You've probably heard the rumors that iTunes is dead. Honestly, if you're on a Mac, that’s basically true. But for those of us rocking a PC, the story is way more complicated and, frankly, a bit of a mess. Apple has been trying to move everyone over to their new "trinity" of apps—Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices—but the latest version iTunes for Windows is still kicking.
It's not just some ghost of tech past. For a specific group of people, it's actually the only tool that works.
The weird state of iTunes right now
Apple released iTunes version 12.13.9.1 recently, and it’s a bit of a "security and stability" update. Don't expect flashy new features. We aren't getting a redesigned UI or AI-powered playlist generators in the classic iTunes app. Instead, this version is mostly about making sure the software doesn't crash when you plug in a brand-new iPhone or try to sync a massive library of local MP3s.
The big elephant in the room is the transition. If you download the new Apple Music or Apple TV apps from the Microsoft Store, iTunes basically gets lobotomized. It loses the ability to play music or movies and becomes a dedicated hub for podcasts and audiobooks.
It’s a weird middle ground.
Many long-time users are sticking with the standalone iTunes because the new apps can feel a bit... let's say "unpolished." If you’ve spent fifteen years curate-tagging your library or you still burn physical CDs (yes, people still do that), the latest version iTunes for Windows is your best friend.
Why you might want to skip the new apps
Look, the Apple Music app for Windows is sleek. It supports Lossless audio and has that modern "Liquid Glass" aesthetic Apple is pushing in 2026. But it’s buggy. If you check Reddit or the Apple Support communities, you’ll see people complaining about the app freezing, losing their library organization, or failing to convert files.
iTunes is the "old reliable" here.
It still has the built-in MP3 and AAC encoder. It still handles CD ripping with the same efficiency it did in 2005. Most importantly, it doesn’t force you into a subscription-first mindset. If you have 500GB of music you’ve ripped from your own collection, iTunes doesn't treat those files like second-class citizens.
Dealing with the Microsoft Store vs. Direct Download
There are actually two ways to get the latest version iTunes for Windows, and which one you choose matters more than you’d think.
- The Microsoft Store version: This is the one Apple pushes. It updates automatically in the background. It’s generally safer because it’s sandboxed, but it can be a pain if you like to dig into the file folders or use third-party plugins (like visualizers).
- The Apple.com direct installer: This is becoming harder to find, but it’s still there if you look for the "Looking for other versions?" link. Pro tip: if you're running an older version of Windows 10 or have specific driver needs for an old iPod Classic, this is the version you want.
Managing your iPhone on Windows 11
If you just bought a new iPhone and need to back it up, you have a choice. You can use the Apple Devices app, which is lightweight and fast. Or, you can stick with the latest version iTunes for Windows.
iTunes still handles full encrypted backups perfectly. If you’re moving to a new phone and want everything—your passwords, your health data, your app settings—to transfer exactly as they were, a wired iTunes backup is still the gold standard. iCloud is great, sure, but a local backup is faster and doesn't cost you $9.99 a month for extra storage.
Breaking down the features
You've got a lot of tools packed into one executable here. Here is how it actually functions in 2026:
- Music Management: Best for local files. If you want streaming, go with the Apple Music app.
- The iTunes Store: Still the place to buy individual songs or albums if you hate the subscription model.
- Podcasts: Ironically, the Windows version of iTunes is currently a better podcast manager than the mobile app for some people because it doesn't try to hide your "played" episodes as aggressively.
- File Sharing: If you use apps like VLC or certain document readers on your iPad, the File Sharing tab in iTunes is still the easiest way to "side-load" content via a USB cable.
Common headaches and how to fix them
Ever had iTunes just... not see your phone? It’s a classic. Usually, it’s a driver issue. If you’re using the Microsoft Store version, try uninstalling it and grabbing the standalone .exe from Apple's site. It often forces the "Apple Mobile Device Support" service to reinstall correctly.
Another thing: if you notice your music sounds "off," check the Playback preferences. iTunes has a "Sound Enhancer" and "Sound Check" feature. Honestly? Turn them off. They often compress the dynamic range and make high-quality headphones sound like they're wrapped in wool.
What about the future?
Apple is clearly moving toward a modular approach. They want one app for music, one for TV, and one for devices. Eventually, the latest version iTunes for Windows will likely be phased out entirely, or relegated to a legacy support tool. But we aren't there yet.
For 2026, it remains the "Swiss Army Knife" for anyone who doesn't want to jump into the specialized app ecosystem just yet.
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Moving forward with your library
If you’re ready to update, go to the Microsoft Store and search for iTunes. If you already have it installed, click "Help" and then "Check for Updates."
Before you make the jump to the new Apple Music app, back up your library file. It’s located in Music/iTunes/iTunes Library.itl. If the new app messes up your playlists or metadata, having a copy of that specific file will save you hours of manual fixing.
Stick with the classic version if you value stability and local file management. If you’re all-in on streaming and want the latest UI, the new apps are waiting for you, but keep iTunes installed for those times when you just need to rip a CD or fix a stubborn iPod.