When you try to launch iTunes and it doesn’t launch or throws up an error—Program not found or iTunes.exe is missing—this post may be able to help you. This can happen if the program was uninstalled or some virus or malware has hijacked its main executable file. One of the users reported that even when he removed the software and installed the latest version, it caused it.
iTunes.exe missing on Windows 11/10
Follow some of these suggested methods to fix the iTunes missing issue on your Windows PC.
- Scan with Antivirus
- Reinstall iTunes Software
- Install the EXE version of iTunes
Make your choice depending on which version of iTunes you have installed—The Store version or the classic exe version.
1] Scan with Antivirus
If it’s a virus issue, the antivirus should be able to find it. The virus is known to take over the registry entry. It will be quarantined and deleted. You can use Windows Defender or any other antivirus program.
Make sure to perform the scan after you boot the computer into Safe Mode.
Reboot and install iTunes again, and we suggest you download it from the Microsoft Store for better security.
2] Reinstall iTunes Software
If you are launching the software from a shortcut, it could be broken. So the best way to validate it would be by going to:
C:\Program files (x86)\iTunes\
or
C:\Program files\iTunes\
If the program is not available at the location, you can download it from Apple’s website or the Microsoft Store.
When you install it from the store, the app will be installed at a different location, and you can find it at:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\AppleInc.iTune<randomnumberalphabets>\itunes.exe
If you do not get access to the folder, then you will have to take over. However, it is best to uninstall and reinstall from the Store, so you don’t have to change anything.
3] Install the EXE version of iTunes
If you have this problem because you have downloaded iTunes from Store, we recommend using the classic EXE version.
First, uninstall the Store version and then go to the Apple website. On the Apple website, you have two options. The default is from Microsoft Store, but you can change it.
Go to the iTunes official download page and then scroll a little until you find Looking for other versions? Click on Windows, and it will change the store link to the EXE link.
It is known that the EXE version of iTunes offers more features compared to the Store version. So it makes sense to install it.
I hope the post was able to resolve the issue.
