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How to Update iTunes to the Latest Version

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By Sam Costello Sam Costello Writer Ithaca College 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email iPhone & iOS Switching from Android

What to Know

Easiest way: Wait for iTunes to alert you to an available update, and follow the on-screen prompts.To update manually on a Mac: Go to the Mac App Store and click Updates. If there's an iTunes update, click Install.Windows PC: Run the Apple Software Update and look for iTunes, or open iTunes and select Help > Check for Updates. This article explains how to update iTunes on a Mac or Windows PC.

Wait for an Update Notification

The easiest way to upgrade iTunes requires you to do almost nothing. iTunes notifies you when a new version is released and the notification of the upgrade appears when you launch iTunes. If you see that window and want to upgrade, follow the onscreen instructions and you'll be running the latest version of iTunes in no time.

How Update iTunes Manually on a Mac

To update iTunes on a Mac, use the Mac App Store program that comes built into the macOS on all Macs. Updates to all Apple software (and some third-party tools) are done using this program. At the top of the App Store window, select Updates. If there are any iTunes updates available, select Install. On Macs with macOS Catalina or later, Apple Music has replaced iTunes. Apple still supports iTunes on older macOS versions. iTunes for Windows also is still currently supported. There's also a way to update iTunes from within iTunes. Go to the iTunes menu, then click Check for Updates. In the pop-up window, click Download iTunes. Next, click the Update button next to the iTunes update. The App Store program then downloads and automatically installs the new version of iTunes. When the update is complete, it disappears from the top section of the App Store and appears in the Updates Installed in the Last 30 Days section at the bottom of the screen.

Update iTunes on a Windows PC

When you install iTunes on a PC, you also install the Apple Software Update program, which manages updates to iTunes. Verify that you have the latest version of the Apple Software Update. Doing so can avoid problems. To update it, run the Apple Software Update. When the program launches, it checks to see if there are any updates available for your computer. If one of those updates is for Apple Software Update, clear all the checkboxes except the one for Apple Software Update, then select Install. When the update has been downloaded and installed, Apple Software Update runs again and displays a new list of programs available to update. If iTunes is in the list, select the iTunes check box, then select Install. The utility will update iTunes and other Apple software you selected.

Downgrade iTunes

New versions of iTunes are almost always better than the last—but not every time and not for every user. If you upgraded iTunes and don't like it, go back to the previous version. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Update Your MacBook Pro 9 Best Free Software Updater Programs (October 2022) How to Update an iPad How to Update Your iPod's Operating System How to Update to the Latest the Apple TV Operating System How to Back Up iPhone 5 How to Update iPhone on Computer How to Download FaceTime for Mac, iOS, and More How to Update AirPods Firmware How to Update Internet Explorer (Most Recent: IE11) How to Upgrade to macOS Ventura How to Update Java How to Transfer Music from Computer to iPhone How to Get Into and Out of iPhone Recovery Mode How to Update a Mac How to Hide iTunes and App Store Purchases in Family Sharing Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies