How to Uninstall iTunes on Windows 10 (Complete Removal)

Uninstalling iTunes on Windows 10 is simple if you installed it from the Microsoft Store, but the version downloaded from Apple’s website installs several helper components that should be removed too. Removing them in the right order avoids leftover files and errors if you reinstall later. This guide covers both versions, the full clean-uninstall order, and what happens to your music library.

Quick Answer

Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, click iTunes, and click Uninstall. If you installed iTunes from Apple’s website, also uninstall, in this order: Apple Software Update, Apple Mobile Device Support, Bonjour, and Apple Application Support (32-bit and 64-bit). Restart your PC.

Before You Uninstall

• Your music files stay. Uninstalling iTunes doesn’t delete the iTunes folder in Music, which holds your library files and purchases. Back it up anyway if it’s important.
• Deauthorize the computer if you won’t use iTunes on it again: in iTunes, choose Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer. Apple limits how many computers can be authorized.
• iPhone backups are stored separately and aren’t removed. Copy them first if you plan to clean up the MobileSync folder.

Uninstall the Microsoft Store Version

1. Click Start and find iTunes in the app list.
2. Right-click it and choose Uninstall, then confirm.

The Store version bundles its components, so there’s nothing else to remove. You can also uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Uninstall the Apple Website Version (Clean Removal)

1. Close iTunes and disconnect any iPhone or iPad.
2. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Type Apple or iTunes in the search box to filter the list.
3. Uninstall these in order, clicking each one, then Uninstall, and following the prompts:
   1. iTunes
   2. Apple Software Update
   3. Apple Mobile Device Support
   4. Bonjour
   5. Apple Application Support (32-bit)
   6. Apple Application Support (64-bit)
4. Restart your computer.

Some systems list two versions of Apple Application Support; remove both. If you also have iCloud for Windows, it uses some of the same components, so uninstall it first or reinstall it afterward.

Remove Leftover Folders (Optional)

After restarting, you can delete remaining program folders if they exist:

• C:\Program Files\Bonjour
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple
• C:\Program Files\iTunes and C:\Program Files\iPod
• The same folders under C:\Program Files (x86)

Don’t delete your Music\iTunes folder unless you’re sure you no longer need your library.

What to Use Instead

On Windows 10 and 11, Apple now offers separate Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices apps in the Microsoft Store. Apple Devices handles iPhone backups and syncing. Note that installing these apps may replace some iTunes features.

Troubleshooting

• “The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable”: use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to remove the broken entry, then continue.
• iTunes won’t uninstall: restart the PC, make sure iTunes and related services aren’t running (end them in Task Manager), and try again.
• Reinstall errors later: make sure every component in the list above was removed, then install fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling iTunes delete my songs?

No. Your media files remain in the Music folder, and purchases stay available in your Apple account.

Will my iPhone still work with the PC?

Without Apple Mobile Device Support, Windows may not recognize the iPhone for syncing or backups. Install Apple Devices if you still need that.

Summary

1. Deauthorize the computer and back up your library.
2. Uninstall iTunes in Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
3. For the website version, remove Apple Software Update, Mobile Device Support, Bonjour, and Application Support in order.
4. Restart and optionally delete leftover folders.