You’d think downloading a piece of software in 2026 would be a one-click affair. It isn't. Not with iTunes. If you’re looking for an iTunes download 64-bit Windows 10 link, you’ve probably realized that Apple really, really wants you to use the Microsoft Store version. But for a lot of us—especially those managing massive local libraries or using older iPods—the Store version is kind of a disaster. It’s buggy, it handles file permissions strangely, and it doesn't always play nice with third-party drivers.
So, here is the ground truth. You can still get the "real" standalone installer. You just have to know where Apple is hiding the .exe files.
The Great Microsoft Store Trap
Apple and Microsoft made a deal years ago to move iTunes into the Windows Store. On paper, it makes sense. It updates automatically. It’s "sandboxed" for security. In reality? It’s a headache for power users.
When you install iTunes from the Store, it doesn't live in C:\Program Files\iTunes like a normal program. It lives in a hidden, restricted folder. This makes it a nightmare if you use plugins, custom skins, or scripts to organize your music. Honestly, if you're trying to fix a "driver not installed" error for your iPhone, the Store version is usually the culprit. The 64-bit standalone installer includes the actual Apple Mobile Device Support drivers that the Store version sometimes misses or fails to update properly.
Finding the iTunes Download 64-bit Windows 10 Standalone Installer
Apple doesn't make this easy. If you go to the main iTunes page, that big "Get it from Microsoft" button is staring you in the face. Ignore it.
To get the 64-bit .exe, you have to scroll down. Look for the small text that says "Looking for other versions?" and click "Windows." Even then, it might try to redirect you. You want the direct link to the iTunes64Setup.exe.
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Why does the 64-bit part matter so much? Windows 10 has been 64-bit by default for nearly a decade. If you try to run the 32-bit version on a 64-bit machine, it’ll technically work through emulation, but it’ll be sluggish. It’ll hog your RAM. It’ll probably crash when you try to sync a 256GB iPhone. Using the native 64-bit architecture allows iTunes to handle larger databases of music and high-resolution album art without choking.
Step-by-Step Recovery
- Kill the Store Version First. You cannot have both. If you have the Microsoft Store version installed, go to Settings > Apps and uninstall it. Don't worry; your music library (the
iTunes Library.itlfile) usually stays safe in your Music folder. - Clear the Temp Folders. Sometimes the Store version leaves behind "Apple Mobile Device Support" fragments that block the standalone installer.
- Run as Administrator. When you finally get that 200MB+ .exe file, right-click it. Don't just double-click. Run it as an admin to ensure the registry keys for the drivers get written correctly.
Why People Still Use iTunes in 2026
It feels a bit like using a rotary phone sometimes, doesn't it? But for local backups, iTunes is still king.
Cloud backups are great until you lose your internet or run out of iCloud storage. A local backup via a 64-bit iTunes install is fast, free, and—most importantly—encryptable. If you encrypt your backup in iTunes, it saves your health data and saved passwords. iCloud doesn't always do that as seamlessly.
Then there’s the "Audiophile" factor. Believe it or not, some people still prefer the way iTunes handles ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) compared to modern streaming apps that feel cluttered. If you have a curated library of FLAC files converted to ALAC, iTunes is still one of the most stable ways to move that music onto hardware.
Common Errors During Installation
"An error occurred during the installation of assembly 'Microsoft.VC80.CRT'." This is the stuff of nightmares. It usually means your Windows 10 install is missing some C++ Redistributable packages.
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If you see this, don't panic. You don't need to format your computer. Usually, it means there's a conflict with the Apple Software Update tool. A pro tip: you can actually use a tool like 7-Zip to "unzip" the iTunes64Setup.exe file. Inside, you’ll find individual installers for:
- AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi
- AppleMobileDeviceSupport64.msi
- Bonjour64.msi
- iTunes64.msi
Sometimes, installing them one by one in that order bypasses the main installer's errors. It’s a bit "tech-support-y," but it works when nothing else does.
Performance Tweaks for Windows 10
iTunes is notorious for being a resource hog. Even the 64-bit version loves to eat up CPU cycles for no reason. Once you’ve got it running, go into Edit > Preferences > Store.
Turn off "Share details about your library with Apple." Turn off "Download high-quality SD video." Disable "Look for shared libraries."
These three small changes stop iTunes from constantly pinging servers in the background. It makes the interface feel snappy again. Also, if you aren't using an Apple HomePod, disable "Bonjour" in your startup services. It’ll save you a few megabytes of idle RAM.
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The Compatibility Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. Apple has officially killed iTunes on macOS, replacing it with Music, TV, and Podcasts. On Windows, they’ve released "Apple Music" and "Apple Devices" apps.
So why stick with the iTunes download 64-bit Windows 10?
Because the new Apple Music app for Windows is... well, it’s a work in progress. It lacks the robust "Smart Playlists" functionality that long-time users rely on. It’s also terrible at editing metadata. If you’re the type of person who insists on having perfect "Year," "Genre," and "BPM" tags on every song, the new apps will drive you crazy. iTunes is "legacy" software now, which ironically means it’s more feature-complete than the "modern" replacements.
Hard Actionable Steps to Take Now
If your iTunes is currently broken or you're setting up a new Windows 10 rig, follow this specific path:
- Check your Windows Version: Press
Win + Pause/Breakto confirm you are on a 64-bit operating system. If you see "64-bit operating system, x64-based processor," you’re good to go. - Download from the Apple Support Site: Specifically search for "iTunes 12.10.11 for Windows (64-bit)" or the latest version listed on the Support sub-domain, not the marketing page.
- Verify the Digital Signature: Right-click the downloaded file, go to Properties > Digital Signatures. Ensure it says "Apple Inc." This ensures you haven't downloaded a version with bundled malware from a third-party "mirror" site.
- Backup your Library File: Before you run the new install, go to
C:\Users\[YourName]\Music\iTunesand copyiTunes Library.itlto your desktop. This is your insurance policy. If the new install tries to "update" your library and fails, you can just paste this file back. - Disable Automatic Updates: If you finally get a version that works perfectly with your specific iPhone or iPod, stay there. Go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced and uncheck "Check for new software updates automatically." If it ain't broke, don't let Apple "fix" it into a Store version.
iTunes on Windows 10 isn't dead, it’s just in maintenance mode. By opting for the 64-bit standalone installer over the Microsoft Store app, you regain control over your drivers, your file structure, and your device backups. It takes five minutes of extra effort to find the right link, but it saves hours of troubleshooting down the road.