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Logic Pro on Windows - Is it Possible?

In this article, I want to answer questions I often see online about Logic Pro’s compatibility - or more accurately, incompatibility - with Windows. So let’s dive in.


Can Logic Pro Run on Windows?


Logic Pro for MacOS running on Windows PC.
Logic Pro running on Windows PC.

No - at least not officially. Logic Pro is built exclusively for macOS and is developed by Apple Inc. There is no Windows version.


However… there are ways people attempt to run Logic Pro on Windows.


Some users attempt to run it using a “Hackintosh” setup or with virtualisation (VM) software. While this is technically possible, many users experience instability. Updates to Logic or macOS can break the installation entirely, and the initial setup can be complex. It also violates Apple Inc.’s License Agreement.


Speaking from experience - as someone who experimented with an unofficial copy many, many years ago as a broke teenager - the random crashes and sudden loss of projects was incredibly frustrating.


If you’re considering doing the same, here’s what you need to know.


How to Get Logic Pro on Windows


There are two common approaches people attempt:


Method 1: Hackintosh (Installing macOS on a Windows PC)


A “Hackintosh” means installing macOS directly onto non Apple hardware.


In theory, the process looks like this:

  • Check hardware compatibility (CPU, motherboard, GPU matter a lot)

  • Create a macOS installer

  • Modify BIOS/UEFI settings

  • Install macOS using a custom bootloader

  • Configure system drivers (“kexts”)

  • Install Logic Pro

The downsides?

It’s fiddly and it’s time-consuming. If your hardware isn’t nearly identical to supported Mac hardware, you’re in for hours - more likely days - of troubleshooting. Also, audio interfaces can behave strangely (or not work at all) and updates often cause problems.


It also violates Apple’s End User License Agreement, meaning you won’t get support if things go wrong.

For serious music production I wouldn’t recommend building your workflow on something that might implode after the next update.


Method 2: Running macOS in a Virtual Machine


The second method is running macOS inside virtualisation software on Windows.


The general idea:

  • Install virtualisation software (such as VMware or VirtualBox)

  • Create a macOS virtual machine

  • Allocate CPU and RAM

  • Install macOS

  • Install Logic Pro inside the virtual environment.


The limitations?


Music production relies heavily on low latency and stable audio drivers. Virtual machines are not designed for that. So you can expect:

  • Higher latency - not good for recording instruments

  • Reduced graphics performance

  • Instability


What I’d recommend if you’re on Windows


If you’re committed to Windows, my honest advice is to use a DAW built for it.


Here are your alternatives:


  • Ableton Live - closest to Logic in terms of creative workflow (though I do think it’s overpriced for what you get).

  • FL Studio - great for beginners, electronic and beat-based production.

  • Reaper - very powerful and excellent for recording real instruments.


You can read more about which DAW is the right one for you in my complete (free) guide here.


In my opinion trying to force Logic onto Windows is more effort than it’s worth.


Will Logic Pro Ever Come to Windows?


It's highly unlikely. Logic started in the early 1990s as Notator Logic before becoming Emagic. Apple acquired Emagic in 2002 and discontinued the Windows version soon after. So, 20 odd years later, no Windows version, I wouldn't count on it.


Since then, Logic has been a cornerstone of the Apple ecosystem. Logic Pro is considered an industry standard in music production alongside Pro Tools and more recently Ableton.


Logic helps sell Macs so there’s very little incentive for Apple to release it on Windows.


How to Get Logic Pro for Free


Short answer: you can’t permanently. Logic Pro is paid software.


There are "unofficial" versions floating around online, but from my own experience, they:

  • Crash frequently

  • Break with updates

  • Don’t always work with third-party plugins

  • Can contain malware and pose security risks


If you want to try it properly, Apple offers a 90-day free trial. Which is enough time to save up. (I worked a summer job painting fences when I was 16 to afford my imac and Logic Pro.)


For £199 with free lifetime updates, Logic is actually really strong value compared to Ableton’s equivalent tier and paid upgrade model. Despite online debate, neither DAW is objectively “better.” Having used both extensively, I’d say they’re more similar than most people admit.


Alternatively, GarageBand is free on Mac. It’s essentially a simplified version of Logic. If you’re starting out, it’s more than enough.


Final Thoughts: Should You Try to Run Logic Pro on Windows?


You can attempt it. There are some people who have managed it without too many problems - though most of those admit they haven't updated Logic in a while...


If you’re serious about using Logic long-term, buying a Mac is the clean solution. If you’re serious about Windows, use a DAW designed for Windows. Ableton, FL Studio or Reaper would be my picks.


If you are new to Logic Pro and want an easy to follow Logic Pro course - you can find one here.

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