How to Update ITunes to the Latest Version

Each time Apple releases an iTunes update, new features, bug fixes and support for new devices are added to the software. You'll almost always want to update to the latest and greatest as soon as you can. The process of updating iTunes is pretty simple. This article explains how to do it.

In some cases, iTunes will prompt you to update on its own with a pop up window informing you of the update. If it doesn't, though, begin by launching the built-in Software Update tool that comes with iTunes. 

The way you do this depends on whether you're using a Mac or a PC. If you use a Mac, continue on to the next step. If you use a PC, skip to step 3.

RELATED: Can You Downgrade From ITunes Updates? Don't like the most recent update to iTunes? You may want to go back to the previous one, but can you?​

2

Installing the ITunes Update on the Mac

On a Mac, iTunes updates are performed via the App Store program that comes bundled with Macs. In fact, updates to all Apple software (and some third-party tools, too) are done using this program. Here's what you need to do.

1. Be sure iTunes isn't open. It can't update when it's running.
2. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Click App Store.
4. The App Store program opens and automatically goes to the Updates tab, where it displays all available updates. If there's an iTunes update, it may be included with other macOS-level updates in a collapsed Software Updates section at the top. Expand that section. 
5. Click the Update button next to the iTunes update.
6. The App Store program then downloads and automatically installs the new version of iTunes.
7. When the update is complete, it disappears from top section and appears in the Updates Installed in the Last 30 Days section at the bottom of the screen.
8. Launch iTunes and you'll be using the latest version.

3

Installing the ITunes Update on a PC

When you install iTunes on a PC, you also install the Apple Software Update program. This is what you use to update iTunes. When it comes to updating iTunes, it can often be a good idea to first make sure you've got the latest version of Apple Software update. Doing so can help you avoid problems. To update that:

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Click All Apps.
3. Click Apple Software Update.
4. When the program launches, it will check to see if there are any updates available for your computer. If one of those updates is for Apple Software Update itself, uncheck all boxes except that one.
5. Click Install.

When the update has been downloaded and installed, Apple Software Update will run again and give you a new list of programs available to update. Now it's time to update iTunes (these instructions assume you already have Apple Software Update open).

1. Make sure that iTunes isn't running. It can't be updated when the program is open.
2. In Apple Software Update, ensure that the box next to the iTunes update is checked. (You can also update any other Apple software you want at the same time. Just check those boxes, too.)
3. Click Install.
4. Follow any onscreen prompts or menus to complete the installation. When it's done, you can launch iTunes and know you're running the latest version.

Alternative Version: From Within ITunes

There's another slightly simpler path to updating iTunes.

1. From within the iTunes program, click the Help menu.
2. Click Check for Updates.
3. From here, the steps listed above apply.

If you don't see the menu bar in iTunes, it's probably collapsed. Click the icon in the top left corner of the iTunes window, then click Show Menu Bar to reveal it.