How to clean itunes computer. How to completely remove iTunes from your computer: standard procedure and additional tools

All owners of mobile devices from Apple from time to time encounter problems when using. not rare this program does not work correctly and produces a variety of errors. To solve this problem, it is often recommended to completely remove iTunes from the computer and reinstall it from scratch.

But, completely uninstalling iTunes isn't that great. simple task. The fact is that other programs from Apple are installed along with iTunes and you need to remove them all individually. Now we will tell you how to completely remove iTunes from a computer running the Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating system.

Step number 1. We complete the work iTunes processes and Apple.

In order for nothing to interfere with the removal of iTunes, it is advisable to start this procedure by completing the processes. To do this, open the "Task Manager" (for example, by pressing CTRL-SHIFT-ESC) and go to the "Processes" tab (if you have Windows 7) or to the "Details" tab (if you have Windows 10).

Next, you need to study the list running processes and complete everything related to the iTunes program or Apple products. You will most likely find processes like AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe, AppleMobileDeviceService.exe, iTunesHelper.exe, iPodService. Feel free to terminate all these processes. To do this, right-click on the process and select "Finish" or "Remove".

You can read more information about the processes that belong to Apple software.

Step #2. Uninstall iTunes via Panel Windows controls.

After the process is completed, you can proceed to uninstall iTunes. To do this, you need to open the Windows Control Panel. If you have Windows 7, then you can use the "Start" for this.

In Windows 10, things are no longer so simple. Here you will need to press the combination Windows key-R and execute the "control" command.

After opening the Control Panel, go to the "Uninstall programs" section.

As a result, you should see a list of all installed programs. In order to quickly find all programs from Apple, use search string in the right upper corner window. Enter the query "Apple" and the system will show programs that relate to this company. Most likely, you will have 5 or 6 programs installed, these are: Apple Mobile Device Support, Apple Software Update, iTunes, Bonjour and Support Apple programs(or Apple Application Support).

In order to completely remove iTunes from your computer, you need to uninstall all of these programs. This is done very simply, right-click on the program, select the "Uninstall" option and follow the instructions of the installer.

After the removal of one program is completed, we move on to the next one and so on until everything is removed.

Step number 3. Delete the files left after iTunes.

In order to completely remove iTunes from your computer, you need to additionally clean the folders from files that could remain there. To do this, manually open the following folders and check if there are any files.

  • C:\Program Files\Bonjour
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Apple Application Support
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\CoreFP
  • C:\Program Files\iTunes\
  • C:\Program Files\iPod\
  • C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple\
  • C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple Computer\
  • C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Apple Inc\
  • C:\Users\Username\Music\iTunes

If we managed to find something, feel free to delete it. Once completed, restart your computer and you're done, you have completely removed iTunes from your computer.

Although the media iTunes widely used for playing audio and video files, it is still sometimes necessary to remove it. A feature of the installation of iTunes is that it is also installed in parallel and several service programs. Read the instructions on how to uninstall iTunes.

Remove iTunes from iPhone

iTunes is a program for organizing files contained in mobile Apple devices. Without this service, it is impossible to download music or video to your iPhone. But when you need to remove this program, as mentioned above, it is not so easy to do it. And yet, how to remove iTunes from iPhone? And which of its components are subject to mandatory removal?

Close the iTunes program. Click the "Start" button and select "Add or Remove Programs". We find our program "iTunes" in the list and delete it. If the system automatically reboots, then it's okay. If you are prompted to reboot, then we agree.

We also delete:

  • QuickTime;
  • Apple Mobile Device Support;
  • Apple Software Update;
  • Apple Application Support;
  • Bonjour.

Then you need to make sure that these applications are really deleted. Go to drive C and manually delete the following folders:

  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\
  • C:\Program Files\Bonjour
  • C:\Program Files\QuickTime\
  • C:\Windows\System32\QuickTimeVR
  • C:\Windows\System32\QuickTime

Now we close all programs, and that's it!

Remove iTunes from your computer

Now read how to uninstall iTunes from computer. First, we close the work of all applications from Apple by simply clicking on the "Close Window" button. Then "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Programs and Features" - "iTunes". With a simple movement, we remove the program "iTunes". Then in the list of installed programs we find all the programs from Apple that were mentioned above. We must delete them in the following order:

  • iTunes;
  • QuickTime;
  • Apple Software Update;
  • Apple Mobile Device Support;
  • Bonjour;
  • Apple Application Support.

