How to Install iTunes on Windows 11—and What to Use Instead

You can install iTunes on Windows 11 from the Microsoft Store, but Apple now recommends its separate Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices apps for most current workflows. Apple Devices handles iPhone and iPad syncing, backups, updates, and restores; iTunes remains useful for podcasts, audiobooks, and legacy libraries.

There is no 32-bit edition of Windows 11

Windows 11 itself is 64-bit, so an article offering a “Windows 11 32-bit” installer is misleading. To check the PC architecture, open Settings > System > About and read System type. ARM-based PCs should install Store apps that declare ARM compatibility.

Choose the right Apple apps

• Apple Music: manage local music, Apple Music, and iTunes Store purchases.
• Apple TV: manage movies and TV shows.
• Apple Devices: sync, update, restore, and back up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
• iTunes: use when you need its podcast or audiobook features, support an older iPod workflow, or have not installed the newer apps.

Apple explains the split on its Windows app download page. Installing Apple Music or Apple TV changes which media remain available in iTunes, so back up the library before switching.

Install from the Microsoft Store

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for iTunes—or Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices.
3. Confirm that Apple Inc. is the publisher, select Get or Install, and wait for completion.
4. Open the app and allow Microsoft Store to keep it updated.

Avoid unofficial repacks and old standalone download links. See how to update iTunes if it is already installed.

Sign in and import local media

In classic iTunes, choose Account > Sign In and enter the Apple Account used for purchases. Do not sign in on a shared PC unless you control the Windows account.

Choose the media type from the selector. In current Windows apps, music and video are separated; classic iTunes keeps music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks in one interface.

Show legacy iTunes library and podcast screens

To import local audio in iTunes, use File > Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library. Import only supported, unprotected files. For current setups, import music through Apple Music and manage video through Apple TV.

Show legacy music and video import screens

Import a CD in classic iTunes

Insert an audio CD, choose the CD button, review Import Settings, select the tracks, and click Import CD. Use a format and quality appropriate for your library, and keep the original disc or another backup.

Show the CD import workflow

Sync an iPhone or iPad

1. Connect the unlocked device with a data-capable cable and tap Trust if prompted.
2. In Apple Devices, select the device in the sidebar. In iTunes, click the small device icon.
3. Choose Music, Movies, Photos, Files, or another available category.
4. Enable syncing, choose the required items, and click Apply.

Read any replacement warning carefully: syncing from a different computer or library can remove media previously synced from elsewhere. Apple's iTunes sync guide covers the legacy interface.

Show USB, Wi-Fi, and manual sync screens

Wi-Fi sync must first be enabled while the device is connected by cable. Both devices then need to be on the same network, with the PC and app available. A manual sync gives more control but does not itself protect files from replacement by another library.

Back up the device to Windows

1. Select the device and open General in Apple Devices or Summary in iTunes.
2. Choose to back up the device to this computer.
3. Enable Encrypt local backup if the backup must include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, Health data, and call history.
4. Create a strong password and store it safely; Apple cannot restore an encrypted backup without that password.
5. Click Back Up Now, wait for completion, and verify the latest backup date.

Apple's current Windows backup instructions cover both Apple Devices and iTunes.

Show legacy iTunes backup and restore screens

What to do after installation

Update the app, authorize the computer only if purchased media requires it, and make a verified backup before changing sync settings. For basic menus and library controls, see the iTunes beginner guide. For a media transfer walkthrough, use the music, video, and photo transfer guide.