Quick Solutions to Fix iTunes Won't Open on Windows

Apr 27, 2022 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

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A common problem faced by Windows and iOS users is iTunes not opening on their Windows computer. This is rather strange because iTunes is compatible with Windows 7 and later versions. Many people have complained that they try launching the software on their PC but iTunes won’t open. Double clicking on the iTunes icon does not run the software and there is no change or error message that appears on the home screen, just that iTunes will not open. Many people consider the possibility of a virus attack on the PC or iTunes software malfunction. However, if you also witness a similar situation where iTunes won’t open, DO NOT panic. you do not need to rush your PC to a technician or call for Windows/Apple customer support. This is a minor glitch and can be solved by you sitting at home in no time.

Let us find out what to do in case iTunes will not open on a Windows computer.

6 Solutions to fix iTunes won't open on Windows

1. 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”.

run itunes in safe mode

If iTunes open 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.

2. 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.

disconnect internet connection

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 which 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.

3. 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”.

windows control panel

Now select “Add a new user”

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

add new user on pc

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.

4. 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 for to start 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.

itunes music file

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

5. 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.

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.

windows 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.

6. Re-install the iTunes software

This is considered as the most tedious way to troubleshoot the iTunes not the 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 glitch:

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

programs and features

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.

uninstall program

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

delete apple files

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 working sole the iTunes won't open problem.

It is amply clear from the descriptions above that whether iTunes not opening is a system-wide defect or a user specific problem, it can be resolved at home without you having to resort to any kind of technical support. The solutions vary from simple and basic ones to more advanced troubleshooting techniques. Follow the one that best suits you and enjoy using uninterrupted iTunes services on your Windows computer.

Alice MJ

staff Editor

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