How to Install iTunes on Windows

Mac not required

iTunes on laptop screen with coffee and headphones on desk

 RawPixel / Pexels

by Sam Costello
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
Updated October 13, 2019
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Apple's iTunes software still represents the gold standard in migrating data between your Apple devices and your Windows-based PC. In Windows 10, download iTunes from the Microsoft Store. In Windows 8 or Windows 7, the download is available from Apple.

Instructions in this article apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

How to Install iTunes on a Windows 10 PC

Access the download from your desktop in Windows 10.

  1. Type itunes in the Windows Search box and choose iTunes Install App under Best Match in the search results.

    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 begin downloading iTunes.

    iTunes in the Microsoft Store with the Get button highlighted

  3. Select the Launch button when the download is complete.

    iTunes in the Microsoft Store with the Launch button highlighted

  4. Select Agree on the Software License Agreement for iTunes for Windows window. The iTunes welcome screen will open.

    iTunes' software license agreement with the Agree button highlighted

  5. 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 already have an Apple ID and password. If you do not yet have an account, choose Go to the iTunes Store and sign up for an Apple ID to begin using iTunes.

    Sign-in screen for iTunes with buttons highlighted

  7. With iTunes installed, you may now want to begin importing your CDs into your iTunes library. The process of importing them will convert the songs from the CDs into MP3 or AAC files. 

  8. After you've added CDs to your iTunes library or created an iTunes account and begun downloading from the iTunes Store, you're ready to set your iPod, iPhone or iPad to iTunes and begin using it. For instructions on how to sync your device:

  9. And, with that, you've set up iTunes, set up and synced content to your device, and are ready to rock!

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 and select Download for the version of Windows you are using.

    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 the "Download Now" button.

    Windows will ask you if you want to run or save the file. Either answer works for installing iTunes: Running the file will install it right away whereas saving will allow you to install it later. If you choose to save, the installer program will be saved to your default downloads folder (usually "Downloads" on recent versions of Windows).

  3. After you've downloaded iTunes, the installation process will start (if you chose "run" in the last step) or the installer program will appear on your computer (if you chose "save"). If you chose "save," double-click the installer icon.

    When the installer begins running, you'll have to agree to run it and then go through a few screens of agreeing to the iTunes software terms and conditions. Agree where indicated and click the next/run/continue buttons (depending on what the window offers you).

    Install itunes, step 2

  4. After agreeing to terms and proceeding through the initial steps of the installation process, iTunes will ask you to choose some installation options. They include:

    • Add iTunes and QuickTime shortcuts to my desktop - This will place the iTunes and QuickTime icons on your desktop for easy access. If you often launch programs by double-clicking on their icons from your desktop, choose this. iTunes will also be added to your Start menu regardless of what you choose here.
    • Use iTunes as the default player for audio files - Choose this if you want iTunes to handle all your 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 will be installed. Unless you know what you're doing with this and have a reason to change it, use the default setting.

  5. Select the Install button when you've made your choices.

    iTunes installation options screen with the Install button highlighted

  6. Once you've done this, iTunes will go through its install process. You'll see a progress bar during the installation that tells you 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.

  7. Select Sign in to the iTunes Store if you already have an Apple ID and password. If you do not yet have an account, choose Go to the iTunes Store and sign up for an Apple ID to begin using iTunes.

  8. With iTunes installed, begin importing your CDs into your iTunes library.