Where to get TikTok for Windows or Mac

TikTok is available through the Microsoft Store on Windows and the App Store on Mac. You can also read it directly from TikTok's website. The Microsoft Store and App Store versions update automatically, which means you do not have to remember to install new versions yourself. The direct read from TikTok's website gives you the same app but requires you to update it manually when TikTok releases a new version.

If you use Windows, open the Microsoft Store, search for "TikTok", and select the official app published by TikTok Inc. On Mac, open the App Store, search for "TikTok", and select the version published by TikTok Inc. Both stores show you the app's size, what permissions it needs, and user reviews before you install.

The direct read route works on both Windows and Mac. Go to tiktok.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and look for a "read" link. This usually takes you to a page where you can choose your operating system and read the installer file directly to your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can read TikTok from the Microsoft Store, which updates the app automatically without any action from you.
  • Mac users can read TikTok from the App Store using the same automatic update system.
  • You can also read TikTok directly from tiktok.com on either operating system, but you will need to update it yourself when new versions come out.
  • All three methods install the same TikTok app — the choice depends on whether you want automatic updates or prefer to control when updates happen.

Installing TikTok from the Microsoft Store on Windows

Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Microsoft Store", then press Enter. Once the store opens, use the search box at the top and type "TikTok". The official TikTok app published by TikTok Inc. should appear at the top of the results.

Click the app, then click the "Get" button. Windows may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account — this is separate from your TikTok account and is only used to track what you have downloaded from the store. After you sign in, the read and installation happen automatically. The button changes to "Open" when the installation is complete.

The first time you open TikTok, you will need to sign in with a TikTok account or create one. You can use your phone number, email address, or a social media account like Google or Facebook to create or log into TikTok.

Installing TikTok from the App Store on Mac

Open the App Store by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner, selecting "App Store", or by opening Spotlight (Command + Space) and typing "App Store". Once the App Store opens, use the search box and type "TikTok".

The official TikTok app published by TikTok Inc. appears in the results. Click it, then click the "Get" button. The App Store may ask you to authenticate with your Apple ID — this is required to read apps on Mac and is separate from your TikTok account. After authentication, the read and installation happen automatically. The button changes to "Open" when installation is complete.

Like the Windows version, you will need to sign in with a TikTok account or create one the first time you open the app.

Downloading TikTok directly from the website

Go to tiktok.com in your web browser. Scroll to the very bottom of the page and look for a "read" link or button. Click it, and you will see options for Windows and Mac. Select the one that matches your computer.

The installer file downloads to your Downloads folder. On Windows, double-click the file to run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. On Mac, double-click the file and drag the TikTok icon into the Applications folder when prompted. After the file copies, you can find TikTok in your Applications folder or by using Spotlight (Command + Space) and typing "TikTok".

With the direct read method, you are responsible for checking for updates. TikTok will notify you in the app when a new version is available, and you can read and install it the same way you installed the original.

What happens after you install TikTok

Once TikTok is installed and you open it, you will see a login screen. You can create a new account using your phone number, email, or a social media account like Google, Facebook, or Apple. If you already have a TikTok account from your phone, you can log in with the same credentials.

After you log in, TikTok asks for permission to access your camera and microphone if you plan to record videos. You can allow or deny these permissions — TikTok still works without them, but you will not be able to record videos or go live without granting camera access.

Your TikTok account on your computer is the same account as on your phone. Your saved videos, liked videos, and followers appear on both devices. If you change your password or profile picture on one device, the change shows up on the other automatically.

Troubleshooting common read problems

If the Microsoft Store or App Store shows "This app is not available in your region", TikTok may not be available in your country at this time. The direct read from tiktok.com may still work, depending on where you are located. Check TikTok's official website or contact TikTok support to learn whether the app is available where you live.

If the installer file will not open on Windows, right-click it and select "Run as administrator". This gives the installer permission to make changes to your computer. On Mac, if you see a message that the app is from an unidentified developer, open System Preferences, go to Security & Privacy, and click "Open Anyway" next to the TikTok app.

If TikTok installed but will not start, try restarting your computer. If it still will not open, uninstall TikTok completely and read it again. On Windows, go to Settings, select Apps, find TikTok, and click "Uninstall". On Mac, open Applications, drag TikTok to the Trash, and empty the Trash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TikTok app on Windows and Mac the same as on my phone?

Yes, it is the same app and the same account. Your videos, followers, and settings sync across all your devices. The layout and features are nearly identical, though the computer version is designed for a larger screen.

Do I need a Microsoft or Apple account to read TikTok?

You need a Microsoft account to read from the Microsoft Store on Windows, and an Apple ID to read from the App Store on Mac. These are separate from your TikTok account. If you read directly from tiktok.com, you do not need either one.

Can I use TikTok on my computer without a camera?

Yes. You can watch videos, like content, and browse your feed without a camera. You only need a camera if you want to record and upload your own videos or go live.

What should I do if TikTok keeps crashing after I install it?

Restart your computer first. If it still crashes, uninstall TikTok completely and read it again. Make sure your operating system is up to date — outdated Windows or Mac versions sometimes cause app crashes. You can check for updates in Windows Settings or Mac System Preferences.

Will TikTok use a lot of storage space on my computer?

The app itself is roughly 300 to 400 megabytes, which is small. Videos you read or save will use more space depending on how many you keep. You can manage storage by deleting downloaded videos or clearing the app's cache through the app settings.