The Microsoft Store Version of iTunes Is Actually Better: How to Switch Over
It’s common knowledge that iTunes is pretty terrible, especially on Windows. It’s slow and bloated, and most people only use it when they have to. You can always replace iTunes with an alternative, but many stick with Apple’s offering despite its shortcomings.
Thankfully, there’s some good news on this front. Apple now offers a Modern app version of iTunes in the Microsoft Store, and it isn’t as bad as the traditional desktop version. Here’s why and how to switch.
Why Switch to the Microsoft Store Version of iTunes?
While it features everything in the standard program, the biggest advantage of the Store version of iTunes is that it doesn’t install a bunch of annoying garbage along with iTunes. When you install the desktop version on Windows, it also includes Apple Software Update, Bonjour, and other helper background services/processes.
You probably know Apple Software Update as the annoying prompt that appears when you’re working and makes you manually click Update to install updates for iTunes. Even worse, it offers new software you probably don’t want, like iCloud. The Store version automatically updates, so Apple Software Update isn’t included or necessary.
This also goes for background services like Bonjour and iTunesHelper. Few people really need them, and thus Apple programs almost always top lists of unnecessary startup processes. You’ll need to open the Store version of iTunes manually once you plug in a device, but that’s a minor inconvenience for a faster boot time.
How to Switch to the Microsoft Store iTunes
To start using the Modern version of iTunes, go to Settings > Apps and find iTunes in the list. Click it and choose Uninstall to remove it. Then open the Microsoft Store app, search for iTunes, and install it from there. Just search for iTunes on your PC anytime you want to open it.
Unfortunately, the Store version of iTunes isn’t any smaller than the desktop version, and is of course only available on Windows 10. So this isn’t an option for Windows 7 users.
No matter which version of iTunes you use, our advice on making iTunes more bearable will help.
May 22, 2018 at 10:22PM
