1. How to Delete iTunes: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Delete iTunes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of the clutter and bloat that iTunes brings to your system? It might be time to wave goodbye to this outdated software and embrace a more streamlined music experience. However, simply dragging the iTunes app to the trash won’t cut it. To ensure a clean and complete removal, you need to delve deeper into your Mac’s system. Follow our comprehensive guide below to effortlessly delete iTunes and reclaim precious space on your Mac.

Before embarking on the deletion process, it’s essential to note that iTunes is intertwined with other Apple applications and services. Removing it may disrupt your music library organization, playlists, and syncing across devices. If you rely heavily on these features, consider using an iTunes alternative instead. However, if you’re willing to make the switch, proceed with the following steps to remove iTunes from your Mac.

To initiate the deletion process, navigate to the Applications folder on your Mac. Locate the iTunes app, right-click on it, and select “Move to Trash.” This action will remove the iTunes application but leave behind its associated files. To ensure a thorough cleanup, you’ll need to manually locate and delete these files. Open the Finder window and search for “iTunes” using the search bar. Select all the files and folders that appear in the search results and move them to the Trash as well. Once you’ve removed all the iTunes-related files, empty the Trash to complete the deletion process. Your Mac will now be free from the clutches of iTunes, allowing you to explore alternative music management solutions.

Removing iTunes from a Mac

If you’re not using iTunes anymore, or if you’re having problems with it, you can remove it from your Mac. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Applications folder.
  2. Control-click or right-click on the iTunes icon.
  3. Select “Move to Trash” from the menu.
  4. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
  5. Empty the Trash.

iTunes will now be removed from your Mac. If you have any iTunes-related files that you want to keep, be sure to back them up before emptying the Trash.

Deleting iTunes-related files

In addition to removing the iTunes application, you may also want to delete iTunes-related files. These files can include:

  • iTunes Library.itl
  • iTunes Music Library.xml
  • iTunes Preferences.plist

These files are located in the following directories:

File Location
iTunes Library.itl ~/Music/iTunes/
iTunes Music Library.xml ~/Music/iTunes/
iTunes Preferences.plist ~/Library/Preferences/

To delete these files, simply drag them to the Trash.

Note: Deleting iTunes-related files will remove your iTunes library and any other data that is associated with iTunes.

Uninstalling iTunes from a Windows PC

Step 1: Uninstall iTunes

Before you can delete any iTunes components, you need to uninstall the program itself. To do this, go to the Control Panel in Windows and select “Programs and Features.” Find iTunes in the list of installed programs and click “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstall process.

Step 2: Delete iTunes-Related Folders and Files

Once iTunes has been uninstalled, you need to delete the folders and files that are associated with the program. These include the iTunes folder in your Music or Documents folder, as well as any other folders or files that are related to iTunes. The most common location for your iTunes folder will be one of the two listed in the table below. Once you have located your iTunes folder, delete it. You may also need to delete other folders or files that are related to iTunes. These folders may include:

Folder or File Location
iTunes Music C:\Users\[username]\Music\iTunes\Music
iTunes Movies C:\Users\[username]\Music\iTunes\Movies
iTunes TV Shows C:\Users\[username]\Music\iTunes\TV Shows
iTunes Backups C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup
iTunes Preferences C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\Preferences.plist
iTunes Library C:\Users\[username]\Music\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl

Step 3: Clean Up the Registry

After you have deleted the iTunes folders and files, you need to clean up the registry. The registry is a database that stores information about all of the programs and settings on your computer. When you uninstall a program, some of its registry entries may be left behind. These entries can cause problems if you try to reinstall the program or if you install another program that uses the same registry keys. To clean up the registry, you can use a registry cleaner. There are many different registry cleaners available, so you can choose one that you are comfortable with. Once you have installed a registry cleaner, run it to scan your computer for any leftover iTunes registry entries. Delete any entries that the registry cleaner finds.

Deleting iTunes from an iPhone or iPad

Apple discontinued iTunes in 2019, and its features were split among three separate apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. If you want to delete iTunes from your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps.

Deleting iTunes from a Mac

To delete iTunes from a Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Applications folder.
  2. Drag the iTunes icon to the Trash.
  3. Empty the Trash.

Deleting iTunes from a Windows PC

To delete iTunes from a Windows PC, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Click on “Programs and Features”.
  3. Select iTunes from the list of programs and click on “Uninstall”.
  4. Follow the prompts to uninstall iTunes.

Deleting iTunes from an iPhone or iPad

If you have an iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later, iTunes is no longer a separate app. Instead, its features are integrated into the Music, TV, and Podcasts apps. To delete the iTunes app from an older iPhone or iPad, follow these steps.

  1. From the home screen, press and hold the iTunes icon until it starts to wiggle.
  2. Tap the “x” in the corner of the iTunes icon.
  3. Tap “Delete” to confirm.

