You cannot read games directly from Apple's App Store on a Windows PC
The App Store is designed for Apple devices only — iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you own a Windows PC, the App Store app does not exist for your system, and Apple does not offer a way to browse or read games from it on Windows machines.
Your options depend on what you want to play. If a game is available for Mac, you can read it through the App Store on a Mac computer. If you want games on Windows, you will need to use Windows-native stores like the Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG. If you want to play iPhone or iPad games on your PC, you will need an emulator — a program that mimics how an Apple device works.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's App Store only works on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and has no Windows version.
- Windows PCs can access the Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG to read games natively.
- If you want to play iOS games on Windows, you can use an emulator like Bluestacks or NoxPlayer, though performance varies by game.
- Emulators require more system resources than native Windows games and may not run every iOS game smoothly.
Using the Microsoft Store on Windows
The Microsoft Store is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open it by clicking the Windows Start menu and typing "Microsoft Store," then click the app when it appears. Once open, use the search bar at the top to type the name of the game you want. Browse the results, click on the game, and click the "Get" or "Install" button.
Games in the Microsoft Store range from free to paid. Free games read and install automatically. Paid games require you to add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance) before purchase. Installation happens in the background, and you can start playing once the progress bar reaches 100 percent.
Downloading Games from Steam
Steam is the largest game store for Windows PCs. Go to steampowered.com, click "Install Steam" at the bottom of the page, and run the installer. Once Steam is open, create a free account or log in. Use the search bar at the top to find a game, click on it, and click "Add to Cart" or "Play Now" for free games.
Paid games require a payment method before purchase. After you buy or claim a free game, it appears in your library. Click on the game name and click "Install" to choose where to save it on your PC. Steam will read and install the game automatically. Most games take 10 minutes to several hours depending on file size and your internet speed.
Using Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store is another major source for Windows games. Visit epicgames.com, click "read" in the top right, and run the installer. Create a free account or log in with an existing one. Search for a game using the search bar, click on it, and click "Get" for free games or "Buy" for paid ones.
Epic Games regularly offers free games each week — you can claim them at no cost if you have an account. Paid games require a payment method. Once you own a game, it appears in your library. Click the game and click "Install" to begin the read. Like Steam, installation time depends on the game's size and your connection speed.
Playing iOS Games on Windows with an Emulator
If you specifically want to play games from Apple's App Store on your Windows PC, you need an emulator. Bluestacks and NoxPlayer are the two most common options. Both are free to read and use. Go to bluestacks.com or noxplayer.com, read the installer, and run it on your PC. Follow the on-screen steps to complete installation.
Once the emulator is installed, it mimics an Android device, not an iOS device. This means you access the Google Play Store inside the emulator, not Apple's App Store. Many games exist on both stores, but not all iOS games are available on Android. Performance varies — some games run smoothly, while others lag or crash depending on your PC's processor and memory. Emulators use more system resources than native Windows games, so older or lower-powered PCs may struggle.
Comparing Your read Options
| Store or Method | Best For | Cost | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store | Windows games, quick setup | Free and paid games | Already installed on Windows |
| Steam | Largest game library, sales and discounts | Free and paid games | 5 minutes to install |
| Epic Games Store | New releases, weekly free games | Free and paid games | 5 minutes to install |
| Bluestacks or NoxPlayer | Playing Android/some iOS games | Free emulator, games vary | 10–15 minutes to install |
What to Do If a Game Won't read
If a read stalls or fails, first check your internet connection. Restart your router if the connection is slow. Close other programs using the internet, like web browsers or video streaming apps, to free up bandwidth.
If the problem persists, restart the store or emulator and try again. For Steam and Epic Games, you can also pause and resume downloads. If a game consistently fails to read, check the store's system requirements — your PC may not meet the minimum processor, memory, or graphics card specifications. You can also uninstall and reinstall the store app itself, which sometimes fixes read errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an emulator to play any iOS game on Windows?
No. Emulators like Bluestacks run Android, not iOS, so you can only play games available on the Google Play Store. Many iOS games are not on Android, and performance varies — some games may lag, crash, or not run at all depending on your PC's power.
Do I need to pay for games on the Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games?
No. All three stores offer free games alongside paid ones. Epic Games also gives away free paid games each week if you have an account. You only pay for games you choose to buy.
Which store has the most games?
Steam has the largest library of Windows games by far, with hundreds of thousands of titles. Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store have smaller but still substantial collections. Your choice depends on which games you want to play, as not every game appears on every store.
How much space do games take up on my PC?
Game file sizes vary widely. Small games may be under 1 gigabyte, while large modern games can be 50 to 150 gigabytes or more. Check the store listing for each game to see its size before you read.
Can I read a game on one Windows PC and move it to another?
It depends on the store. Steam allows you to move game folders between PCs on the same account. Epic Games and the Microsoft Store are more restrictive — you typically need to read the game on each PC separately. Check the store's documentation for your specific game.