Step 2: Once you’re done downloading Andy emulator, open and on the search bar, enter “GarageBand”
Step 3: Among the displaying search results will be “GarageBand”. Click on that icon.
Step 4: Next, go to Andy’s home page then click the GarageBand icon.
Viola! That’s all there is to download GarageBand for PC Using Andy Android emulator. Let us move on to the next method, i.e. via Bluestacks.
Method 3 – Download GarageBand for PC using Bluestacks Emulator
Bluestacks is another free and popular Android emulator that you can use to install GarageBand PC Version. You need Windows 7, 8 or more to get GarageBand on Windows like official version.
Step 1: Just like with the first method, start by downloading the Bluestacks emulator on your Windows device.
Step 2: Again, go to the Bluestacks’ search bar and type GarageBand.
Step 3: GarageBand app will be among the displaying search results. To install, just click on that install icon and it will be automatically installed on the windows device.
Step 4: Once you install Garage Band for Windows, go ahead and open your Bluestacks app, head to this music production app and you will be ready to explore and enjoy GarageBand on PC for free.
Buy Garageband For Ipad Pro
It is that easy. If you have followed the above steps, you have now downloaded and can run the GarageBand app using Bluestacks Android emulator on your Windows PC. Let’s move further to another method which might be even better.
4. Download GarageBand Windows using iPadian Emulator
The first two methods above are using an Android emulator to download GarageBand for PC, but now we are going to use an iOS emulator to get the same results. It is also free and available online and it has gained popularity lately because it’s fast, reliable, safe, and easy to use.
So, how to download the iPadian, the iOS emulator, then use it to install GarageBand software for Windows 7/8.1/10
Step 1: Start by downloading the iPadian iOS emulator on your Windows PC.
Step 2: Second, download the file with the .exe extension.
Step 3: Wait for all the files to finish downloading then hit the “finish” option. This helps you complete the installation process.
Step 4: After clicking “finish”, go ahead and open the iPadian iOS emulator, and from there you open the App Store.
Step 5: Once in the app store, go to the search bar and type in GarageBand, then click the enter button.
Step 6: Choose the download option then install GarageBand on iPadian.
Step 7: Once you’re done downloading, look for the GarageBand icon on the iPadian home screen and you will be done!
Unlike the first two methods, downloading GarageBand on Windows PC using the iPadian iOS the emulator has more steps to follow, but nothing complicated. Each step takes you to the next and you will be done before you know it.
GarageBand for Windows 10 Alternatives
So, what if you cannot use GarageBand? Are there reliable alternatives that could give you similar or something close? Yes. Below are some of the best GarageBand alternatives available today:
- FL Studio: This DAW is compatible with most of the operating systems including Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android. FL Studio offers four editions, including the Fruity Edition, Producer Edition, Signature Bundle, and the All Plugins Bundle. Each one of these comes with a different set of features, which you can purchase based on your requirements. This software is the closest to GarageBand, however, its interface is more user-friendly, and offers free lifetime upgrades, post-purchase.
- Mixcraft 8: Mixcraft 8 runs on Windows and is a favorite among music professionals. Maybe you had used their previous version and hated the bugs, but the new version is way better. They have an easy to use user interface, improved sound library, and they offer next-generation sound engines combined with innovative sound controlling features. The new version also allows you to export and import MP4 videos from your camera or phone.
- Reaper: It is compatible with Mac and Windows and even though it’s paid, it is way affordable compared to most other options. One downside is that it lacks a built-in sound library, but this is made up by its compatibility with a wide range of file types. It is a good alternative of GarageBand considering the its big library of loops
- Music Maker Jam: It is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android, and is free for these platforms. Also, just like Mixcraft, Music Maker Jam is easy to use but is considered ideal for beginners.
- Stagelight: It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android, and you get a free trial before purchasing. It is also very user-friendly and has many features to offer.
Head over to this detailed post on GarageBand Alternatives for more options.
Top Reasons Why GarageBand is so Popular?
There are several reasons for GarageBand’s success. First of all, it is the creation of a well-known name in the tech industry, i.e., Apple Inc. Secondly, the software is free and a great addition to virtual technology for almost two decades now. Last but not the least, it is used by beginner-level artists as well as professionals.
With the app’s music creation system comes pre-installed loops and MIDI keyboards, voice recordings, and various instrumental effects that allow you to create multiple tracks. Moreover, the app’s audio unit lets you enhance your audio track with echo, distortion, reverb, and many other effects. This is undoubtedly the one of the best music production software.
The interface is another feature that makes it apart from other music creating softwares. It not only allows you to create but also spice-up the tracks into something artistic.
It also makes sharing your music easily on social media. What’s more is that you can fuse, mix, or remix music, to make different tunes, and all this without much of the technical know-how to get started.
Key Features of GarageBand
Before learning how to download GarageBand for Windows PC, let us look at its features to understand if this is the right tool to help your musical aspirations.
Let’s start by noting that GarageBand is easy to use and very fun to explore, given that it has a whole bunch of features to use. Below is a compilation of all other features that make GarageBand what it is:
- Acapellas and beats: With this application, you will be able to create beats and acapella, mix and match different beats, to come up with something unique like garageband. Most people with YouTube channels use it to create unique music for their videos.
- Incorporate real-life instruments: If you are looking for the best music creating an application, you won’t go wrong with GarageBand for PC. With it, you can easily incorporate other real-life instruments such as guitar and drums, and also add bass to your songs. And, what makes this even better is how easy it is to do all this.
- Collection of tunes, instruments, beats: GarageBand makes it feasible for people to create music without using any physical instruments. With different beats and instruments like percussionists, guitars, and drums available in the software, it is easier to create music.
