If you’ve recently bought yourself an Apple Pencil then chances are that you’re wondering whether you can get it to work with Windows.
Mostly because Windows is the most convenient software available on almost all PCs and laptops nowadays.
No, sadly, you will not be able to use your Apple Pencil to work with Windows. This means tablets, PCs, and laptops that utilize Windows will not be able to connect with the Apple Pencil or use its features.
The Apple Pencil is a remarkable piece of technology and if you’re someone who’s into digital art or graphic designing then it is a must-have for you.
Nonetheless, we’ll detail all we can about the Apple Pencil and how it works with Microsoft 365.
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Why is the Apple Pencil not supported on Windows?
The Apple Pencil was primarily designed as a tool to be utilized in tangent with the iPad and thus has very specific hardware requirements. Most Windows systems such as Laptops and tablets simply lack the required hardware and software that is essential for Apple Pencil to connect and be utilized.
The primary method that Apple intended the Apple Pencil to be used is through their vast line of iPad products. The Apple Pencil is supported for use on the following devices:
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation:
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- iPad Pro 11-inch
- iPad Air
Apple Pencil 1st Generation:
- iPad
- iPad Air
- iPad mini
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
Sadly, however, because neither of these systems officially supports Windows, none of them can be utilized in tangent with a Windows OS to run the Apple Pencil.
This is essentially the reason why Apple Pencil is not supported on Windows.
Will the Apple Pencil ever be supported on Windows?
Microsoft and Apple have been competing brands for a very long time now. Before Apple specialized in the touch screen mobile industry they were primarily known for their computers and operating system. Both of which clashed heavily with the Microsoft OS and based computers or laptops.
So its perhaps makes sense that two companies that have competed with each other on so many different fronts would continue to do so when emerging into the newer market of stylus touch pens. Apple’s philosophy of the Walled Garden is one of the key reasons why compatibility between the Apple Pencil and Windows is difficult.
Additionally, competing products released by Microsoft such as the Microsoft Surface Pen certainly make it far more unlikely that Apple would be willing to associate their Apple Pen with the company, especially since it could harm their own bottom line.
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Apple’s Walled Garden
Apple is infamous for its Walled Garden approach to developing its products.
What “walled garden” essentially means is that Apple makes it incredibly easy to utilize their various products in association with each other. This means it’s super simple and easy to connect from your iPad to your iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, Homepods, AirTags, and even AirPods.
However, the walled aspect of this term comes in when someone attempts to leave the Apple ecosystem. Other devices either do not support the OS that Apple uses or their products are simply incompatible with other devices. This makes it incredibly difficult for individuals to transfer their data, information, and needs over to different systems other than Apple.
The major reason this is done? So that you are forced to remain in Apple’s product ecosystem and only buy their products and utilize their software. Since shifting to other devices becomes so incredibly difficult many individuals opt to remain in the Apple ecosystem and thus continue to use their products.
This is the major reason why we are doubtful that Apple Pencil will ever be supported on Windows because the Apple Pencil is not made to be a standalone tool for customers. Rather its primary purpose is to be an accessory to other Apple products and further enrich the Apple ecosystem.
Can you use the Apple Pencil with Microsoft Office?
If the reason why you wanted to use the Apple Pencil with Windows is that you wanted to use it to edit, write and draw on the various apps available in Microsoft Office then we have some extremely good news for you.
There is a Microsoft application available for your iPad that lets you use all of its document editors such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
The Microsoft Office app is free to download and has a subscription-based service that allows you to use their latest Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote document applications seamlessly on your iPad or iOS device. What makes it even better is that these applications are 100% compatible with the use of the Apple Pencil.
This means that you can use your Apple Pencil to draw, highlight, make notes, and add text directly to the Microsoft Office app without needing any additional hardware or software.
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What is the Best Apple Pencil Alternative for Windows?
If you’re someone that doesn’t own an Apple Pencil or an iPad yet and want to use a good, efficient stylus on the laptop or tablet that you do own then we’ve got a recommendation for you that can help.
The Microsoft Surface Pen is our best Apple Pencil alternative for Windows users. It can be used for your Windows laptop or tablet. And it can fulfill the role that an average Apple Pencil might otherwise do.
Microsoft Surface pen
If you’re primarily a Microsoft Surface user then buying and using the Microsoft Surface Pen is n obvious choice. It has an immaculate design that caters to over four thousand and ninety-six pressure points, giving you the ultimate precision power in whatever you attempt to do.
Additionally, the device comes with tilt support. This lets the Microsoft Surface Pen act like an actual graphite pencil and lets you shade whilst you are sketching. It even has the fabled magnetic connection to your tablet that you would otherwise see as a feature of the Apple Pencil.
Finally, the Microsoft Surface pen comes in many different colors and has a myriad of customization options. Unfortunately, the downside to the device is that it requires the use of batteries to function, which need to be regularly changed and cannot be recharged.
We know how perplexing these questions regarding tech compatibilities can be which is why we’re certain this article should have answered all your queries related to the Apple Pencil and Windows. However, if you yet have more questions to ask then please do so in the comment section down below.
Till next time! Ciao.