6 Solutions to iTunes Update not Working on Windows 11/10/8/7

Are you having trouble updating iTunes on your computer or mobile device? It can be frustrating when you need to update your iTunes to access new features or fix bugs, but the update process isn't working properly. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to fix this issue.

In this guide, we'll explore 6 solutions to iTunes update not working. By the end of this guide, you should be able to successfully update your iTunes and enjoy all the benefits of the latest version. Let's get started!

Why is iTunes not updating?

Technically, the issue with iTunes not updating results from the operating system and program itself. Here are the top 4 reasons why your iTunes update not working in Windows 10/11/8/7.

⛔ Administrator issue. You don’t have administrator rights while updating iTunes. For some software installations, only the admin user is allowed.
⛔ Old version of Windows OS. If you are using an older version of Windows OS, you are also unable to update iTunes. This indicates that your operating system might not be compatible with iTunes.
⛔ Security software issue. Security software may generate software conflicts, which would prohibit iTunes from upgrading and installing successfully.
⛔ iTunes bugs and glitches. There is also something wrong with iTunes itself. You cannot update iTunes on your PC in particular when iTunes has damaged files or lost certain files.

6 fixes to iTunes update not working

After figuring out all the potential causes of the iTunes not updating, the following solutions will help you easily upgrade iTunes to the most recent version.

1# Log in to computer as administrator

An administrator is someone who has the authority to make modifications to a computer that will impact other users. The ability to modify other user accounts, install software and hardware, view any files on the computer, and adjust security settings are all available to administrators.

Thus, when update button on iTunes not working, make sure you’re logged in to your computer as an administrator. You can follow the steps below to have a check.

Click the Start button > Control Panel > User Accounts (or User Accounts and Family Safety depending on whether your computer is on a domain or a workgroup). Finally, click Manage another account.

If your account type is Administrator, you will be prompted for an administrator password or confirmation.

2# Uninstall or disable security software

Sometimes, antivirus software might prevent applications like iTunes from installing. If it is the case, you may turn off or remove the security software, restart your computer, and check to see whether the iTunes updating not working or check for update not working problem has been resolved.

3# Install the latest Windows updates

Same with other operating system, if your computer is running older versions of Windows OS, any software bugs and glitches can lead to iTunes updating failed. Thus, it is suggested to install the latest version of Windows.

Step 1. Click the Start button > Settings > Choose Update & Security.

Step 2. From the next window, choose Windows Update > Click Check for updates.

After following the onscreen instructions to download the latest Windows, back to iTunes to check if you can update it successfully.

4# Remove components left from a previous installation

If iTunes download fails, you can check and remove components from the previous iTunes installation and reinstall it again. Follow the steps below to make it.

Press the Win and R key at the same time to open the run command > Enter %programfiles% in the Run window > From the Program Files folder, delete the folders like iTunes, Bonjour, etc.

Now, restart your computer and reinstall the latest version of iTunes. Your program should be installed without any error this time.

5# Repair Apple software update app on Windows

Chances are that iTunes update not working due to Windows installer package error. If it is the case, you can follow the steps below to repair Apple software update app on Windows.

Step 1. Click the Start button > Go to Control panel > Locate and choose Uninstall a program option.

Step 2. Locate and right click Apple Software Update > Choose Repair option and follow the onscreen prompts to repair it.

Restart your computer and updating the iTunes again to check if it can work properly.

6# Update iTunes via Windows Apple software update package

Windows Apple software update package provides you another way to update iTunes. When you install iTunes on your PC, you get Apple Software Update for Windows. If you still cannot update iTunes, then, just try this way.

Step 1. Click on the Windows icon in the lower-left corner > Type Apple Software Update in the search bar > Click Apple Software Update to run it.

Step 2. Select the checkbox next to iTunes > Click on the Install 1 items and follow the onscreen instructions to update iTunes.

Best iTunes alternative - Manage iDevices data

If you upgrade iTunes to solve certain issues, but iTunes update not working, why don’t you just give up using iTunes temporarily? There are kinds of iTunes alternative available to enable you to manage media files on iPhone/iPad, and fully or selectively backup iPhone/iPad/iPod.

Here in this guide, we’d like to recommend FoneTool, a specialized iOS data management tool, can meet all your demands.

1# Data transfer features
FoneTool offers three kinds of transfer services, which are iPhone to iPhone transfer, iPhone to PC transfer, and PC to iPhone transfer. You can feel free to switch all data to new iPhone or share selective files among different iOS devices and your Windows PC in one-click.

2# Data backup features
FoneTool helps backup iPhone to PC fully and selectively. The Full Backup function is similar with iTunes, backing up everything from iOS devices to computer. It also includes Selective Backup feature to backup and restore specific data.

Summary

In conclusion, by trying these 6 solutions in this guide, you can hopefully overcome the iTunes update not working issue and can utilize iTunes with no error. If the issue still exists, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance and try an iTunes alternative to manage your iDevices data.