4 Simple Methods to Update iTunes to the Latest Version

iTunes is an entertainment app released by Apple, which initially focused on music. This includes 70+ million songs you can listen to with a subscription combined with songs on your local storage. Over the years, that focus also expanded to podcasts, TV shows, movies, and other types of media, synchronized across various devices. And not necessarily those in the Apple ecosystem, since iTunes is actively used on Windows. As such, keeping an app up to date, especially iTunes, allows you to keep security exploits patched and bugs fixed, on top of acquiring the newest features. Now that you understand the importance, let’s show you how to update iTunes.

Why should you update iTunes?

These are some reasons why you should keep iTunes updated.

1. Security updates protect your data.
2. New features enhance your experience.
3. Bug fixes solve known issues.
4. Improved compatibility with new devices and systems.
5. Performance optimization for faster operation.
6. Interface enhancements for a better look and feel.
7. Support for new media formats.
8. Continuation of existing feature support to prevent loss of functionality.

How to check if you have the latest version of iTunes?

Before getting into the steps, you should first check if you already have the latest version of iTunes.

To check if you have the latest version of iTunes on your Mac, open iTunes and click on “iTunes” in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Then, click “Check for Updates“.

On a Windows computer, open iTunes, click “Help” in the menu bar, and then select “Check for Updates”. iTunes will then tell you if there are any updates available.

If you see something like this, it means that you have the latest version of iTunes installed. In that case, you cannot update it.

Method 1. Getting the update prompt

Whenever you open iTunes, regardless of the operating system, you get a prompt stating: A new version of iTunes (version number) is available. Would you like to download it now? By clicking on the Download iTunes button, you’re done.

However, many users accidentally click on Do not ask me again, and can’t enable the window option again. Others disable automatic updates and end up regretting the decision. That’s where updating iTunes manually, through the methods below, comes to the rescue.

Method 2. How to Update iTunes on Windows?

Here are 3 common ways to receive updates for iTunes on Windows:

1. Updating iTunes from the app

Here are the steps to update iTunes directly on Windows 7/8/8.1/10:

1. Open iTunes from the desktop, taskbar, or Start menu.
2. In the top right corner of the menu at the top, select Help.
   Don’t see the menu? Press Ctrl + B.
3. When the drop-down list appears, select Check for Updates.
4. You’ll now get a prompt window identical to the one mentioned in method 1.
5. Click on Download iTunes.
6. After the download finishes, click on the Update button.
7. Recommended. Click on Edit > Preferences in the menu at the top. Click on Advanced and select the Check for new software updates automatically option.

2. Update iTunes via Microsoft Store (Windows 10 only)

Automatic updates are enabled by default in the iTunes on Microsoft Store app and you’ll get prompted regularly. If that doesn’t happen, check for iTunes updates in Microsoft Store manually like this:

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
   It’s pinned to the taskbar by default, but you can also search for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on the three-dot menu (More), and select Downloads and updates.
3. Click on the Get updates button in the top right corner.
4. Updates will begin downloading and you’ll get a You’re good to go notification when updates to iTunes are applied.

3. Utilizing Windows Apple Software Update

Windows Apple Software Update is an official package Apple distributes for use in Windows, and usually contains updates for a host of Apple apps, utilities, and drivers.

It is installed automatically when you install iTunes, iCloud, Boot Camp Assistant, and similar software, and by default, runs an update check once a week. With that said, here’s how to get an up to date version of iTunes using that software:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start orb in the bottom left corner.
2. Start typing ‘Apple Software’ and select Apple Software Update.
3. Look for iTunes in both Updates and New Software sections for iTunes.
4. Put a checkmark in front of iTunes, then click on the Install X items.
   X represents the number of items you put a checkmark in front of.
5. Installation begins as soon as the software is downloaded.

Method 3. How to Update iTunes on Mac?

Here are 2 techniques to keep iTunes up to date on Mac computers:

1. From within the app

Apple officially discontinued iTunes on computers using macOS Catalina 10.15 and newer. However, it still works on Mac computers using older versions than that.

Also, because its library is visible in the Apple Music app and compatible with Mac’s Finder, this app is definitely worth keeping updated. Follow these instructions to update iTunes on Mac:

1. In the menu at the top of the iTunes app, click on the first option, iTunes.
2. From the drop-down list, click on Check for Updates.
3. You’ll now get a prompt window identical to the one mentioned in method 1.
4. Click on Download iTunes and Update if prompted and wait for the process to finish.

2. From the Mac App Store program

Keep in mind that this method only works with macOS X versions 10.6.6 to 10.14. This is how updating iTunes through the Mac App Store works:

1. Open the Mac App Store.
2. At the top of the window, click on Updates.
3. You’ll now see a list of available updates.
4. Scroll down, and when you spot iTunes, click on the Update/Install button next to it.

Method 4. Download files directly

Reinstalled an operating system or uninstalled iTunes in the past? Skip all of the steps above and visit the Apple iTunes Downloads page. Download and install the latest version for your operating system version.