Garageband is a popular music app available on the iOS operating system. If you are finding how to get Garageband for Windows PC, then you should read this article. We’ll provide you the detailed guide on how to make Garageband work on Windows PC, the installation method and also how to use the application. Most Americans prefer to use iOS ecosystem for their daily work but if you are one of the selected few who prefers Windows OS, then we’ll guide you on how to make this iOS application work on your Windows system.
GarageBand app has been revolutionizing the music Arena with its innovative features. The GarageBand app is an instrument and music app developed especially for iOS devices.
This app is perfect for music professionals and is loaded with a plethora of innovative features to create the best music for different purposes. It is quite effortless to use. It is one of the best apps from Apple. The app is available free of cost for iOS users that gives them the chance to use the latest features.
Features of GarageBand for Windows PC
- You can use a virtual keyboard or an external keyboard to connect to the GarageBand app via a USB cable
- You can record, play, capture, and share your music across the world
- GarageBand provides multi-touch features as well as trigger option for live loop cells
- DJ style effects such as filters, repeaters, and vinyl scratching are available on this software
- You have the option to select from nine electronic or acoustic drummers along with their signature sounds
- You can create over a million realistic groove
- The user-interface is extremely simple and easy to understand
- You can use this software to create one-of-a-kind music track or a song.
- This app is perfect for music professionals
The truth behind GarageBand for Windows PC
Unfortunately, there is no official app or software for GarageBand on Windows PC. Apple has not released any version of it for platforms other than those based on iOS. You might be trying hard to search for an official version of GarageBand that you can use on your Windows PC but you can save your efforts it is all in vain. But every cloud has a silver lining. There are ways you can use GarageBand on your Windows PC.
Requirements for GarageBand On Windows
- Windows 7 or higher Operating System
- 4 GB of RAM or higher
- Intel i5 processor or higher
- Minimum 2 GB of Disk Space
Download GarageBand for PC using iPadian
Step 1: You need to Purchase iPadian using your Paypal. Then only you can download it.
Step 2: Once you have downloaded the file, install it to run the iPadian Emulator
Step 3: Once it has been installed, open the iPadian emulator and go to ‘App Store’
Step 4: Search for GarageBand in the search bar and click on enter
Step 5: Click on the GarageBand option and start downloading it
Step 6: Once you have downloaded the software, you can use GarageBand on Windows using this iPadian emulator
Alternatives to GarageBand
There are several alternatives that you can try instead of GarageBand. These are just as good as the Apple product. Although several industry stars ranging from Fall Out Boy to Rihana have used GarageBand to record their hits, since it is only available on iOS devices and Mac computers, we have several alternatives that you can use if you are a Windows user.
LMMS
LMMS is an open-source production software that has a multitude of built-in instruments and samples. LMMS project has been run by a volunteer development team that is committed to providing an open-source music production suite. This great idea resulted in the development of a powerful and flexible tool that will help you get up and running within a matter of few minutes.
It might not be as visually appealing as GarageBand but it contains all the features that you can use free of cost. There are a variety of audio samples, preloaded effects that you can understand easily even if you are using the software for the first time.
FL Studio
FL Studio might have been the inspiration behind the creation of LMMS. The developers might have copied the interface from FL Studio. FL Studio provides you with everything that you need. FL Studio provides you the most user-friendly interface that simplifies the most complicated of things.
LMMS does not have a proper documentation and has minor bugs that you need to deal with but FL Studio provides you seamless interface. DOesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an expert, you’ll fall in love with this software. The only drawback is that FL Studio isn’t free. You need to pay € 89 to use the fruity edition.
Mixcraft 7
GarageBand is widely famous for its large library of loops. Users can easily create songs that sound really good by simply layering loops of various instruments over the other. Mixcraft offers almost similar features. All you need to do is simply click on songs and drag the loops which you want to use and let Mixcraft take care of the remaining things.
Mixcraft makes it quite easy for beginners to start. There are various advanced effects and plugins that experts can use to build their music. They have options ranging from distorted heavy metal to crystal clear hip-hop beats. Loops are the focus in this software. If you are searching for an application that lets you work with live instrumentation, then you should consider LinuxSampler or Audacity.
Reaper
Reaper comes at only $60 which is cheaper than FL Studio. It has a simplified and highly-customizable user-interface. It doesn’t require much system resources and is packed with interesting features along with a good recording functionality.
It comes with 300 free plugins out of the box that is more than enough to create enchanting music. If you like to chop sounds and throw them around on numerous tracks, Reaper is the ideal choice for you.
Music Maker Jam
Many musicians enjoy using GarageBand and find it a fun way to play with their music. If you are of the same kind then Music Maker Jam is the best software on Windows PC that will suit your needs. You can download this from the Windows App Store as well as the Android and iOS stores. You get the option to select the loop by genre and transfer them into a different environment where you can use it to create a song.
