User profile for user: oneforbiz
oneforbiz Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

Using a Windows PC/laptop in Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

I’m looking to replace my Mid 2014 model MacBook Pro 13. 


As much as I would love to purchase a MacBook Air 15, I have a hard time justifying the price especially when you consider upgrading to 512 TB and 16 gig memory: Apple must have something about the figure $200 for upgrading storage and memory. It’s hard to justify $200 for upgrading from 256 GB to 512 GB when you can buy a very good 2 TB SSD for less than $200. You can purchase a 16 inch highly rated Windows laptop with 512 GB storage, 16 gig memory for the same price (if not less) as the base MacBook Air 15.


In light of this, I am considering buying a Windows laptop, but I’m deep into the Apple ecosystem with iPhone, iPad, Apple email, Photos, Music (mainly my own music ripped from CDs but a few songs purchased from Apple).  


If you have done what I am considering doing, I would love to hear your experiences, tips, techniques and any sources of information that have helped you with this.




Thank you!

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 17

Posted on Dec 18, 2023 5:24 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: oneforbiz
oneforbiz Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

Posted on Feb 28, 2024 11:32 AM

Hey Ziadmk,

I'm not sure how much I figured out and how much my new LG Windows 11 laptop figured out; probably the laptop/window 11 helping out more than me figuring it out. I did downloaded the app iCloud for WIndows (IW) from the Microsoft Store. In ICW I selected the following "iCLoud Photos", "iCloud Drive", "Bookmarks" and "Calendars and Contacts" to sync (i didn't choose "Passwords and Keychain" because I use a third party password manager). When I go into IW now it shows links in iCloud Photos for "View in Microsoft Photos", in iCloud Drive for "View in File Explorer", in Bookmarks for "View in Browser" and Calendars and Contacts for "View in Outlook"; I have only used the microsoft photos and file explorers on a regular basis and they seem to work.


With the iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive files taken care of that left iTunes for Windows to deal with for songs; most of my songs are from audio CD tracks that I imported using Apple Music/itunes on my macbook. For this I found a helpful youtube video "How To Transfer iTunes Library To A New Computer" by MDTechVideos but after I did the steps in the video I had to go into iTunes under "File>Add Folder to Library" to select the iTunes Folder that I had copied to Music.


Hope that helps. That's all I have discovered so far.


View in context

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: oneforbiz
oneforbiz Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

Feb 28, 2024 11:32 AM in response to Ziadmk

Hey Ziadmk,

I'm not sure how much I figured out and how much my new LG Windows 11 laptop figured out; probably the laptop/window 11 helping out more than me figuring it out. I did downloaded the app iCloud for WIndows (IW) from the Microsoft Store. In ICW I selected the following "iCLoud Photos", "iCloud Drive", "Bookmarks" and "Calendars and Contacts" to sync (i didn't choose "Passwords and Keychain" because I use a third party password manager). When I go into IW now it shows links in iCloud Photos for "View in Microsoft Photos", in iCloud Drive for "View in File Explorer", in Bookmarks for "View in Browser" and Calendars and Contacts for "View in Outlook"; I have only used the microsoft photos and file explorers on a regular basis and they seem to work.


With the iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive files taken care of that left iTunes for Windows to deal with for songs; most of my songs are from audio CD tracks that I imported using Apple Music/itunes on my macbook. For this I found a helpful youtube video "How To Transfer iTunes Library To A New Computer" by MDTechVideos but after I did the steps in the video I had to go into iTunes under "File>Add Folder to Library" to select the iTunes Folder that I had copied to Music.


Hope that helps. That's all I have discovered so far.


Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Using a Windows PC/laptop in Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up