How to Install iTunes on Windows

Mac not required

What to Know

  • On Windows 11 and 10, download iTunes directly from the Microsoft Store.
  • On Windows 7 or 8, download iTunes directly from Apple.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure iTunes.

Apple iTunes is the best way to migrate data between your Apple devices and your Windows-based PC. In Windows 10 and 11, download iTunes from the Microsoft Store. In Windows 8 or Windows 7, the download is available from Apple.

How to Install iTunes on a Windows 10 or 11 PC

Access the download from your desktop in Windows 10 and 11.

  1. In the Windows Search box, type itunes and, in the Best match section, choose iTunes Install App.

    Alternatively, search for iTunes in the Microsoft Store online.

    iTunes Install app in the Windows Store with the Install app button highlighted
  2. Select Get to download iTunes.

    iTunes in the Microsoft Store with the Get button highlighted
  3. When the download is complete, select Launch.

    iTunes in the Microsoft Store with the Launch button highlighted
  4. In the iTunes Software License Agreement window, select Agree.

    iTunes' software license agreement with the Agree button highlighted
  5. In the Welcome screen, select Agree if you agree to share details about your library with Apple or select No Thanks to decline.

    iTunes privacy screen with the No Thanks and Agree buttons highlighted
  6. Select Sign in to the iTunes Store if you have an Apple ID and password. If you don't have an account, choose Go to the iTunes Store and sign up for an Apple ID to use iTunes.

    Sign-in screen for iTunes with buttons highlighted
  7. Import your CDs into your iTunes library. This converts the songs on the CDs into MP3 or AAC files

  8. Set up your iPod, iPhone, or iPad with iTunes and begin using it.

How to Install iTunes on a Windows 8 or 7 PC

In Windows 8 or Windows 7, the iTunes software download is available from Apple.

  1. Go to the Apple iTunes download page, then select Download for the version of Windows installed on the computer.

    iTunes pages with the Download button highlighted
  2. Decide if you want to receive email newsletters from Apple and enter your email address, then click Download Now.

  3. Windows prompts you to either run or save the file. Run the file to install it right away or save the file to install it later. If you save the file, the installer is saved to the default downloads folder (usually Downloads on recent versions of Windows).

  4. If you chose to run the file, the installation process starts automatically. If you chose to save the file, find the installer program on your computer and double-click the installer icon to start the installation process.

    When the installer begins, agree to run it. Then, go through the screens and agree to the iTunes software terms and conditions.

    Install itunes, step 2
  5. Choose the installation options that you want to set:

    • Add iTunes and QuickTime shortcuts to my desktop: This places the iTunes and QuickTime icons on the desktop for easy access. If you often launch programs by double-clicking icons on the desktop, choose this. iTunes is added to the Start menu regardless of what you choose here.
    • Use iTunes as the default player for audio files: Choose this to have iTunes handle audio files, including CDs, MP3s, podcasts, and downloads.
    • Default iTunes language: Choose the language you want iTunes to be in.
    • Destination Folder: This is where iTunes and its files are installed. Unless you know what you're doing with this and have a reason to change it, use the default setting.
  6. Select Install when you've made your choices.

    iTunes installation options screen with the Install button highlighted
  7. While iTunes goes through the install process, a progress bar shows how close it is to being done. When the installation is complete, select Finish.

    You'll also be asked to restart your computer to finish the installation. You can do that now or later; either way, you'll be able to use iTunes right away.

  8. Select Sign in to the iTunes Store if you have an Apple ID and password. If you don't have an account, choose Go to the iTunes Store and sign up for an Apple ID.

  9. With iTunes installed, import your CDs into your iTunes library.

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