Can’t Update iPhone Through iTunes on Windows PC? 6 Real Fixes!

For years, updating the iPhone through Windows has been a pretty reliable way. Especially when the OTA (Over the Air) update tends to get stuck or doesn’t work as expected, I have relied on this native method to update the software on my iPhone. Sadly, for many users, updating iPhone via iTunes is not working due to certain issues. If this problem has come in the way of your software update as well, I have got you covered with some handy fixes.

Fix Updating iPhone Through iTunes on Windows PC Not Working.

Having come across this iTunes issue a few times, I can tell how frustrating it feels. Thankfully, I have managed to get the better of it whenever it attempted to block my path. Though it never failed to cause annoyance.

1. Force Quit iTunes

For a handful of users, force-killing the iTunes app has done the trick. Therefore, it would be wise to kill the app and relaunch it.

  • First off, disconnect your iPhone from your computer -> After that, press the CTRL+Shift+ESC keys to reveal the task manager -> hit the iTunes icon showing in the left sidebar and click the End task option in the top row of options.
  • Now, connect your iPhone to your computer -> launch iTunes -> Check for the Update, and go through the process as usual.
Force quit iTunes on Windows

2. Ensure That You Are Using a Compatible USB Cable

Are you using an uncertified cable or a damaged one? If the answer is yes, there is a decent chance that the cable is preventing the software update.

3. Update iTunes

If you still can’t update your iOS device through iTunes, it wouldn’t be completely wrong to put the entire blame on a software glitch. Hopefully, updating the app may get rid of the glitch.

  • To do so, fire up the Microsoft app on your PC -> Select the Library tab in the left sidebar -> scroll down to find iTunes, and hit the Update option showing right next to the app.

4. Is iTunes Faced with a Technical Issue?

Just like any other software, iTunes also has an off day and does run into an unexpected issue once in a while. So, launch a browser, go to the Apple System Status page, and check if iTunes is running as usual or embroiled in some issues.

5. Delete and Reinstall iTunes

Should the problem persist, reinstall the iTunes app. A fresh installation of the app will result in getting rid of the problem.

  • On your PC, head into the Start menu -> Settings app -> Installed Apps -> Hit the triple-dot icon next to iTunes and hit Uninstall in the menu.
  • Now, fire up the Microsoft Store app -> Search for iTunes and install it.
Uninstall apps on Windows 11

6. Update Windows

Now is the right time to update the software as I suspect that a Windows bug might be spoiling your party. I hope the software update will resolve the issue and bring the ill-functioning iTunes back on track.

  • Go to the Start menu -> Settings app -> Windows Update -> Download and install the latest Windows update.
update software on Windows computer

There you have it! That wraps up this troubleshooting guide. Now, feel free to share your feedback and the tips that have proved magical in resolving the problem.

Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra (Your beloved “R.K” 360 Reader Voice) is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles and around 2K YouTube videos. He is probably the only journalist alive with this unique achievement. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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