If it offers a reboot, we do not agree until we remove all applications. That's all!

Apple Software Update is an additional module that is installed into the operating system along with Safari browser, the iTunes service application, and other Apple software products. Its main function is to perform software updates. He is in automatic mode listens to the network ports of the computer, sends/receives data from the server.

Sometimes Apple Software Update prevents you from uninstalling and reinstalling Apple apps. Causes program conflicts, uninstallation errors, blocks the operation of the running uninstaller (browser, client is not removed). Failures in most cases occur due to the functional specifics of the Update module (active processes, network connections).

These guides will help you correctly remove Apple Software Update from Windows completely, with the possibility of reinstalling it later. Choose any of the suggested methods and start "cleaning" your computer.

Note. The instructions deal with uninstalling Apple Software Update along with iTunes in operating system Windows 8.

Method number 1: removal by standard options

1. Close iTunes and other Apple applications.

2. Launch the Task Manager: press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" at the same time.

3. In the manager window, open the "Processes" tab.

4. In the "Background ..." block, end all processes related to software product Apple:

  • Apple Software Update;
  • Bonjour;
  • iTunes Helper;
  • iPod Services;
  • mobile devices and others.

Right click on the process name. And then in the opened context menu click End Task. End all active Apple software processes.

Advice! If you are in doubt whether the active process has anything to do with iTunes or not, also right-click on it and select the option "Open location ...". You can remove a process from the list in the Manager if a directory (folder) opens in a new window software Apple.

5. Right click on Windows icon in the taskbar. Select "Programs and Features" from the list of options.

Note. In Windows 7, this section opens like this: Start → Control Panel → Uninstall a program.

6. Uninstall the software components one by one in the following order:

  1. iTunes (Safari, other Apple software).
  2. Apple Software Update.
  3. Mobile Device Support.
  4. Bonjour.
  5. Application Support (immediately 32-bit version, and then 64-bit).

Note. Some of the items listed may not be present in the system. In this case, proceed to neutralize the next component on the list.

To uninstall the Apple item in Programs and Features, do the following:

right click on the name;
select "Delete" in the panel that opens;
confirm the launch of the command: in the prompt message, click "Yes";

upon completion of the procedure, proceed to remove the next element (follow the sequence indicated in the list).

Method number 2: cleaning with the uninstaller program

Removing Apple programs, iTunes and Safari, as well as the Update module using a special cleaner utility allows you to perform a better cleaning of the system. This is especially important in cases where the owner of the computer no longer wants to use the application and wants to rid Windows of all traces of it. Both in file directories and in the registry.

This manual discusses the option to remove Apple components using the Uninstall Tool. In the absence of such, you can use analogues - Revo Uninstaller, Soft Organizer, etc.

1. Run the Uninstall Tool with administrator rights.

2. Uninstall objects in accordance with the sequence specified in paragraph 6 of the previous manual.

3. Start with the main application (eg iTunes). Click on it once with the left mouse button.

4. In the panel located on the left side of the list of programs, click the "Uninstall" function.

5. After the standard removal procedure, in an additional window, start searching for the remains of the application (click "Ok").

6. Remove the remaining files found by the Uninstall Tool and entries in the application's registry. Click the "Delete" button in the additional window.

Good luck cleaning your computer!

Unfortunately, although iTunes is considered one of the most versatile tools for synchronizing Apple devices with computer systems, in Windows (and any modification) it is quite often possible to observe the occurrence of conflicts. The program may not work correctly or not work at all. In the simplest case, it needs to be reinstalled or updated. But first, the application must be uninstalled. This is where the problem arises of how to completely remove iTunes from the computer. It would seem that everything is simple, but no. It is necessary to take into account several points, without knowing which it will be impossible to completely remove the application.

How to completely remove iTunes from a computer: what should I pay attention to before deleting?

Before proceeding with the uninstallation, you need to clearly understand that during the installation in the distribution kit there were several more additional utilities that were installed into the system automatically without user intervention.

Based on this, it is easy to guess that the matter will not be limited to the removal of the main application (iTunes). Moreover, the problem with Windows computer, has the other side of the coin. The fact is that even after uninstalling all installed components, the system remains junk files and folders, which are ordinary computer junk. This is due to the iTunes uninstaller itself, and to a similar Windows Service(they simply don't remove residual objects).

