iTunes on Windows comes from the Microsoft Store, not directly from Apple
Apple stopped distributing iTunes as a standalone download for Windows in 2021. If you're on Windows 10 or later, you'll find iTunes in the Microsoft Store — the same place you'd download any other Windows app. If you're still running Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can download an older version directly from Apple's website, but that version no longer receives updates.
The process takes about five minutes and requires an active internet connection. You'll need either a Microsoft account (to use the Store) or an Apple ID if you plan to sign in to iTunes after installation.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 10 and later users download iTunes from the Microsoft Store by searching for "iTunes" and clicking Install.
- Windows 7 and 8 users can download an older version from Apple's website, but it will not receive security updates.
- You need either a Microsoft account or an Apple ID to complete the download and use iTunes.
- After installation, iTunes opens immediately and syncs with your Apple ID if you sign in.
Downloading iTunes from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer. You can find it by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Microsoft Store," or by searching for it in your apps list. Once the Store opens, use the search box at the top to type "iTunes."
Click on the iTunes result when it appears. The official app shows "Apple" as the publisher. Click the blue "Install" button. Windows will download and install the app automatically — you don't need to do anything else while this happens. The button will change to "Open" once installation finishes.
Click "Open" to launch iTunes for the first time. The app will ask you to sign in with an Apple ID or create one. If you don't have an Apple ID yet, you can create one during this step by clicking "Create Apple ID." If you already have one, enter your email and password.
Downloading iTunes on Windows 7 or 8
Go to Apple's official website at apple.com/itunes/download. Scroll down to find the download link for Windows. Click it to download the installer file — it will be named something like "iTunesSetup.exe."
Once the file downloads, open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer. Windows will ask for permission to make changes to your computer — click "Yes." The installer will then walk you through the setup process. Accept the license agreement and choose where you want iTunes installed (the default location is fine for most people).
When installation finishes, iTunes will open automatically. Be aware that this version of iTunes will not receive updates from Apple, so it may lack security patches and new features. If you plan to use iTunes regularly, consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 to get the current version.
What to do if the Microsoft Store download fails
If you click Install and nothing happens, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes the Microsoft Store needs a restart to work properly. If the problem continues, make sure you're signed into Windows with a Microsoft account — the Store requires this to download apps.
If you see an error message, try opening the Microsoft Store settings and clicking "Reset" under the App settings section. This clears temporary files that might be blocking the download. After resetting, search for iTunes again and click Install.
Signing in with your Apple ID after installation
When iTunes opens for the first time, it will prompt you to sign in. Enter the email address and password for your Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID, click "Create Apple ID" and follow the prompts — you'll need a valid email address and a password you create.
After you sign in, iTunes will sync with your account. This means any music, podcasts, or other content you've purchased through Apple will appear in the app. You can also authorize your computer to play protected content by going to Account menu and selecting "Authorizations" — this step is necessary if you want to play music you've purchased.
Using iTunes after installation
Once iTunes is installed and you're signed in, you can browse the iTunes Store, listen to music, manage your library, and sync content with an iPhone or iPad if you have one. On Windows 10 and 11, iTunes works the same way as on Mac — the main difference is where you download it from.
If you want to uninstall iTunes later, go to Settings, click Apps, find iTunes in the list, and click Uninstall. On Windows 7 or 8, go to Control Panel, click Programs, find iTunes, and click Uninstall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple ID to download iTunes?
You need a Microsoft account to download from the Store, but you don't need an Apple ID until you open iTunes for the first time. At that point, you can create an Apple ID if you don't have one. Creating an Apple ID is free and takes a few minutes.
Can I download iTunes on Windows 7?
Yes, but only an older version that no longer receives updates. Go to apple.com/itunes/download and download the Windows installer. This version will work, but Apple will not patch security issues or add new features to it.
Why did Apple remove iTunes from direct download?
Apple moved iTunes to the Microsoft Store to make updates easier and more secure. The Store version updates automatically, so you always have the latest features and security patches without having to download a new installer yourself.
What if I don't want to use the Microsoft Store?
If you're on Windows 10 or 11, the Microsoft Store is the official way to get iTunes. There is no alternative download link from Apple. If you strongly prefer not to use the Store, you could use an older Windows 7 version, but this is not recommended because it won't receive updates.
Will iTunes work on my older Windows computer?
iTunes from the Microsoft Store requires Windows 10 or later. If you have Windows 7 or 8, download the older version from apple.com/itunes/download. If you have an even older version of Windows, iTunes may not work at all — check Apple's website for system requirements.