iTunes is Apple's media application for Windows, used to play and organize music libraries, buy content from the iTunes Store, and connect an iPhone or iPad for syncing and backups. On macOS, Apple retired iTunes starting with Catalina in 2019, splitting its functions into separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps, plus Finder for device syncing; iTunes itself is now maintained and released for Windows. Windows users who want a single desktop app for both music playback and iPhone/iPad management still install iTunes.
iTunes on Windows vs. the Music App on Mac
Mac users no longer see iTunes — Apple replaced it with separate Music, Podcasts and TV apps, with device syncing handled through Finder. Windows never received that split, so iTunes for Windows remains a single app that plays media, manages an Apple Music or purchased-music library, and connects to an iPhone or iPad over USB for syncing and backups, which is why it's still a common download for Windows-based iPhone owners.
iTunes Features
- Music Library Management — organizes songs, playlists and purchased or Apple Music content in one place
- iPhone/iPad Syncing — transfers music, photos and other content between a Windows PC and an iOS device over USB or Wi-Fi
- Device Backup & Restore — creates local backups of an iPhone or iPad and restores from them
- iTunes Store Access — buy or rent music, movies and TV shows directly from the app
- Apple Music Streaming — stream and download Apple Music tracks with an active subscription
- CD Ripping — import audio CDs into your library in formats like AAC or MP3
- Software Updates for iOS Devices — check for and install iPhone/iPad firmware updates via cable
How to Install iTunes on Windows
- Open the official download page using the button on this page to get iTunes directly from Apple.
- Choose the installer for your version of Windows (or get it from the Microsoft Store if you prefer automatic updates).
- Run the installer and follow the setup wizard, restarting your PC if prompted.
- Launch iTunes and sign in with your Apple ID to access purchases and Apple Music.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad via USB and trust the computer to enable syncing and backups.
Is iTunes really free?
Free. iTunes itself is free to download and use for playback, library management and device syncing. Buying or renting content from the iTunes Store, or subscribing to Apple Music, costs money separately.
How to download iTunes safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.apple.com/itunes/ — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering iTunes. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to iTunes
Other free media players software worth comparing before you decide:
VLC Media Player
A free, open-source player that handles almost any audio or video format.
MusicBee
A free Windows music manager and player with library tagging tools.
Winamp
A classic customizable media player for playing and organizing music.
Frequently asked questions
Is iTunes still available for Mac?
No. Apple replaced iTunes on macOS starting with Catalina (2019) with separate Music, Podcasts and TV apps; iTunes continues to be developed for Windows.
Do I need iTunes to sync an iPhone with a Windows PC?
It is the standard Apple-provided way to sync music and back up an iPhone or iPad on Windows, though some functions are also available via the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store.
Is iTunes free to download?
Yes, downloading and installing iTunes is free; the iTunes Store and Apple Music are separate paid services within it.
Can iTunes back up my iPhone without iCloud?
Yes, iTunes can create a full local backup of an iPhone or iPad on your PC's hard drive.
Does iTunes support Apple Music offline downloads?
Yes, with an active Apple Music subscription you can download tracks for offline playback within iTunes.
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