How to Uninstall iTunes

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This wikiHow teaches you how to remove iTunes from your computer, along with the accompanying Apple services. Removing iTunes is pretty straightforward on a Windows PC, but since iTunes is the default player for many files on your Mac and is considered an integral part of the operating system, it's not easy (or recommended) to delete the app. It is, however, possible.

Removing iTunes from Windows

Click the Start menu and open Settings.
Click Apps or Programs and Features.
Click iTunes.
Click Uninstall.
Click Yes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows 10

Download Article

1
Open your Windows Settings
. You'll find its icon in the Start menu.
- If you're using Windows 7 or 8, you'll need to open the Start menu, click Control Panel, select Programs, and then Programs and Features. Then, skip to Step 3. The remaining steps will be similar to Windows 10.^{[1]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Microsoft Support
  Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
  
  Go to source}
You'll find this in the second column, above "Time & Language." A list of all your installed apps and programs will load. Depending on how many programs you have and your disk space, this may take a few seconds or a minute to completely load.

Advertisement
You'll see the program highlight in blue and expand.
You'll see this button appear in the highlighted and expanded area next to "Modify."
5
Follow the uninstall steps. Click Uninstall when prompted, and Yes if prompted. Then wait for iTunes to finish uninstalling.
- If prompted to restart your computer, click Restart later.
6
Uninstall other Apple services. You only need to do this if you installed the desktop version of iTunes. If you installed the UWP or Microsoft Store version, you do not have to do so. To completely get rid of iTunes, uninstall the following programs in this order:
- Apple Software Update
- Apple Mobile Device Support
- Bonjour
- Apple Application Support (64-bit)
- Apple Application Support (32-bit)
7
Restart your computer after you uninstall all the components. Open Start, click the power icon, and click Restart to do so. Once your computer reboots, iTunes and any partner software will be gone from your computer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Mac

Download Article

1
Disable Apple System Integrity Protection (SIP). Since iTunes is a default app, it'll be very difficult to uninstall. You'll have to disable SIP to be able to uninstall iTunes.
- Restart your computer and press Ctrl+R to boot into recovery mode.
- Navigate to Utilities>Terminal to open Terminal in recovery mode.
- Type csrutil disable in the Terminal window and press ⏎ Return on your keyboard. You'll see that SIP has been disabled.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
You'll only be allowed to uninstall apps from an account with administrative rights.^{[3]
X
Research source}
You'll find it in the Applications folder under Utilities. You can also search Spotlight for terminal.
You'll see the applications directory.
That command will delete the iTunes app from your Mac.
To do this, reboot your Mac and press Ctrl+R to boot into recovery mode, open Terminal, and run this command: csrutil enable.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What should I do if I type cd/applications/ and it says "no such folder"?

Community Answer

You should type "cd /Applications/". Do it exactly as it is described above (use a space after cd and capitalize).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 5
Question

On MacBook, I’m pretty sure I still have to delete all the files associated with the app that are taking up space. Can you please tell me how can I do that?

Citylimits

Community Answer

Open finder, then music and you should find a file called "iTunes library". Delete this to free up space.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

VLC Media Player is a decent iTunes replacement solution.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
In macOS Catalina iTunes is split into 3 apps: Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV. For more info about this go to: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210200.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Deleting iTunes from a Mac is generally a poor idea, since it is the default file manager for music and entertainment on your Mac.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2