How to downgrade iTunes version on Mac and Windows computers?
- Global Nav Open Menu Global Nav Close Menu; Apple; Shopping Bag +.
- Opening Apple Books. If Apple Books doesn't open, click the Books app in your Dock. Progress Indicator. ITunes is the world's easiest way to organize and add to your digital media collection. We are unable to find iTunes on your computer. To download from the iTunes Store, get iTunes now.
Newer versions of applications are not necessarily better. Developers often remove specific features, which they thought were redundant. This was the case when iTunes version 12.7 was released. They removed access to iOS app store and many users reported that they missed this feature and disliked the later version.
Fortunately, you can reject the updates, and even if you who have already updated iTunes, there is a solution. Mac users can downgrade iTunes to one of the previous versions (for example, 12.6.3), however, there are a number of important steps that will result in errors if you skip them - iTunes will not launch or function properly. Another important consideration is that Apple supports only the latest version of iTunes and have stopped fixing bugs relating to versions earlier than 12.7. If you have decided to downgrade iTunes regardless, follow the steps listed below.
However, Apple has made it possible for you to have iTunes installed on your Windows computer. The installation is easy, and you do not need to customize anything. The only thing you need to have is an Apple ID. Meaning that if you have an iPhone or an iPad without having a Mac computer, you can still access iTunes on your Windows system. Look for iTunes, select it and click Uninstall at the top of the list. Next, download the preferred version from the Apple iTunes Download page, install it, and you should be able to use it properly. Back to Table of Contents Video Showing how to downgrade iTunes on Mac computer. ITunes is a free application for Mac and PC. It plays all your digital music and video. It syncs content to your iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV. And it's an entertainment superstore that stays open 24/7.
Table of Contents:
It is recommended to run a free scan with Malwarebytes - a tool to detect malware and fix computer errors. You will need to purchase the full version to remove infections and eliminate computer errors. Free trial available.
How to downgrade your iTunes on Mac
Before downgrading, we strongly recommend that you backup the Mac to keep content related to iTunes (such as music, media, apps or configuration) safe. Once you have backed up the computer, close the iTunes app, and then launch the Terminal app under Utilities folder. Alternatively, simply call Spotlight to run the software. Once the command window appears, type the command 'cd /Applications/' and hit return. This will move you to the Applications folder where iTunes is located. Next, type another command, 'sudo rm -rf iTunes.app/' (check to ensure that you have typed this command exactly, since using sudo accesses 'superuser' permissions and the rm command permanently deletes anything applied to it). Press Return. When you are sure you have entered the command correctly, confirm your action by entering your Mac admin password.
Once iTunes is deleted from the hard drive, open Finder and go to the iTunes folder by clicking Go in the menu at the top of your screen. Select Go to Folder and type in path ~/Music/iTunes/ and click Go. In the folder, look for the iTunes Library.itl file, move it to the desktop or another location where you can access it.
Next, return to the iTunes folder and open the folder titled Previous iTunes Libraries. Look for a file with the latest data in the name. For example, iTunes Library 2018-03-22.itl or similar. Make a duplicate of the file and move it to the previous folder titled 'iTunes'. When the duplicate has been moved, rename it to iTunes 'Library.itl'
Finally, visit the Apple iTunes Download page and look for your preferred version. For example, 'iTunes 12.6.2' and choose to download. Install the software to your computer and launch the application. It should work properly. To prevent returning to version 12.7, disable automatic updates.
How to downgrade your iTunes on Windows
Windows users are familiar with removing programs through 'Programs and Features' under Control Panel, but regarding iTunes, the same rules apply as for a Mac. The library file must be restored from the list of old files. To prevent any future issues, we recommend that you follow the steps in the given order. First, find the library file. Open the location where the iTunes media content is stored, locate the iTunes Library.itl file, and move it to the desktop or anywhere accessible. Then, look for the 'Previous iTunes Libraries' folder and create a copy of the latest iTunes Library.itl file. Move a copy to the iTunes folder and rename it to 'iTunes Library.itl'. Then open explorer and go to Control Panel, choose Programs, and select Programs and Features. Look for iTunes, select it and click Uninstall at the top of the list. Next, download the preferred version from the Apple iTunes Download page, install it, and you should be able to use it properly.
Video Showing how to downgrade iTunes on Mac computer:
iTunes is going places.
Download macOS Catalina for an all‑new entertainment experience. Your music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and audiobooks will transfer automatically to the Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Books apps where you’ll still have access to your favorite iTunes features, including purchases, rentals, and imports.
You can always download iTunes 12.8 for previous versions of macOS,
as well as the iTunes application for Windows.