How to remove iTunes from computer? Windows 7: Standard Procedure

So, armed with knowledge, you can proceed to uninstall. At the first stage, the problem of how to completely remove iTunes from a computer comes down to a completely standard procedure.

To get started, use the Programs and Features section located in the Control Panel, where in the list of installed applications, in addition to iTunes, you need to additionally find Bonjour, Restore, Mobile Device Support (developed by Apple Inc.), Application Support (Apple) and Apple software update. There is also a media platform called Quick Time. You can leave it as this support may come in handy in the future.

In principle, all programs in the list will be located side by side. If not, you can sort installed applications by publisher or by installation date. Next, you just need to remove all components using a standard tool.

Residual objects

The next step is to remove the remaining debris. First of all, you should pay attention to the Program Files directory. In it, you need to delete the Bonjour, iPod and iTunes directories with all their contents.

Next, in the same directory, go to the CommonFiles folder, find the Apple folder in it and delete the CoreFP, Apple Application Support and Mobile Device Support directories. You can try to initially delete the entire Apple folder, but this usually has no effect. In addition, in addition to the specified directories, it may contain other elements used by the Windows system and not related to iTunes in any way.

There is one more element - the so-called media library - the folder in which user files multimedia. The question of its removal remains solely with the user (usually the directory is located in the "Music" directory of the corresponding account that is currently active.

Additional tools for uninstallation

Finally, solve the problem of how to completely remove iTunes from the computer more simple method, you can use special uninstaller utilities that work much better than the system's own tool or a similar built-in Apple tool (iObit Uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller, etc.).

Such programs are good because they allow you to make multiple selection of items to be deleted, automatically find and delete residual files, folders and records system registry. In some cases, you don't even need to check all iTunes related apps. It is enough to start uninstalling the application you are looking for, and all the rest will be “hooked up” automatically. In both cases, at the end of the removal, you need to perform a complete restart of the system.

The iTunes program on computers with Windows OS does not always work correctly - almost all iPhone owners know this. Regular errors in the program from Apple force users to resort to alternative software (iMazing, iTools), the functionality of which is sufficient to replace iTunes. If the user has “found” suitable software for transferring data from computer to iPhone and wants to say goodbye to inconvenient iTunes, he should know that it will not be possible to completely remove the Apple program from the computer in the usual way.

Why Uninstall iTunes: Common Reasons

Uninstalling iTunes occurs for the following reasons:

    The program is no longer needed. Alternative data transfer software is much easier to use, because it allows you to export files from your computer without synchronization. In addition, such programs are not inferior to iTunes in terms of functionality.

    Required early version iTunes. Difficulties with development new version- the main argument for returning to the previous one.

If the iTunes installed on your PC crashes regularly, don't make a hasty decision to uninstall the program. Usually, iTunes update before latest version solves problems.

What you need to completely remove iTunes from your computer

A complete removal of iTunes assumes that all components that were installed at the same time as the program will also end up in the Recycle Bin. These components include:

    Apple Software Update - Responsible for updating Apple software.

    Apple Mobile Device Support - allows you to synchronize Apple gadgets with iTunes.

    Bonjour - module for automatic search software services, services, network devices.

    Apple Application Support - contains detailed instructions, which the computer must follow in order to perform a function. In some versions of the OS, iTunes creates two similar components at once: for 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

Uninstalling components separately from iTunes or randomly is not recommended. Also, don't restart your PC. complete removal iTunes components.

Step-by-step instructions for uninstalling a program on a Windows system

Step 1. Close processes related to iTunes. To do this, use the task manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete). You need to manually terminate the following processes:

    AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe is the process responsible for ensuring that iTunes interacts correctly with Apple devices.

    AppleMobileDeviceService.exe is the process that allows iTunes to recognize Apple gadgets.

    ItunesHelper.exe is the process responsible for establishing an association between Apple gadgets and iTunes.

Before uninstalling iTunes, you need to close all processes associated with it.

Even if iTunes is not open, the listed processes are active in the background.

A complete list of iTunes processes in Windows is available on the official Apple portal: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201999.

