itunes on win 11 pc

To fix your Windows 11 iTunes not recognizing your iPad Mini, first, use a quality USB cable and port, ensuring the iPad is unlocked and trusts the PC; then, update Windows and Apple drivers via Device Manager (Apple Mobile Device USB Driver); restart the Apple Mobile Device Service in Windows Services; and if issues persist, uninstall the Microsoft Store version of iTunes and install the standalone one from Apple's website for proper driver installation. 

Initial Checks (Hardware & iPad)

1. Check Cable & Port: Use a genuine Apple USB cable that supports data transfer (not just charging). Try a different USB port on your PC.
2. Clean Port: Gently check your iPad's charging port for lint or debris.
3. Unlock & Trust: Unlock your iPad, go to the Home screen, and if prompted, tap "Trust" on the "Trust This Computer?" alert.
4. Restart Devices: Restart your iPad and your computer.

Software & Driver Fixes (Windows)

Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.

Update Drivers:

• • Right-click the Start button > Device Manager.
  • Expand Portable Devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Right-click your iPad (if listed) or Apple Mobile Device USB Driver and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

Check Apple Mobile Device Service:

• • Search for and open Services (services.msc).
  • Find Apple Mobile Device Service, right-click it, and set Startup type to Automatic.
  • If running, Stop then Start the service.

Reinstall iTunes (Crucial Step):

• • Uninstall the version of iTunes from the Microsoft Store.
  • Download and install the standalone 64-bit version of iTunes directly from the official Apple website (use the link provided in the search results to find it). 

I hope it helps.

iTunes was replaced with the Apple Devices app.

Download Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Devices, and iTunes for Windows - Apple Support

Load the current version of Apple Devices app, and try again.

If the iPhone isn’t visible, here’s some troubleshooting info:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Whether anti-malware or add-on VPNs are as much “fun’ over on Windows, I don’t know. But the add-on anti-malware certainly used to get tangled. I’d also reboot the PC, and test again.

The other reply here references iTunes on Windows PC, and that’s no longer current.

sillyoyster wrote:

Not quite sure what you mean?

Here is the Apple Devices app:

Download Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Devices, and iTunes for Windows - Apple Support

Load the current version of Apple Devices app, and try again.

If the iPhone isn’t visible, here’s some troubleshooting info:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Whether anti-malware or add-on VPNs are as much “fun” over on Windows, I don’t know. But the add-on anti-malware certainly used to get tangled, and may well need to be temporarily removed. I’d also reboot the PC, and test again.

I am an amateur

... smarter folks will hopefully jump in but the first thing I would do is inspect my list of installed programs and see if any/all of the following are installed:

1.       

Apple Music

2.                  

Apple

TV

3.                  

Apple

Devices for Windows

If they are installed, uninstall them, reboot, and try again.

I still no go, uninstall & reinstall iTunes

 The programs above and iTunes do not play well together  :-(

Jim

sillyoyster wrote:

I did what you suggested, and I cannot sign in to itunes. Keep getting a 45054 error for last two days.

What happens when you use the current version of the tool (Apple Devices), and not the older (iTunes)?

Apple is trying to push everyone into subscription products and leaving iTunes uses twisting in the wind. I have long battled my iPhone 15 Pro 1 TB to install some music to listen to on a long commute to work.

My music on my phone is a subset of what I try to put it on it.

sillyoyster, FYI, against some advice you have gotten here, iTunes still functions and hasn't been outright replaced by other products. The advice you got here is a good start.