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Level 1

28 points

iTunes version 12.12.0.6 only works on English-language Windows, crashes on startup when Windows UI is in a different language

As several people (including myself) are currently discussing, the latest iTunes for Windows, version 12.12.0.6, often crashes on startup complaining about missing required files; this only happens with the latest version, and it has been suggested as a temporary fix to install an older one.

After a lot of investigation, it has been discovered that this is a language-related bug: it only happens on non-english systems (Italian and German have been tested); if the Windows UI is in English, iTunes works correctly.

Also, this is specifically related to the Windows UI language: regional settings such as time/date format and keyboard layout don't change the outcome, and selecting any language for iTunes itself during the iTunes setup doesn't affect the issue.

Hope this helps in finding and fixing the bug.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 6:23 AM

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Massimo80 Author

Level 1

28 points

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 8:18 AM

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

This bug seems to affect all Windows languages which are not en-US (English - United States), including all English language variants (such as en-UK).

I have personally reported the bug to Apple Support, but there is really nothing else we can do until they fix it.

If you are in a hurry to get iTunes working on your system, you need to switch your Windows UI language to en-US; nothing else will work at the moment.

Also discussed here.

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86 replies

Sep 23, 2021 3:26 AM in response to Massimo80

Hello, the error happens on my windows 10 English edition.

Sep 23, 2021 3:34 AM in response to PrimeSequence

In case you missed this, it has to be the US version of English for the UI - the UK version, or I think most of the others, won't work.

Sep 23, 2021 4:51 AM in response to MenaceF1

Still no new version being pushed via Apple software update. Why can’t they make both available at the same time?

Sep 23, 2021 8:33 AM in response to Massimo80

It also doesn't work on UK (English)

Sep 23, 2021 9:39 AM in response to Whatonearth4

Evidently, it doesn’t work with Canadian English. So I should assume it only runs with US English. How convenient. BTW it does work on the latest iOS. No surprise there.

Cequela

Level 1

8 points

Sep 23, 2021 1:00 PM in response to Massimo80

Now exist a new version of iTunes in Microsoft Store, but Apple Software Update still not showing any update.

Cequela

Level 1

8 points

Sep 23, 2021 5:23 PM in response to Massimo80

Apple release an update for Microsoft Store and Apple Software Update and everything is fine.

Sep 24, 2021 3:10 AM in response to ofer242

12.12.1 is now available as an update. This one seems to work fine

mejlzor

Level 1

8 points

Sep 24, 2021 8:48 AM in response to Massimo80

But my non-English money doesn't stink, I guess? Worked yesterday. Today it's not.

I have never been warned or asked about any update.

Apple, you have become Microsoft, congratulate yourselves.

Sep 24, 2021 1:00 PM in response to Massimo80

I am having the same issue. I am using Windows English UK and unable to load itunes.

Apple please get this fixed ASAP. We count on your services to be reliable.

Sep 28, 2021 10:38 AM in response to Massimo80

Try downloading and installing version 12.12.1.1 worked for me. (Note some discussions seem to mention backup may be an issue but at least you can get access to your music.

iTunes version 12.12.0.6 only works on English-language Windows, crashes on startup when Windows UI is in a different language