If the Apple EarPods bundled with the iPhone are the most popular earbuds in the world, then surely iTunes is one of the most popular programs in the world on Windows PCs. Certainly Windows is the most popular platform of iTunes; The iPhone may work best with the apps and extras found on a Mac, but more people have Windows PCs than any other operating system on the planet. iTunes is Apple’s gateway to the iTunes Store and connects to iCloud and much more.
That’s why when iTunes issues come up, sometimes it feels like your digital life is falling apart. If you’re one of the millions who watch videos on your iPhone, stream music through Apple Music, and enjoy podcasts through the service, breaking iTunes can be a big deal.
Here are some quick fixes for iTunes for Windows. Some are based on issues we’ve had with iTunes. Others are handy tips to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of Apple’s digital storefront and digital jukebox software.
iTunes for Windows Issues and Fixes: Moving Your Library
iTunes for Windows is usually used as the primary music software installed on your PC. Its default behavior is to take control of managing our music, how it is organized and where it is placed in relation to the metadata it finds.
If you already have iTunes installed, go to iTunes and click the dropdown icon in the top left corner of your screen. Select inside this drop-down menu.
In the Preferences menu, uncheck the option that allows iTunes to rearrange what’s in the iTunes Music folder. Only do this if you use multiple media software and don’t want iTunes to relocate files.
iTunes for Windows Issues and Fixes: Copying and Multiple Files
Again, iTunes has the nasty problem of assuming it’s the only music software on your PC. Therefore, besides managing your folder, it can also copy every music file you play into its own folder. To be clear, this isn’t a major issue for those who want an extra copy of the file, just for those who don’t.
Go to iTunes and click the dropdown icon in the upper left corner of your screen. Select inside this drop-down menu.
In the Preferences menu, uncheck the option that tells iTunes to copy every file you add to your iTunes library.
iTunes for Windows Issues and Fixes: Music Files Won’t Open in iTunes
When you installed iTunes, it should ask if you want to make iTunes your default program for playing music files. You can also change this setting outside of iTunes.
Windows 10 users should go to the Settings app and click on it. Inside System, Go there and select the app you want to be your default player.
Older versions of Windows support changing default apps from Control Panel. To search . Click if you want more control over which files open automatically in iTunes. Click to set the blanket as default.
iTunes for Windows Issues and Fixes: iTunes Doesn’t Disappear When You Close It
iTunes may remain open despite being closed with a red X in the right corner of each window. This happens when iTunes is set to minimize to the Windows System Tray.
Go to iTunes and click the dropdown icon in the upper left corner of your screen. Select inside this drop-down menu.
Click in the preferences menu
Uncheck the option that tells iTunes and
iTunes Issues and Fixes for Windows: Missing Podcasts Radio and Store
If you have a smaller screen, iTunes limits the amount of media types you see in the menu bar without having to click anything extra. This means that the Podcast Store or Ringtone Store can be a few clicks away rather than just a click away.
Click next to other media icons.
Click on it from the drop-down menu.
Now select the areas you want to access instantly anywhere from iTunes.
iTunes for Windows Issues and Fixes: Missing Menu Bar
Aiming to simplify iTunes for Windows, Apple started hiding the File Menu by default in new versions of iTunes a few years ago. Without the menu, things can get a little confusing.
Click the drop-down menu icon in the upper left corner of your screen to bring the menu back to iTunes.
Select inside this drop-down menu.
iTunes Issues and Fixes for Windows: Authorizing Music and Video
Music purchased through iTunes belongs to you. Movies and television programs do not belong to you, but are authorized to download and watch on your computer. Sometimes you will notice that you need to authorize your PC with your iTunes Account.
Click the dropdown button in the upper left corner of your screen. Then hover your mouse pointer over the link. Now select it from the dropdown menu. iTunes will guide you to make sure your PC is cleaned to play your iTunes content.
Good luck with iTunes for Windows. As more iTunes issues for Windows emerge, we’ll add them to this list of fixes.