If you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista, the standard version of iTunes that you download from Apple or Microsoft is 32-bit. You need to download the 64-bit version of iTunes to take full advantage of your more-efficient computer.

Running a 64-bit operating system on your computer is smart: it enables your computer to process data in 64-bit chunks, rather than the standard 32 bits, which leads to better performance. Get that same performance from iTunes by downloading the 64-bit version.

iTunes Versions Compatible With 64-bit Editions of Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista

Download current or older versions of iTunes 64-bit directly from Apple:

  • iTunes 12.10.11 (this is the current version of iTunes for 64-bit Windows)
  • iTunes 12.4.3 for older video cards
  • iTunes 12.1.3 for older video cards

There are other versions of 64-bit iTunes for Windows, but these aren’t available as downloads directly from Apple. If you need an older version, check OldApps.com, a site that hosts old versions of software that the original makers don’t provide anymore.

What About 64-Bit Versions of iTunes for Mac?

There’s no need to install a special version of iTunes on the Mac. Every version of iTunes for the Mac has been 64-bit since iTunes 10.4, which was released in 2011.

Apple never released a version of iTunes that was compatible with the 64-bit edition of Windows XP Pro. While you might be able to install iTunes 9.1.1 on Windows XP Pro, some features such as burning CDs and DVDs may not work.

The Future of iTunes and Apple Music for Windows

In June 2019, Apple announced that it was retiring iTunes on the Mac. On all versions of the macOS released since then, iTunes has been separated into three programs: Music, Podcasts, and TV.

Things are different on Windows. On Windows, iTunes still exists and the three separate programs haven’t been released. That means that you can’t get the Apple Music app for Windows, but don’t worry: You can subscribe to, and use, the Apple Music streaming service through iTunes for Windows. Apple has not announced a roadmap for ending iTunes for Windows and releasing stand-alone desktop apps on the Microsoft platform.

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