But there are certain limitations of using this software. It is quite light compared to other software. You need to buy loops to use them and sometimes it is not even worth the money.
Is Your Garageband Not Working? Here Possible Reasons To Work Your Garageband Successfully.
Do you know or aware of the possible reasons why GarageBand isn’t working on your iOS device?
If you aren’t then no worries, as we bring forth on listing the all possible reasons why you are witnessing not working of GarageBand.
Reason 1: Updating to iOS 11
Do you have recently updated your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iOS 11? If your answer is yes, then perhaps this is the first yet common cause GarageBand not working on your device.
Lately, many users have reported this issue and yet craving to get rid out of the same. Since Apple is inquiring about the problem and we hope soon they will dig out the root cause.
If unfortunately, you are one among of them encountering the issue, you should turn off iCloud for GarageBand on your device. For doing the same, all you need to do is:
- Navigate to the Settings > Apple ID banner and tap iCloud
- Next, check for the option “Apps Using iCloud,” and underneath the same toggle the GarageBand off
NOTE: Let us remind you of one thing, temporarily disabling of iCloud for GarageBand will lead to the prohibition of accessing any GarageBand songs that you have stored in your iCloud account, but the songs would not be removed either. Furthermore, all the songs that you’ll create after will be saved locally on your device itself instead of iCloud.
There is nothing you can do for it, all you have to be keep patience until Apple fixes the issue at their end and get back with some resolution.
Appreciatively, Apple is aware of the issue and stated themselves on the support page that they are investigating the solutions.
Reason 2: Miscellaneous
Apart from the aforementioned one, there might be other possible reasons for the GarageBand not working. You can consider deploying the same in the order we have enumerated below until you got your issue fixed and GarageBand up and running.
Without further ado, let’s do it.
#1 Is your GarageBand is up to date?
Firstly, you want to make sure that you have installed the latest version of GarageBand. If you aren’t aware of this, you should check the Updates by navigating to the App store on your device. Not to mention, if you see the GarageBand app listed there, do update it at the earliest.
#2 Device or Software compatibility
It is always advisable that if you are using any external audio interface or other audio apps with GarageBand, ensure that they are fully compatible working the latest version of GarageBand. Device or software compatibility usually plays a significant role in running other external Audio Units Extensions or Inter-App Audio applications.
You should update the device or software by merely outreaching and following to the manufacturer support.
#3 Checking for External Audio Interface
It is one of the prevalent issues that causes hassles often. Incompatibility of the external audio interface could easily malfunction application and let you end up encountering GarageBand not working. Therefore, it is recommendable that if you are using an external device along with GarageBand do make sure that it’s not causing any problem.
You can make sure it by unplugging the audio interface for a while that you were using earlier and then try playing back the same project using the in-built device speakers. This way you can make sure if this is causing you issues.
If fortunately, it works then you perhaps are one step away from getting your GarageBand up and running by either updating or servicing it. And for any further support on the same, you can contact the manufacturer.
#4 Delete Audio Unit Extension
Sometimes, usage of Audio Unit extensions or Inter-App Audio apps might be a possible reason for GarageBand not working. You can consider deleting them to get a clear idea whether it’s something exactly causation issues or not.
- In your home screen, please and hold the extension until it waggles
- Next, you will see a
symbol in the upper left corner. On taping, it enables you to delete the extension
- Once removed, you can now try opening the GarageBand and playback a project
If it opens and plays without any hassle, you got the right nerve. Because of the incompatible and malfunctioned Audio Unit Extension, you were not able to run GarageBand. So now as you have deleted it, you are good to go your way.
#5 Creating a new song
Yet your endeavors are not resulting as the way they should be or to be intended. You can try creating and playing back a new track in order to know the stem of the cause, whether the GarageBand is working fine or you have just missed it ensuring.
- Open GarageBand >> click “
” in the Control Bar >> My songs
- Hit “
“
- Next, click on “Create New Song” option
- And add audio files or Apple Loops to the song
- Playback the song.
If the new song plays well so, you may undoubtedly determine that it was the issue with that previous specific track as for the reason you were encountering problems while playing it. You can try playing more songs to make it certain that app is working properly.
#6 Resetting GarageBand
There might be a feasible cause that your custom preferences settings of GarageBand are preventing you from using it. So the only option you are left with is, resetting the GarageBand to its default Settings. Doing this will allow the app to store its original settings instead of running on custom picks. Let us tell you that you would be going to lose the custom settings that you have granted to GarageBand to run on.
Therefore, if you are pleased for the same, you can simply note your preferences down by navigating to the GarageBand >> Settings. Luckily, resetting the app doesn’t affect your song files, presets, or patches.
To reset:
- Go to Settings >> Tap GarageBand
- Hit ‘Reset GarageBand’ option, and you’re done
#7 Deleting and Reinstalling GarageBand
Last workaround, but not the least. If the issue persists and making you miserable, you can try deleting and reinstalling GarageBand. And then try back again playing tracks on the app.
