Apple and Microsoft haven't always played nicely with each other, but these days it's a lot easier to live with one foot in Windows 10 and another in iOS. From apps to extend your display to cloud syncing across devices, these are the best apps to use if you're on iOS and Windows 10.
These apps aren't just types of software that are made by Microsoft and available on iOS. These are apps or services that bring your devices closer together. If you want to know about the best Microsoft apps available on iOS you can check out this guide.
8 easy ways to make iPhone X more Microsoft-friendly
Duet Display
iPads and iPhones have some of the best screens around, and you can use your iOS device's screen as a second monitor for your PC using Duet Display. The app is made by former Apple engineers who make it simple to extend your PC to your iOS devices. The connection supports full touch support and extends your display at 60fps.
In addition to downloading the Duet Display app for $9.99 from the App Store, you'll also have to download a free piece of software on your PC from Duet Display's website.
See in App Store (opens in new tab)
AirServer
If you prefer a wireless connection between your iOS and Windows 10 devices, you'll want to check out AirServer. It allows you to mirror your iOS device's display onto another device through Airplay, Chromecast, and Miracast. AirServer is available on Windows 10 and Xbox One, but it's important to know that the Xbox One and Windows 10 versions of this app are completely separate regarding payment. The Xbox One version costs $19.99, and the Windows 10 version costs $29.99.
I reviewed AirServer for the Xbox One last year and still use it on a regular basis. I've found that AirPlay works better than Miracast and I often break out an iPad or Mac if I want to view content on our living room TV.
- See AirServer Desktop Edition in Microsoft Store (opens in new tab)
- See AirServer Xbox Edition in Microsoft Store (opens in new tab)
Microsoft Authenticator
If you need to sign into your Microsoft account often, you can download the Microsoft Authenticator app to improve your account security. To use the app you need to setup two-step verication for your Microsoft account and then you receive notifcations on your iOS device to complete future logins. Microsoft Authenticator supports Touch ID, Face ID, and a PIN, so you have a number of options depending on your hardware or preference.
The app is free and availalbe on many platforms, including iOS.
See in App Store (opens in new tab)
Continue on PC
Phones and tablets are great for browsing through content, but if you want to continue your browsing experience from you iOS device to your PC, you can use Microsoft's own free app, "Continue on PC." The app allows you to send a webpage to your PC and have it automatically open up on your computer or be there waiting to be opened at a later time.
See in App Store (opens in new tab)
iCloud
If you're a user of Apple's iCloud, you can view your photos directly on your PC. It's relatively easy to setup but you need to know where to look when authorizing it and selecting which contents sync to your PC. You can refer to our step-by-step guide if you need any help.
You can choose which contents sync across your devices including your iCloud Photo Library, Photo Stream, downloads, uploads, and more. iCloud plays nicely with Windows' file explorer and can even be pinned to Quick Access to feel like a native experience. It's also free.
Download iCloud for Windows (opens in new tab)
Summing things up
While a PC might not get the same integration with an iOS device as a Mac, there a number of ways that you can make the two types of devices work together. What's your favorite way to use iOS and Windows 10 in conjunction? Did we miss any apps on our list? Let us know in the comments below.
