There is no FaceTime app for Windows. Apple has never released one, and there are no signs that will change. But if someone sends you a FaceTime link, you can join through your browser. Here is how that works, and what to use instead if you want full-featured video calling on Windows.
Video call from any Windows PC
No download, no account. Works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Brave.
Start CallJoining a FaceTime Call from Windows
Since iOS 15, iPhone and Mac users can create shareable FaceTime links. If someone sends you one of these links on Windows, here is how to join:
- Open the link in Chrome or Edge (Firefox does not work)
- Enter your name when prompted
- Allow camera and microphone access
- Wait for the host to admit you to the call
That is the extent of FaceTime on Windows. You are joining through a web interface, not a native app.
What You Cannot Do from Windows
- Start a FaceTime call. Only Apple device users can create links
- Use SharePlay, screen sharing, or portrait mode. These features are Apple-only
- Add participants. The Windows user has no call management controls
- Use FaceTime without the link. If the Apple user does not send you a link, there is no way to initiate anything
If you need to do any of these things, you need a genuine FaceTime alternative. For a detailed walkthrough of cross-platform options, see our FaceTime for Android and Windows guide.
Better Options for Video Calling on Windows
Browser-Based Video Calls
The fastest option on Windows is a browser-based video call. No installation, no account. Open a tab, create a call link, send it to the other person.
InstantVideoCall works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Brave on Windows. Both participants get the same features regardless of their operating system. Screen sharing, microphone controls, and camera settings all work identically on Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone.
Google Meet
Google Meet runs directly in Chrome with no download. If you already have a Google account (Gmail), you can host meetings immediately. Guests can join without a Google account.
Free tier: up to 100 participants, 60-minute limit on group calls, unlimited 1-on-1 calls.
Zoom
Zoom has a Windows desktop app (about 300MB) and also works in the browser. It is the standard for scheduled meetings and business calls.
Free tier: 40-minute limit on group calls, 100 participants. Requires an account to host.
Comparison: FaceTime Link vs Alternatives on Windows
| FaceTime Link | InstantVideoCall | Google Meet | Zoom | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start call from Windows? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Download needed? | No | No | No | Optional |
| Account needed? | No (to join) | No | Host only | Host only |
| Screen sharing? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works in all browsers? | Chrome/Edge only | All major browsers | All major browsers | All major browsers |
| Time limit | None | None | 60 min (groups) | 40 min (groups) |
The Best Choice for Windows Users
If you regularly video call people who use iPhones or Macs, do not rely on FaceTime links. The experience is too limited for the Windows side.
For quick, one-off calls: use a browser-based tool. No setup, no downloads, works immediately.
For recurring scheduled meetings: Zoom or Google Meet. Both have solid Windows apps and integrate with calendars.
For calling Android users too: any of the alternatives above work across all platforms. FaceTime is the only tool that does not treat every participant equally.