Quick Solutions to Fix iTunes Won't Open on Windows 11/10

12 Solutions to fix iTunes won't open on Windows

1. Check for updates

The first step is to ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your Windows 11/10 system. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and lead to iTunes not opening. To check for updates, open iTunes, go to the "Help" menu, and select "Check for Updates." If an update is available, proceed with the installation.

2. Run iTunes as administrator

Sometimes, certain permissions or settings can prevent iTunes from launching correctly. Running iTunes as an administrator can help bypass such restrictions. To do this, right-click on the iTunes shortcut or executable file, and choose "Run as administrator." If prompted, confirm the action, and see if iTunes opens without any issues.

3. Try starting iTunes in “Safe Mode”

Safe Mode protects iTunes from all third-party external plug-ins that may tamper with its working. Follow the steps given below to use iTunes in Safe Mode:

Press Shift+Ctrl on the keyboard while double-clicking on the iTunes icon on the PC. iTunes will now open with a pop-up saying “iTunes is running in Safe Mode. Visual programs you have installed have been temporarily disabled”.

If iTunes opens using Safe Mode and functions smoothly, all you got to do is remove all non-Apple third-party external plug-ins and try launching the software again normally.

4. Disable compatibility mode

If you have previously enabled compatibility mode for iTunes, it might interfere with its proper functioning. Right-click on the iTunes shortcut or executable file, select "Properties," navigate to the "Compatibility" tab, and uncheck "Run this program in compatibility mode." Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes, then try opening iTunes again.

5. Disconnect PC from all internet networks

To prevent iTunes from contacting with Apple servers which may be causing the error, just follow the steps given below to disconnect your computer from all internet networks and try opening iTunes again:

Switch off your WiFi router or simply disconnect the connection from PC by visiting Control Panel.

If you are using an Ethernet cord to connect to a network, unplug it from your computer.

Now try opening iTunes again.

If iTunes runs normally, you know for sure that you need to upgrade your PC drivers which are nothing but software that allows your PC to communicate with the hardware.

Hopefully, the problem would be resolved, but if iTunes won’t open even now, read on to know more about other solutions to fix the problem.

6. New Windows account could help

If iTunes will not open and the problem is user-specific, try to change to switch accounts to rectify the error. Follow the steps given below to switch to a new account when iTunes will not open on Windows:

Visit Control Panel and click on the option “User Accounts”. then select “Change Account Type”.

Now select “Add a new user”

The next step is to click “Add someone else on this PC” as shown in the screenshot below.

Once this is done, follow all instructions that pop up to guide you.

Your new account will be created and you cause it to access your PC. Now run iTunes again. If iTunes won’t open even now, you need to Runa system-wide check, i.e., upgrade drivers, reinstall iTunes as discussed later, etc. But if the software runs smoothly, go ahead and change your iTunes library as described below.

7. Create new iTunes library

Creating a new iTunes library becomes a must if there iTunes won’t open on certain specific Windows user accounts. Carefully follow the step-by-step procedure given herein under to tackle iPhone not opening issue:

Go to C Drive ( C: ) and locate iTunes folder.

The file named iTunes Library. And is now to be moved to the desktop

Now run iTunes to see that your library is absolutely empty.

It's time to start the iTunes menu. Select “Choose File” and then click on “Add Folder to Library”

Visit the folders where all your music is stored, say in C: in My Music under iTunes or iTunes Media.

You may select any one of the three, song, album or artists, and try to add it to iTunes Window by dragging it.

Only Add files following the above method which does not display an error while you try to add them back to iTunes Library.

This method successfully eliminates files that cause the problem of iTunes not opening. Once your library is created, use iTunes without any further disruptions.

8. Configure firewall

A firewall prevents any unauthorized private networks to access your computer. You must check that your firewall isn't preventing tuned from functioning normally.

The following steps will help you ensure that your firewall is configured in to enable iTunes to connect to a network:

In “Start Menu” search for firewall.cpl.

Wait for the Firewall window to open and then click “Allow an App or Feature through Windows Firewall”.

Next is to click on “Change Settings”.

Enable iTunes for private network and public network whereas selects Bonjour for private only.

If you do not find the software in the list, click on “Allow another App/program” and now browse to locate iTunes and Bonjour.

Once located, click “Add” and then click “OK” and exit the firewall.

This is nothing but changing your iTunes security settings on Windows Firewall. If iTunes will not open even now, go ahead and reinstall the software on your PC.

9. Check for software conflicts

Conflicting software or services on your computer could be preventing iTunes from opening. Try performing a clean boot to identify if any third-party applications are causing the problem. To do this, press the Windows key + R, type "msconfig," and press Enter. In the "System Configuration" window, go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click "Disable all." Next, go to the "Startup" tab, and click "Open Task Manager." Disable all startup items, close Task Manager, and click "OK" in the "System Configuration" window. Restart your computer and attempt to open iTunes.

10. Repair iTunes via a professional tool

Sometimes, iTunes may become corrupted, leading to launch issues. You can attempt to repair the iTunes. You can try using Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair to resolve the problem. Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair is a reliable software tool developed by Wondershare to fix various iTunes-related issues, including problems with iTunes not launching. Follow the steps below to use Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair and get iTunes working again:

Step 1: Download and launch Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair

Click the "Try It Free" button to download Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair on your Windows or Mac computer. Once the download and installation are complete, click "System Repair" on the main interface.

safe & secure

Step 2: Connect Your Device

Connect your iOS device to the computer using a compatible USB cable. And choose "iPhone" > "iTunes Repair"

Step 3: Choose "Repair iTunes Error" to fix iTunes not opening issue

In the main interface of iTunes Repair, click on "Repair iTunes Error" from the available options to repair iTunes startup error, update error, and other 100+ errors.

Step 4: Start iTunes Repair

Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair will automatically check iTunes components. After completion, click on "Repair" to initiate the iTunes repair process.

Step 5: Repair iTunes Won't Open Issue

Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair will start repairing the iTunes issue automatically. It will diagnose the problem and fix it accordingly. The process may take a few minutes, so patiently wait for the repair process to complete.

Step 6: Launch iTunes

After completing the repair, disconnect your device from the computer. Launch iTunes as you normally would and check if the problem of iTunes not opening is resolved.

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11. Update Windows OS

Ensure that your Windows 11/10 operating system is up to date. Microsoft frequently releases updates that can fix various issues, including compatibility problems. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" and click "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer.

12. Re-install the iTunes software

This is considered as the most tedious way to troubleshoot the iTunes not opening problem. Re-installing might be time-consuming and cumbersome but has a fairly good success rate to solve the given error.

Follow the steps meticulously to make iTunes run o your compeer without any glitches:

Visit Control Panel and go to “Programs” or “Programs and Features”. Then select “Uninstall a Program”.

Now uninstall iTunes all its other software from your Windows PC.

Follow the order given below to uninstall all related software to avoid any complications in the future.

Now open C: and delete all folders as shown in the screenshot below.

You may also empty the recycle bin before reinstalling the iTunes software to your Windows PC from Apple’s official website.

Follow this method only if none of the other ways that are described above solve the iTunes won't open problem.