Fix iTunes Stopped Working on Windows

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So your iTunes stopped working on Windows? Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. One moment you’re vibing to your playlist, and the next—bam! Dead silence. Let’s bring your tunes back to life step by step. No tech wizardry required, just some plain and simple moves.

First, don’t panic. Seriously. Sometimes a small glitch can make iTunes crash or freeze. Let’s start with the basics first.

1. Try the Quick Restart

This is the digital fix equivalent of “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”

  • Close iTunes completely.
  • Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Look for anything that says “iTunes” or “Apple” and end those tasks.
  • Now reopen iTunes.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes. If that didn’t help—we keep moving.

2. Update iTunes and Windows

Old versions of iTunes don’t always play nice with Windows updates, and vice versa.

  • Open iTunes. If it doesn’t crash right away, go to Help > Check for Updates.
  • Download and install any updates available.
  • Also update Windows. Go to Settings > Update & Security and click Check for updates.

Keep everything current. Computers, like people, don’t like to be stuck in the past.

3. Repair iTunes

If updating didn’t solve it, let’s fix iTunes from the inside.

  • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  • Find iTunes in the list and click on it.
  • Choose Repair. Let Windows work its magic.

This won’t delete your music or settings. It just patches broken files.

4. Reinstall iTunes (The Clean Way)

Still nothing? Time to go nuclear. But the good kind.

  • Uninstall iTunes and all Apple-related software:
    • iTunes
    • Apple Software Update
    • Apple Mobile Device Support
    • Bonjour
    • Apple Application Support (both 32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Restart your computer.
  • Now go to the official Apple website and download the latest version of iTunes.
  • Install it and cross your fingers.

Pro tip: Don’t download iTunes from the Microsoft Store. Some users find the traditional version from Apple’s website works better.

5. Check for Conflicts

Sometimes, other software messes with iTunes. Especially antivirus programs or audio enhancers.

Try these steps:

  • Temporarily disable your antivirus.
  • Check if iTunes starts working again.
  • Also, uninstall any suspicious audio drivers or programs like Equalizer APO.

If you find the guilty program, either remove it or update it to a friendlier version.

6. Run iTunes in Compatibility Mode

This trick makes Windows act like it’s an older version. Oddly enough, it helps sometimes.

  • Right-click the iTunes shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
  • Choose Properties, go to Compatibility tab.
  • Check the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode.
  • Select Windows 8 or Windows 7.
  • Apply and restart iTunes.

Your iTunes might enjoy a quick flashback to its golden days.

7. Contact Apple Support (As a Last Resort)

You’ve tried everything, and if iTunes still won’t budge, it may be time to call in the big guns.

Go to Apple Support and explain your issue. They may have surprise tricks up their sleeves.

Final Notes

Tech is weird sometimes. But you’re smarter than it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be back to your music, podcasts, and syncing dance parties in no time.

And next time your iTunes takes a vacation, you’ll be ready.