How To Authorize a Computer For Apple TV – A Simple 5 Step Guide

Have you ever felt frustrated trying to watch movies and TV shows on your tiny iPhone screen? I know I have. But don‘t worry – you can easily access Apple‘s library of entertainment content by authorizing your Windows computer for Apple TV.

In this straightforward guide, let‘s walk through how to connect your laptop or desktop to Apple TV in just 5 quick steps. I‘ll provide visual references for each part of the process so you can follow along smoothly. You‘ll be watching Apple TV on a nice big screen in no time!

Overview: Apple TV vs Apple TV+

Before we dive in, it‘s important to clear up what exactly we mean by "Apple TV." Apple offers both a streaming service and a media platform under similar names:

Apple TV+:

• Netflix-style streaming service with original movies/shows
• Accessible on iPhone, iPad, browsers
• Subscription-based with free trial

Apple TV:

• Media platform to access purchased/rented iTunes content
• Integrated with the iTunes app on Windows computers
• A la carte purchases of movies, TV shows, etc.

This guide focuses specifically on watching Apple TV (the iTunes media platform) by authorizing your Windows laptop or desktop.

Here‘s an overview of what we‘ll cover in the steps:

Now that you know what to expect, let‘s get started!

Step 1: Install iTunes

First things first – make sure you have iTunes installed on your Windows 10 or 11 computer.

You can download the latest iTunes version from Apple‘s website here. I recommend going with the 64-bit version for Windows 10/11.

Once installed, you‘ll see the iTunes icon on your Start menu, and you can open it from there.

iTunes icon on the Windows Start menu

If you already have an older version of iTunes, it‘s worth updating to the newest release to ensure full compatibility with renting movies/TV shows.

Step 2: Open iTunes and Sign In

Launch iTunes from the Start menu and select Sign In from the top menu.

Sign in to iTunes in the top menu

You can sign in using your Apple ID email and password. This allows iTunes to pull your existing iTunes content.

Once signed in, your Apple ID should display in the top menu, confirming you‘re logged into iTunes properly.

Step 3: Authorize This Computer

Next, we need to authorize this specific Windows machine to play iTunes content checked out to your Apple ID.

Go to Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer from the top menu.

Navigate to the Authorize This Computer option

A prompt will ask you to enter your Apple ID password again. After typing your password, you‘ll see a confirmation with the number of computers now authorized under your account.

You can authorize up to 5 computers per Apple ID, giving you plenty of flexibility to access iTunes in different locations.

Step 4: Shop iTunes and Download Content

Now comes the fun part – browsing iTunes and selecting something to watch!

Navigate to the Movies, TV Shows, or other sections along the top menu. Let‘s explore some content options:

Check out Movies, TV Shows, and more

With Apple TV, you can buy or rent media a la carte:

• Purchase – Permanently own TV shows & movies
• Rent – Access movies for 48 hours for a lower price

For example, I decided to rent the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once for $5.99. The rental will expire after 48 hours once I start playback.

Rent a movie for 48-hour access

After you complete a purchase or rental, the content will instantly download to your authorized computer.

Step 5: Play Back Rented or Purchased Media

To view your media library including the downloads, select Library from the top menu.

I can see the movie I just rented shown under the Rentals section. Click the content you want to play and enjoy!

Access rented movies under the Rentals section

If you‘ve purchased (not rented) media, this will also be accessible in your library forever as long you maintain your Apple ID. Pretty cool!

And there you have it – now you can sit back and watch Apple TV on your computer‘s nice big screen. No more squinting at that tiny iPhone!

Let‘s recap the 5 key steps:

I hope this guide has helped explain how to get Apple TV set up on your Windows laptop or desktop. Now go enjoy some fine entertainment! Let me know if you have any other questions.