Even though iTunes is officially no longer supported
by Apple, it doesn't mean that there is no way to use the popular platform.
Sure, now it would be impossible to purchase tracks directly to your iTunes library
- nevertheless, you can still use the platform to organize your media, create a
playlist, and make backup copies.
Windows
users don’t have to feel left out. Even though there are multiple media
platforms for Windows, iTunes still somehow holds a firm competition. The good
news, you don’t have to give it up. We’ll walk you through the process of
iTunes installation that wouldn’t require an official iTunes version.
Reasons to use iTunes on a Windows PC
● iTunes
is a multifunctional media manager that supports audio, video, podcasts,
audiobooks - various multimedia content and supports popular file extensions.
● An
easy way t synchronize music and video n your iPhone, iPad, and iPod with your
PC.
● A
comfortable playlist system.
● It’s
easy to transfer files directly from CDs - and on top of that, the program
offers a seamless conversion.
● Clear
interface and rich functionality.
● iTunes
can be used for file backup - create emergency copies of all music and videos.
Shall something happen to your device, you’ll be able to access the data
directly from the iTunes profile.
Step #1 - Download
Now that iTunes is no longer officially supported by Apple, you have no
choice but to use third-party software libraries. Don’t feel sorry about it
though - downloading files from catalogs has multiple advantages.
Why download iTunes from
unofficial repositories?
● Trustworthy
third-party libraries check added files on the absence of viruses, so in terms
of security you are no worse than you would’ve been with an official tool;
● You’ll
get a custom iTunes for Windows with the installer that’s
adapted to Windows PCs;
● It’s
free.
Step #2 - Choosing the next step
By default,
Windows opens a dialogue window with a question whether you prefer to save the
file or run it right away. If you choose the latter, you’ll be immediately redirected
to the installer tool. By saving first, you delay the installation process - a
fitting choice if you don’t have time.
A valuable tip:
all saved software files are usually saved in a ‘Downloads’ folder, in the C
drive.
Installation
Whatever option you chose between the two, you’ll have
to face the installation process sooner than later. Luckily, it’s quite fast
and straightforward. Still, there are some potentially critical settings
parameters that you need to take into account - we’ll walk you through the main
points.
Step #3 - Start the installation
1. Open
the installer program and agree to begin the process of installation.
2. Agree
to iTunes terms and conditions. Some installers from third-party libraries
don’t have strict guideline requirements, but most do.
3. Continue
the installation by pressing ‘Next’ and ‘Continue.’
Step #4 - Managing installation settings
iTunes has a
brief list of installation options, which makes it even easier for us to go
through the main ones in detail.
● Adding
software’s shortcuts to desktop - this option puts QuickTime and iTunes icon on
the desktop lower panel for quick access.
● Use
iTunes as a default player for audio - with this one, all your MP3, WAV, AAV,
and other audio formats will be automatically accessed via iTunes;
● Software’s
language - by default, it’s English (if, of course, you didn’t use a foreign
installer). Here you can change the menu language, choosing one from dozens of
options.
● Choosing
a destination folder. Here you can determine the location where iTunes and all
supported files will be saved by default. You can edit this anytime but its
best to pick a comfortable folder right away.
● Approve
all chosen settings by clicking ‘Install’.
Step #5 - Completing the installations
Once the settings have been determined, the software
will conclude its installation. The progress bar on the main screen will notify
you about the remaining data load. When iTunes is fully installed, simply click
‘Finish’.
To get the program to work properly, you have to
restart your PC. No, you can’t skip this stage - otherwise, your audio files
will not be displayed correctly.
Importing disks and audio files
Step #6 - Importing CDs
Go to iTunes
and pick the ‘Import’ tab. Now, you have to insert your CDs to your PC one by
one, and copy each of them to the program. If you already have the data from
CDs saved on your PC, good for you - it means you can transfer them to iTunes
as regular media files. This way is much faster and easier.
Conversion formats
All converted
CD files will be automatically transformed into MP3 or AAV formats. You can
choose one of these in the settings.
Step #7 - Making an iTunes account
To manage your media files from different devices and
to create personalized playlists ( and using dozens of other account-based
features), you need to create a profile. On profile-connected storage, you’ll
be able to access audio files, movies, TV shows, apps, podcasts, and
audiobooks.
However, seeing that official iTunes support is now
disabled, it'll be impossible to buy content directly to your iTunes profile.
However, you still can find a loophole. The iTunes store will remain supported,
but now you need to transfer files from Apple Music, Podcasts, and TV apps to your
iTunes manager.
How to create a
profile?
1. Go
to iTunes and select ‘Create an Apple ID’ in the main menu.
2. Fill
out the registration form with your necessary account information - a valid
email, birth date, password, and security questions.
3. Agree
or decline the offer of receiving an Apple newsletter.
4. Activate
your account via email.
5. Fill
out payment information. You most likely will never have to use your credit
card number at this point, but it will still be required to complete the
registration. To make sure the software will be unable to charge you, edit the
card limit.
Step #8 - Synchronizing iPhone
● Use
USB to connect your iPad, iPod, or iPhone to your Windows PC.
● Find
the device button in the menu in the top-left panel.
● Pick
the Music tab in the left section of the menu.
● Click
a checkbox near a Sync Music - this way, your musical playlists, and CDs will
be available on all connected devices.
● Do
the same process for Photos, TV Shows, and Movies.
The final step
Now that you’ve downloaded and installed the program,
you can start exploring its functionality, interface, and benefits. We advise
to pay attention to personalization features - iTunes is great at predicting
your listening and watching preferences, creating specific playlists, and
guessing your media habits. These personalization features are most often
unique (that is, utterly unavailable on other similar managers) and therefore,
you can’t just ignore all this additional functionality.
Sure, the fact that Apple no longer supports iTunes
makes all interactions less versatile and smooth. You can’t purchase content;
there will be no technical support; you need to use third-party repositories
and forums for every sing action. Still, these difficulties are not the reason
enough to refuse all that iTunes has to offer.