Hardware:
- Mac computer with an Intel processor
- To play 720p HD video, an iTunes LP, or iTunes Extras, a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor is required
- To play 1080p HD video, a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor and 2GB of RAM is required
- Screen resolution of 1024x768 or greater; 1280x800 or greater is required to play an iTunes LP or iTunes Extras
- Internet connection to use Apple Music, the iTunes Store, and iTunes Extras
- Apple combo drive or SuperDrive to create audio, MP3, or backup CDs; some non-Apple CD-RW recorders may also work. Songs from the Apple Music catalog cannot be burned to a CD.
Software:
- OS X version 10.10.5 or later
- 400MB of available disk space
- Apple Music, iTunes Store, and iTunes Match availability may vary by country
- Apple Music trial requires sign-up and is available for new subscribers only. Plan automatically renews after trial.
iTunes
Download the latest version for Windows.
The latest entertainment apps now come installed with macOS Catalina. Upgrade today to get your favorite music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts. You can join Apple Music and stream — or download and play offline — over 70 million songs, ad‑free.
Apple Itunes Download For Windows 10
iTunes
Download the latest version from the Microsoft Store.
Hardware:
- PC with a 1GHz Intel or AMD processor with support for SSE2 and 512MB of RAM
- To play standard-definition video from the iTunes Store, an Intel Pentium D or faster processor, 512MB of RAM, and a DirectX 9.0–compatible video card is required
- To play 720p HD video, an iTunes LP, or iTunes Extras, a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor, 1GB of RAM, and an Intel GMA X3000, ATI Radeon X1300, or NVIDIA GeForce 6150 or better is required
- To play 1080p HD video, a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor, 2GB of RAM, and an Intel GMA X4500HD, ATI Radeon HD 2400, or NVIDIA GeForce 8300 GS or better is required
- Screen resolution of 1024x768 or greater; 1280x800 or greater is required to play an iTunes LP or iTunes Extras
- 16-bit sound card and speakers
- Internet connection to use Apple Music, the iTunes Store, and iTunes Extras
- iTunes-compatible CD or DVD recorder to create audio CDs, MP3 CDs, or backup CDs or DVDs. Songs from the Apple Music catalog cannot be burned to a CD.
Software:
- Windows 7 or later
- 64-bit editions of Windows require the iTunes 64-bit installer
- 400MB of available disk space
- Some third-party visualizers may no longer be compatible with this version of iTunes. Please contact the developer for an updated visualizer that is compatible with iTunes 12.1 or later.
- Apple Music, iTunes Store, and iTunes Match availability may vary by country
- Apple Music trial requires sign-up and is available for new subscribers only. Plan automatically renews after trial.
iTunes is going places.
Visit the iTunes Store on iOS to buy and download your favorite songs, TV shows, movies, and podcasts. You can also download macOS Catalina for an all-new entertainment experience on desktop. Your library will transfer automatically to the new Apple Music app, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. And you’ll still have access to your favorite iTunes features, including your previous iTunes Store purchases, rentals, and imports and the ability to easily manage your library.
Music, TV, and podcasts
take center stage.
iTunes forever changed the way people experienced music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts. It all changes again with three all-new, dedicated apps — Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts — each designed from the ground up to be the best way to enjoy entertainment on your Mac. And rest assured; everything you had in your iTunes library is still accessible in each app. iCloud seamlessly syncs everything across your devices — or you can back up, restore, and sync by connecting the device directly to your Mac.
The new Apple Music app is the ultimate music streaming experience on Mac.1 Explore a library of 70 million songs, discover new artists and tracks, find the perfect playlist, download and listen offline, or enjoy all the music you’ve collected over the years. And find it all in your music library on all your devices.
The Apple TV app for Mac is the new home for all your favorite movies, shows, premium channels, and Apple TV+. Watch everything directly in the app or enjoy it offline, and discover the best of what’s on in the Watch Now tab. You can even pick up where you left off on any screen, across all your devices. And for the first time, 4K2 and Dolby Atmos3-supported movies are available on Mac.
More than 700,000 of the best entertainment, comedy, news, and sports shows are now available on your Mac with Apple Podcasts. Search for podcasts by title, topic, guest, host, content, and more. Subscribe and be notified as soon as new episodes become available. And in the Listen Now tab, you can easily pick up where you left off across all your devices.
iTunes Support can help answer your questions
Get help with syncing, updating to a more recent version of iTunes, or with an iTunes Store purchase — and much more.
Download New Itunes For Old Mac
Learn moreLooking for a previous version of iTunes?
Download earlier versions of iTunes to work with compatible operating systems and hardware.