Can an old iTunes version work on Windows 11?

February 18, 2022 10:24 AM

Is there anyone who can tell me whether it will be possible to run the iTunes version 12.3.2.35 (from 2015ish, run on a Windows 10 computer currently) - on the new Windows 11 operating system?
posted by tiny frying pan to Computers & Internet (11 answers total)

Windows hasn't changed its stance on backwards compatibility, and 2015 isn't 2008 or 1998, both of which are eras of software Microsoft have gone to long efforts to keep working. If you have the installer, it should be good to go.
posted by k3ninho at 2:19 PM on February 18, 2022

Response by poster: I have the program version installed on this computer...but don't know if I have an installer. Would I be able to download that safely from somewhere? This particular version?

Or using my current "iTunes.exe" on a new machine?
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:13 PM on February 18, 2022

Response by poster: (Sorry, I am a computer dummy)
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:41 PM on February 18, 2022

Here's a link to a page that has an untested installer for that version.

Itunes 12.3

It downloads a file that looks like a real installer but I didn't test it or scan it for viruses. Use at your own risk.

Personally, I'd try it but I know when I'm about to get into trouble and can get myself out of trouble if I do.
posted by rsclark at 5:59 PM on February 18, 2022

Apple have the 12.10 version to download at https://support.apple.com/downloads/itunes. I would recommend downloading from a source you can trust, in this case direct from the side at Apple Corp.
posted by k3ninho at 12:52 AM on February 19, 2022

On windows, you have to have the installer, itunes.exe isn't enough. Is there a particular reason you want to use this specific version?
posted by theora55 at 6:01 PM on February 19, 2022

Response by poster: Fear. Fear is the reason. This version we use now on Windows 10 works on the half dozen iPods we use that are a variety of types. I hope to get a new computer soon, figure I should upgrade to Windows 11, but because we want to rebuild an iTunes library, it would be horrible to get Windows 11 and not be able to use iTunes/these old iPods at all.

Music is so hard to deal with these days.
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:43 AM on February 20, 2022

Why Windows 11? Windows 10 is perfectly fine and will be for many more years.

Sigh - I used to be all about the shiny-new versions, but from everything I have read online Windows 11 looks like it is worse than 10.

So - if it is fear - stay with Windows 10 awhile until Microsoft releases a major fix/update for it's mistakes.

Also - if you are worried about older software - are you even sure your current computer will actually run Windows 11? It's pretty picky.
posted by rozcakj at 6:02 AM on February 21, 2022

Response by poster: I'm always worried about buying the wrong version in a new computer. It's reassuring to hear to wait on Windows 11.
posted by tiny frying pan at 1:00 PM on February 22, 2022

Response by poster: And....it seems like every new computer I look at comes with Windows 11...so it feels like I won't have a choice. I guess I need a new question soon on what kind of computer to buy and where to get it.
posted by tiny frying pan at 12:22 PM on February 24, 2022

Does the version of iTunes on the computer affect the versions on idevices? it seems they should play nice, but I understand not wanting to risk it. I'm amazed at how many people hang on to older executables for installing apps, but I don't know where those people hang out. There's no more limit on AskMe questions now, so you could find out if you wanted.

MSoft is getting even more aggressive about pushing ads and junk, so I'm looking to avoid Win11. In my case, I just bought a newer-to-me Thinkpad, licensed for Win 10, will probably just insert the hard drive of another Thinkpad right in it.
posted by theora55 at 10:33 AM on March 1, 2022