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iTunes cannot run because some of its required files are missing

Hello I'm getting "iTunes cannot run because some of its required files are missing" error.


I have reinstalled iTunes many times. I downloaded it from both the Microsoft Store app and the Apple website.


What is the solution to this problem?

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Sep 20, 2021 4:14 PM

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Posted on Sep 20, 2021 4:42 PM

The "iTunes for older video card" version on the Apple website works fine. Version number 12.4.3 Perfect!!


When you download, update notification comes, do not update!


Download link: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1816?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

44 replies

Sep 25, 2021 1:22 PM in response to blackwest

Yeah, I've had this issue too. Figured out 3 workarounds:

  1. If you have older than 12121.1 version: uninstall and install latest version of iTunes via Microsoft Store. CHECK. If this doesn't solve, then goto step 2:
  2. Repair iTunes. Select This computer -> Remove or change software -> choose iTunes, ADDITIONAL parameters (or Advanced options) -> RESET. CHECK. If it doesn't solve the problem, goto step 3:
  3. Set your Windows 10 system locale as English (American), CHECK.


I've had 12121.1 and done only step 2 and it worked for me. Hope this helps, cheers!

Sep 20, 2021 5:57 PM in response to blackwest

For anyone that had this problem upon updating to iTunes 12.12.0, I would advise taking blackwest's advice and then updating to iTunes 12.11.0. That has fixed the problem for me and has made it so iTunes can read my library. The version 12.4.3 would not read said library. Running Apple Update will show versions 12.11.0 and 12.12.0 with both checked. Uncheck 12.12.0 and you're good to go.

Sep 20, 2021 8:17 PM in response to Anchann

Just a little bit more on the point, it was not so straightforward for me. Version 12.11 would not install immediately, but the installer recommended selecting "Download Only" from the installer window pulldown menu. This opens an Explorer window with two setup files. Before doing anything else, make sure you uninstall all other instances of iTunes that may still be on your PC. Then double-click on iTunes64.msi. This starts the installation of v12.11, then everything else goes fine.

Sep 21, 2021 3:05 AM in response to Anchann

This worked for me on Windows 10 64-bit. Thanks.


Download iTunes 12.4.3 from the above link Blackwest gave. Then start Apple Software Update. It will show 12.11 and 12.12. I unchecked 12.12 like Anchann suggested. And then after a reboot it works.


Then quickly select "dont download updates automatically".


Very frustrating that this is even possible. A silly (forced?) update and the whole thing just doesn't work....

Sep 23, 2021 4:27 AM in response to blackwest

Same problem.

I also tried to uninstall iTunes completely, but I only downloaded the installation file from the Apple site (iTunes64Setup.exe 12.11.3.17) because, on the Microsoft site, iTunes is now not currently available.

By starting the installation it notifies me that a newer version of iTunes is already on the PC.

I'm in total confusion.

Please help me.

Sep 23, 2021 4:33 AM in response to blackwest

I've been having problems since yesterday morning. I downloaded it a few times from the Apple site. I rebooted my Windows 11 laptop a number of times. The day before yesterday I migrated to ios15 on my iPhone 8.


With today's reinstall I noticed it using up disk space and not freeing it up when I uninstalled. I use iTunes to back up my iPhone. The backup said it backed up but there were no files created.


I have a space issue on my hard disk and this is not helping...

iTunes cannot run because some of its required files are missing

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