- Sharing the music: After enabling you to create music, GarageBand also allows you to share it on social media with ease. This is where most popular musicians began. The feedback you get from sharing your creations will push you to do more, and eventually grow to your dreams.
- Built-in Piano and Guitar lessons: With GarageBand, you get to take things a notch higher by learning how to play guitar and piano from your Windows computer. It’s a feature-packed application that anyone interested in music will find useful.
- DJ style effects: Some of the effects available on this app are,
- Repeaters, filters, and vinyl scratching
- 9 acoustic and electronic drummers with their signature sounds
- 1000,000+ realistic groove
- On-the-go production
- Remote controller
Wrapping Up
If you are determined to use GarageBand on your PC, there are several workarounds to try. While the functionality and effectiveness of these are not guaranteed, most of these methods are safe. So, go ahead and give them a try. See if it will work for you.
References, Sources and Links
List of Softwares needed to download GarageBand for PC using the VMWare method can be download from Google Drive Link given below.
Google Drive includes following softwares
Free VMware Player, WinRar Extractor, MacOS Sierra or any (VMWare DiskImage), VMware Unlocker, VMware Workstation Free Trial (for setup)
Link to all the softwares – Click Here
The world is your stage. This is your instrument.
GarageBand for iOS makes it incredibly simple to play, record, and share your music, no matter where you are. Tap into a wide range of instruments from around the world. And now with the Sound Library, you can choose and download more free instrument and loop packs when new sounds are released, to help you easily craft songs in your favorite styles — all right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Download GarageBand for iOSPlay Make music. With or without an instrument.
The moment you launch GarageBand, you can start making music. Play stunningly realistic Touch Instruments, instantly build big beats, and create music like a DJ — all with just a few taps. The all-new Sound Library lets you explore and download sound packs tailored to help you build your tracks with just the right elements for the style you want.
Live Loops makes it fun and easy to create electronic music. Simply tap cells and columns in the grid to trigger musical loops, and then build your own original arrangements. You can even use Remix FX to add creative, DJ‑style transitions with Multi‑Touch gestures, or just by moving your iOS device.
If you can tap, you can play.
GarageBand comes with beautiful and highly expressive Touch Instruments that sound and respond just like the real thing. Play keyboards, guitars, and bass, as well as sounds designed for EDM and Hip Hop. Smart Instruments make you sound like a pro — even if you’ve never played a note. And now you can explore the sounds of Asia with traditional Chinese and Japanese instruments, including the Guzheng, the Koto, and an array of Taiko drums.
When it comes to how you make your beats, the choice is yours — from jamming live on virtual drum kits to instant drag‑and‑done Smart Drums. The all‑new Beat Sequencer lets you easily build rhythms using sounds and a workflow inspired by classic drum machines. And Drummer gives you access to a team of virtual session drummers, each playing a popular electronic or acoustic style with a signature kit.
Plug it in. Tear it up.
Plug in your guitar and choose from a van‑load of amps and stompbox effects that deliver the perfect feel — from dreamy soundscapes to stadium‑size rock.1 Our bass amps let you hold down the bass line with clean or distorted rigs modeled after vintage and modern amplifiers.
GarageBand includes Alchemy, one of the world’s most advanced synthesizers. Explore hundreds of Apple‑designed Patches, perfect for EDM, Hip Hop, Indie, Rock, and Pop music. Use the expressive Transform Pad to morph between sounds in real time, or just have fun using the simple Chord Strips that help anyone play like an expert.
Sound Library. Your all‑access pass to a world of sounds.
With the new Sound Library, you’ve got instant access to an incredible and expanding collection of free loops and instruments from right inside the app. Explore and download Apple‑designed sound packs that include Touch Instruments, Apple Loops, Live Loops templates, and instrument presets that will help you produce tracks in a wide variety of genres and styles. You can easily manage your library as it grows, and GarageBand will even notify you when new sound packs are released and ready for you to download.
Record A full recording studio. To go.
With its powerful and intuitive interface, GarageBand makes it easy to capture, adjust, and mix your performances into a finished composition. Build a complete song using any combination of Touch Instruments, audio recordings, and loops.
Work with up to an astounding 32 tracks with GarageBand for iOS.2 With a compatible third‑party audio interface, you can even plug in the entire band and record everyone simultaneously on separate tracks. Take multiple passes to nail your performance using Multi‑Take Recording — just choose any Touch Instrument, tap Record, and play continuously over a looping song section. GarageBand automatically captures each one, and you simply choose your favorite.
Fine‑tune your tracks and record each tap, swipe, and twist of the knobs. Draw and edit volume automation for precise control over your mix. And let the Simple EQ and Compressor keep your tracks sounding crisp and clear. For even more detailed control, take advantage of 10 track‑mixing effects directly from Logic Pro, like the Visual EQ, Bitcrusher, Vocal Transformer, and more.
Audio Unit Extensions let you use your favorite compatible third‑party instrument and effect plug‑ins right in your GarageBand song. Browse the App Store and download your selections from leading music app developers like Moog Music.
iCloud GarageBand everywhere. Tweak your tracks. On any device.
iCloud allows you to keep your GarageBand sessions up to date across all your iOS devices. Using iCloud Drive, you can import song sketches to your Mac and take them even further, then share your finished piece on any of your devices. You can also import a portable version of a Logic Pro X project and add more tracks. When you bring the project back into Logic Pro, the original tracks are all there, along with the new ones you’ve added in GarageBand.
GarageBand for Mac
Your personal music creation studio.
GarageBand for iOS
Play, record, arrange, and mix — wherever you go.
Music Memos
An app to capture your song ideas. Whenever inspiration strikes.