Deleting iTunes-Related Files

In addition to deleting the iTunes app, you may also want to delete any iTunes-related files from your iPhone or iPad. These files can include music, videos, podcasts, and audiobooks that you have downloaded through iTunes. To delete iTunes-related files, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Files app.
  2. Navigate to the “On My iPhone” or “On My iPad” tab.
  3. Tap on the “iTunes Media” folder.
  4. Select the files that you want to delete and tap on the “Delete” button.

Using Third-Party Uninstallers

Third-party uninstaller software can effectively remove iTunes and its associated components without leaving behind remnants or registry entries. These uninstaller programs offer thorough scans and advanced features to ensure complete removal. Let’s explore the steps to use a third-party uninstaller for iTunes removal:

Step 1: Select a Reliable Uninstaller

Choose a reputable third-party uninstaller that specializes in removing stubborn programs. Some recommended options include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller.

Step 2: Download and Install the Uninstaller

Visit the official website of the selected uninstaller and download the latest version compatible with your operating system. Follow the installation instructions and grant any necessary permissions.

Step 3: Scan for iTunes and Associated Programs

Once installed, launch the uninstaller and initiate a scan of your system. The uninstaller will detect iTunes and any related programs (such as Apple Software Update and Bonjour). Select iTunes from the list of detected programs.

Step 4: Choose Advanced Removal Option

Most third-party uninstallers offer advanced removal options that remove not only the main program files but also all associated components, registry entries, and caches. Select the most thorough removal option available to ensure a clean and complete iTunes uninstallation.

Uninstaller Feature Description
Forced Uninstall Attempts to remove the program even if it’s unresponsive or has corrupted files.
Registry Cleaner Scans and removes leftover registry entries created by the program.
File Shredder Securely deletes files and folders to prevent data recovery.

Step 5: Confirm Removal

After selecting the advanced removal options, click the “Uninstall” button to initiate the removal process. The uninstaller will display a confirmation dialog box; click “Yes” or “Uninstall” to proceed.

Removing iTunes-Related Files and Registry Entries

After uninstalling iTunes, there may still be some residual files and registry entries left behind. To ensure a clean removal, you should manually remove these leftovers.

Deleting iTunes-Related Files

  1. Open the “File Explorer” and navigate to the following directories:
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Apple Software Update
  2. Delete all the files and folders within these directories.

Deleting iTunes-Related Registry Entries

Warning: Modifying the registry can be dangerous. Exercise caution and back up your registry before proceeding.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialogue.
  2. Type “regedit” and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the following registry keys:
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Apple Computer, Inc.
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Apple Computer, Inc.
  4. Delete all the keys and values related to iTunes.

Additional Considerations

If you have any remaining iTunes components after following these steps, refer to the following table and manually remove them.

Component Location
iTunes Helper C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Apple Application Support\iTunes Helper
Bonjour C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Bonjour
Apple Software Update C:\Program Files (x86)\Apple Software Update

Restoring Your System to an Earlier State

If you’re still having trouble deleting iTunes, you can try restoring your system to an earlier state. This will undo any changes that have been made to your computer since the date you choose to restore from.

Here are the steps for restoring your system:

  1. Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
  2. Click on Time Machine.
  3. Select the date you want to restore your system to from the timeline.
  4. Click on the “Restore” button.
  5. Confirm that you want to restore your system to the selected date.
  6. Your system will be restored to the selected date. This may take some time, so be patient.

Note:

Restoring your system to an earlier state will erase all changes that have been made since the date you choose to restore from. This includes any files, applications, or settings that have been added or changed. Make sure to back up any important data before you restore your system.

Deleting iTunes Content (Music, Movies, TV Shows, etc.)

Music

To delete music from iTunes, select the song, album, or playlist you want to remove. Right-click and select “Delete from Library.” Alternatively, you can drag and drop the item to the Trash icon in the Dock.

Movies

Similar to music, to delete movies, select the movie you want to remove, right-click, and select “Delete from Library.” You can also drag and drop the movie to the Trash.

TV Shows

Deleting TV shows follows the same process as deleting music and movies. Select the show, right-click, and select “Delete from Library.” Alternatively, drag and drop the show to the Trash.

Podcasts

To delete podcasts, select the podcast episode or series you want to remove. Right-click and select “Delete from Library.” You can also drag and drop the podcast to the Trash.

Audiobooks

Deleting audiobooks is done the same way as deleting music and movies. Select the audiobook, right-click, and select “Delete from Library.” Alternatively, drag and drop the audiobook to the Trash.

Apps

To delete apps purchased from the iTunes Store, go to the “Purchased” tab in the iTunes app. Select the app you want to remove, right-click, and select “Delete from Library.” You can also drag and drop the app to the Trash.