To delete and reinstall:
- In the home screen, press and hold the GarageBand icon until it jiggles
- And next tap
to delete the app
- Once removed, navigate to the App Store and tap Updates >> Purchased
- Then, locate the GarageBand app and hit
- Once the app got downloaded, you can open and use it via the home screen
That’s all folks! We have given our best aiding you in providing all the possible causes that might be pushing you GarageBand not working.
Conclusion
GarageBand is a professional music creator app that has been used by renowned stars. GarageBand on Windows is just as good as it is on iOS devices. You might have understood why this app is so much in demand. As per Apple’s track record, we don’t really expect this app to be launched on either Windows or Android platform. You can use any of the alternatives that have been mentioned above or you could download the iPadian emulator to use GarageBand on Windows PC.
Shiv Ratt says
thanks for the guide, i saw many fake tuturials and fake software claiming as GB for windows
Martin says
You just said the fact! actually garageband is ios app and its not available for windows, i saw some guys just posted crap. thanks dude for the informative post… kep rocking 🙂
Patrick says
How can i update garageband on my macbook air 2014 model? When i am updating from app store its showing me some error.. can you share you email id? I can send you screenshot.. as we dont have option to uploaded my error screenshot here
James Martin says
Nope. It’s macOS only.
Cameront says
It is a great piece of software if you want no hassle multitrack recording.
Niller says
May I know the procedure to download garageband on windows 7 free? Thanks in advance….
Phil says
Can you get garageband for windows 8?
walid says
how to get garage band free for my pc ?
Brycanixx says
Sorry, GarageBand is only available on MacOS (Macbooks.) If you’d like to remix songs, however, Wub Machine is a fast, easy way of doing so. It’s 100% free and a safe, online website.
GB User says
Is there a way to download Garage Band without having to give my phone number?
aman says
Can you suggest best alternatives for garageband on pc?
tony says
fuck this thing i cant record with this shit
Amith Mohin says
What is the latest version of Garageband?
RYAN HOLDS says
Hello, everything is going well here and ofcourse every one is
sharing facts, that’s actually good, keep up writing.
MISHI AL says
I think the admin of this site is truly working hard in favor of his site, for the reason that here every information is quality based stuff.
Judson Settle says
It’s going to be end of mine day, however before finish I am reading this wonderful piece of writing to improve my know-how.
Nola says
I liked this article it has very relevant information about the garageband app.
Reegs says
Thanks, I’ll check it 😉
I have M-Audio FastTrack USB…
JLiRD808 says
Wondering if I can open Garageband files/songs built on a Mac system using any of these methods.
That is my main reason for wanting GB on my W7 PC, to open projects created by other artists on Macs.
Thanks!
Jason Chen says
What this has that none of the others have, if I have read correctly, is the simple use of the quality softsynths so all you need is a USB keyboard controller.
I think THAT is what makes Garageband special, and now Session too.
totocaster says
It seems there is no GarageBand software out there for windows 🙁 Anyways Thanks alot 😉
byrdsworth says
hmm… Looks very interesting, Music Studio Edition is cheap too… I’ll try trial now 🙂
orlbuckeye says
It only runs on Apple devices. There are Windows alternatives.
joesharma says
Can anyone please tell me any way to install garageband on a windows 10 pc ?
Angie Miller says
is there any quick and easy way to get it? my system is too slow actually ? . Please help me to get garageband for windows.
Tiana Bonhage says
just got one of the best alternative of garageband for pc, it’s Mixcraft. Easy to use and easy to download. Cheers!! 😉
poorsod says
Good choice, with some mikes, decent amp/cab etc you are all set. If the whole miking-amps thing is not appropriate then you could use Guitar Rig.
hedonist says
What About M-audio Session?
They based that on Apple Garageband
gbuser says
Garageband Not Working.. 🙁
M. Miller says
So if I want to send the song to someone else, can they log into my iTunes, or can I send to someone else’s iTunes? THANKS!!
joesharma says
Hey,
Can anyone please tell me any way to install garageband on a windows 10 pc ?
bandwidthbandit says
Steinberg Sequel…
Vera Rosales says
It’s great! Content so far is relatable and easy to understand. Although at first I could only hear the audio using the Safari browser. Good thing I switched to Google Chrome and was finally able to see the video!
Anthony says
I like this program
Phil says
Awesome app, I really enjoy it for composing music on my computer
Sujata says
How to mix music with the garageband music maker?
Ario says
Exporting a Podcast as an MP3 in GarageBand
Sasquatch says
iPadian is a SIMULATOR NOT AN IOS Emulator. The application does not enable you to get to the iOS app store. Garage Band is not included in their library. Save the $20.
byrdsworth says
Here are some recordings I have done with Kristal
Cheers !!