iTunes cannot run because some of its required files are missing

Cannot understand, why Apple-support do NOT give any answers on this subject here. It seems quite a few have the same problem. As a Windows Itunes users, facing the same problem, I managed to solve in the following way:

1) Restart machine/windows

2) ignore all Itunes related error messages (and do not try to start Itunes)

3) start Windows store

4) look for Itunes (when found it should state that the app is installed)

5) Windows store, after looking up Itunes, will start updating it - updating to Version 12.12.1.1 - helped

Restarting Itunes was successfull after compleating 1)-5)

Note: trying to start Itunes leaves someting running, which is not visible in the Windows activity management centre. Still Windows store will whine that the program cannot be installed because it it open (welcome to the world of windows), hench step 1)-2).

I had the same problem - the quickest fix for me , although not ideal , is the change your windows 10 language to English (United States) in Settings> Time and Language > Language. I was set to English United Kingdom and it didn't work - but once changed to English (United States) and restart PC - the application works. Its a pain that all my spreadsheets and times are now in US format - but once I've synced iTunes I just have to change it back. This fix has also been identified from other non-US users in different threads.

Its obvious that Apple have brought out a new version and only tested it with US people / US settings .

Test code practice 101 - especially as its Global software - not good Apple.

Just had this issue after updating itunes on my Windows 10 pc yesterday. Changed language setting in Windows from English (United Kingdom) to English (United States) and itunes opens ok. I assume that Apple are working on a fix for this, so that I can go back to English UK?

This morning (23rd September) Apple pushed a new version of iTunes for Windows via the Microsoft store that appears to fix the problem. Suggest you try upgrading to version 12121.1.54014.0. It worked for me, good luck! :-)

Thanks. It works also for me.

MenaceF1

Sep 23, 2021 4:43 AM in response to blackwest

This morning (23rd September) Apple pushed a new version of iTunes for Windows via the Microsoft store that appears to fix the problem. Suggest you try upgrading to version 12121.1.54014.0. It worked for me, good luck! :-)

For anyone suffering from this problem the solution is to delete iTunes and all related programs from your computer and then download and install the previous version of iTunes which is 12.11.4.15. I see that some people are indicating that Apple have a new version to solve the problem, guess what - the "new version" is the previous version 12.11.4.15! Shame on Apple! I have now decided that I will ignore all future updates from iTunes - why change a version what works (sort of)!?

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.

My Itunes has always been in English(United States). Anyway, I resolved my situation by removing completely Itunes from my laptop and re installed it (version 12.11.3.17). Everything now works as before ...

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!

Apple seem to have fixed the issue now. I run the apple updater and there was a new version (12.11.4). I installed it and it works!

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.

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....

its an issue with the language settings on your PC, it looks like they forgot to add in the other language files, change your system language to English(united states) and it will work

As suggested elsewhere: I switched Windows language settings from French to English and iTunes magically worked again... didn't have have to reinstall an older version.