Step 2 Delete iTunes itself and its components. You need to get to the "Control Panel": on the seventh Windows it is located in the "Start" menu, on Windows 8 it is appropriate to use the search engine ("Control Panel" query). In the "Control Panel" you should go to the "Programs and Features" section - the "Uninstall a program" subsection.

Uninstall iTunes through the "Control Panel"

Find iTunes in the list of programs, right-click and select "Uninstall", then wait for the uninstall process to complete (Windows will not allow you to erase two programs at the same time). Also erase the rest of the components in exactly the order in which they were presented above.

In the "Programs" section, you can arrange components by publisher

In order not to waste time searching through the entire list, it is recommended to sort the programs by publisher. All components of iTunes have a common publisher - Apple Inc.

Media purchased from iTunes Store, are located in the "Music" library on drive C in the "iTunes" folder. Send this folder to the Trash if you want to get rid of all traces of iTunes.

Finally, run through the C drive and delete the folders from the following list (if found):

    C:\Program Files\iTunes\;

    C:\Program Files\Common FilesApple\;

    C:\Program Files\iPod\;

    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\;

    C:\Windows\System32\QuickTime\;

    C:\Windows\System32\QuickTimeVR\;

    C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple\;

    C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple Computer\;

    C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple Inc\;

    C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\.

Step 3 Clean up the registry iTunes records. This procedure is unknown to many Windows users so we will pay special attention to it.

Click "Start", in the "Search programs and files" field, type regedit (on Windows 8, use the search engine).

On Windows 8, you can get into the registry through the search engine

Run the regedit.exe program.

Open the "Search" menu through Ctrl + F, in the "Search" field, type iTunes.

iTunes records should be searched through the search engine (Ctrl + F)

If, at the end of the procedure, entries appear in the search results, right-click on each of them and select "Delete".

If a registry search returns such entries, delete them

To quickly clean the registry, you can use special software - uninstallers. The most famous uninstallers are CCleaner ( free program) and Uninstall Tool (paid).

When all three steps are completed, restart your computer - after that, you can be sure that iTunes has disappeared without a trace.

Video tutorial: uninstall iTunes and its components

How to uninstall iTunes from Mac OS

On OS X computers, iTunes is pre-installed - it won't be as easy to uninstall as it is with Windows. If the user tries to drag the program file to the Trash, he will see such an unfriendly message:

It is not possible to delete iTunes by directly moving to the "Trash"

In fact, iTunes is not so necessary Mac computer, as presented by Apple developers. If the user selects similar program to play media files, he will not need iTunes at all.

How to get rid of iTunes on Mac

  1. Go to your Applications folder and look for iTunes.
  2. Right-click on the icon and go to "Properties".
  3. Click on the lock icon and enter the administrator password.
  4. In chapter " General access and permissions" put "Read and write".

In the "Sharing ..." section, you need to set "Read and write"

Now you can get rid of the utility just like the owners of a Windows PC. Close the "Properties" menu, send the application to the "trash" and empty the "Trash".

After deleting in this way, all music compositions and libraries with multimedia files will remain in place.

There is another way to uninstall iTunes from a Mac, but it is suitable for more sophisticated PC users:


iTunes will be deleted past the Trash.

Use uninstallers for uninstall iTunes- pointless business. For example, the Clean My Mac utility does not recognize this program at all.

Possible problems and solutions

The full wording of the error is: "Windows Installer package failed. A program required to complete the installation cannot be launched. Contact support or package vendor.".

This error occurs if iTunes was installed incorrectly

How to fix such an error is described on the official information portal Apple. You need to go to the "Control Panel", restore the iTunes program, and only then try to remove it again.

Error 2330

A similar message appears if the iTunes software was not completely downloaded, or if the program's registry was damaged. The cause can also be a virus that has damaged iTunes-related Windows files.

With such an error, you should check the disk through the built-in Chkdsk utility(Check Disk - disk check). Then you need to restart your PC and try to install iTunes over the existing data transfer program.

Requires iTunes.msi package

If an error occurs during uninstallation with the text " Desired file located on a network resource that is currently unavailable. Click OK to try again, or specify a different path to the folder containing the iTunes.msi installation package, use one of the third-party utilities to "clean" the disk (for example, IObit Uninstaller) or delete the iTunes folder from the root folder. Also, a similar problem can be solved by reinstalling Windows.

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