Books

To delete books purchased from the iTunes Store, go to the “Books” tab in the iTunes app. Select the book you want to remove, right-click, and select “Delete from Library.” You can also drag and drop the book to the Trash.

Deactivating iTunes Authorization on Your Computer

8. Signing Out of iTunes

If you have authorized your computer for iTunes, you will need to sign out of iTunes to deauthorize it. Here are the steps on how to sign out of iTunes:

  1. Open iTunes on your computer.
  2. Click on the “Account” menu in the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window.
  3. Select the “Authorizations” option from the drop-down menu.
  4. Click on the “Deauthorize This Computer” button in the dialog box that appears.
Platform Instructions
Mac Click on the “iTunes” menu in the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window and select the “Deauthorize This Computer” option.
Windows Click on the “Edit” menu in the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window and select the “Deauthorize This Computer” option.

Resetting iTunes to Default Settings

Resetting iTunes to its default settings can resolve various issues, such as sluggish performance, persistent errors, or unexpected behavior. Follow these steps to reset iTunes:

  1. Quit iTunes.
  2. Open the Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows.
  3. Navigate to the following locations:
    4. Platform Location
    macOS ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music
    Windows C:\Users\Your_Username\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Music
  4. Delete the following files and folders:
    • Album Artwork
    • iTunes Library.itl
    • iTunes Library Extras.itdb
    • Playlist-*.xml
    • Purchased-*.xml
    • Recently Added.plist
  5. Empty the Trash/Recycle Bin.
  6. Restart iTunes.
  7. Re-import any music files or playlists that you want to keep.
  8. Configure your iTunes settings and preferences as desired.

Note: Resetting iTunes will remove all custom settings, playlists, and library data. It’s recommended to back up your iTunes library before performing this procedure.

Troubleshooting Common iTunes Removal Issues

1. iTunes Not Responding

Restart your computer or force quit iTunes by pressing Command + Option + Esc, selecting iTunes, and clicking “Force Quit.”

2. iTunes Cannot Be Found

Empty the trash and restart your computer. If iTunes is still missing, search for it in Spotlight or reinstall it from the Apple Support website.

3. iTunes Components Not Removed

Manually delete any remaining iTunes files and folders from the following locations:

4. Errors During Uninstall

Use a third-party uninstaller or try removing iTunes in Safe Mode by restarting your computer while holding the Shift key. Uninstall any conflicting software that may be interfering with iTunes removal.

5. System File Corruptions

Run Disk Utility to repair permissions and verify your startup disk. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM/PRAM by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Updates Preventing Removal

Defer or pause software updates that may be installing or affecting iTunes. Restart your computer after the update completes.

7. Antivirus Interference

Temporarily disable your antivirus software and try removing iTunes again. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date to prevent false positives.

8. Conflict with Guest User

Remove iTunes while logged in as the main user account with administrative privileges. Ensure the Guest User account is not currently signed in.

9. Insufficient Disk Space

Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files or moving large files to an external storage device.

10. Persistent iTunes Crashes

Reset iTunes by holding down Shift + Option while launching the app. If this does not resolve the issue, perform a clean reinstall by completely removing iTunes and all its components, including hidden files and folders. Then, reinstall the latest version of iTunes from the Apple Support website.

How To Delete iTunes

iTunes is a media player and management application developed by Apple. It is used to play, download, and organize digital music and video files. iTunes is also used to manage iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
If you no longer want to use iTunes, you can delete it from your computer. The steps for deleting iTunes vary depending on your operating system.

To delete iTunes from a Mac:

  1. Open the Applications folder.
  2. Drag the iTunes app to the Trash.
  3. Empty the Trash.

To delete iTunes from a Windows PC:

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Click on “Programs and Features.”
  3. Select iTunes from the list of programs.
  4. Click on “Uninstall.”
  5. Follow the prompts to uninstall iTunes.

Once you have deleted iTunes, you will need to find another way to play and manage your digital media files. There are many different media player applications available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

People Also Ask

How do I delete iTunes from my iPhone?

You cannot delete iTunes from your iPhone. iTunes is a software program that is used to manage and play music and video files on your computer. You can use iTunes to sync your iPhone with your computer, but you cannot delete iTunes from your iPhone.

How do I delete iTunes from my iPad?

You cannot delete iTunes from your iPad. iTunes is a software program that is used to manage and play music and video files on your computer. You can use iTunes to sync your iPad with your computer, but you cannot delete iTunes from your iPad.

How do I delete iTunes from my iPod touch?

You cannot delete iTunes from your iPod touch. iTunes is a software program that is used to manage and play music and video files on your computer. You can use iTunes to sync your iPod touch with your computer, but you cannot delete iTunes from your iPod touch.

Location Path
iTunes App /Applications/iTunes.app
iTunes Music Library /Users//Music/iTunes

iTunes Plist Files ~/Library/Preferences
iTunes Support Files ~/Library/Application Support/iTunes

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