Music notation for Windows
Free GPL music notation software with live playback, MIDI input, and export to PDF, MusicXML, MIDI, WAV, and MP3.
Overview
MuseScore is a free, full-featured music score editor. Softonic describes it as notation software that lets you compose, arrange, and print professional sheet music. Uptodown lists it as open-source software for composers, students, and professionals who need complete notation without a paid license.
Begin a score by choosing instruments, then enter notes with a MIDI keyboard, mouse, or shortcuts. Playback lets you hear tempo, dynamics, and phrasing before you print or share.
See the full notation toolkitFrom the toolkit
Softonic highlights responsive playback so you can hear arrangements while you write. Uptodown notes tempo, nuance, and dynamics control so listening stays close to a live read-through.
Enter notes the way you work. Softonic calls out MIDI support for instrumentalists and composers.
Input
Piano, strings, winds, choir, orchestra, guitar tablature, chord diagrams, slurs, ornaments, and fingerings.
Share as PDF for print, MIDI for DAWs, MusicXML for other notation apps, plus WAV and MP3 audio.
Softonic notes a strong educational focus and a community library of shared scores and learning material.
Draft parts, hear playback, then export PDF parts or MusicXML for collaborators.
Build lead sheets, tablature, and chord charts, then print for rehearsal.
Criteria drawn from Softonic alternatives (Sibelius, Finale, Crescendo) and Uptodown licensing notes.
| Criterion | MuseScore | Sibelius | Finale | Crescendo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| License | Free, GPL 2.0 | Commercial / trial | Commercial / trial | Free tier listed on Softonic |
| Playback while writing | Yes (Softonic pro) | Yes (suite) | Yes (suite) | Notation-focused |
| MusicXML / MIDI export | Yes (Uptodown) | Yes | Yes | Varies by edition |
| Typical Softonic score | 3.5 (731 ratings) | 3.7 trial listing | 3.4 trial listing | 3.6 free listing |
| Cost barrier | None for core app | Paid subscription / license | Paid license history | Free entry point |
Some Softonic reviewers still prefer Sibelius for advanced playback configuration and copy-paste depth. MuseScore wins on price and open licensing.
Softonic marks MuseScore as a Trusted Program and reports VirusTotal-based scans with virus-free, spyware-free, and malware-free results. Uptodown publishes the MSI SHA256 for the Windows build so you can verify the file you installed.
Read the trust and security pageAdapted from Softonic user reviews and Softonic editor pros/cons. Hover pauses the scroll.
After about an hour of experimenting and checking the handbook, I had my first digital score working. Editing larger sections could be easier, and a few menu options are not where I expect them, but I will recommend MuseScore.
Free and feature-rich notation tools, a user-friendly interface, and real-time playback. Softonic also notes occasional lag on low-end devices.
Coming from Sibelius, some advanced playback controls and copy-paste workflows feel thinner, but for a free GPL editor I keep writing in MuseScore more often than I expected.
Uptodown rates the Windows build around 4.6 from a smaller review set, with hundreds of thousands of downloads recorded for the MSI channel.
Windows MSI, 121.89 MB, released 7 Jul 2026. Download buttons are prepared on the next page.