itunes 12.1.0.71 will not sync with outlook

I fought with this problem (iPhone 5s, Windows 8.1, Outlook 2010) for hours this weekend. I'm surprised I have any hair left. Here's how I fixed it.

Back up iTunes (shouldn't be necessary, but always a good idea):

Back up your iTunes library by copying it to an external drive - Apple Support

Uninstall iTunes (follow these carefully--lots of steps):

Remove and reinstall iTunes and related software components for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 - Apple Support

Reinstall this 32-bit version of iTunes 12.1.0.71 (ignore the file name & installer window that act like it's 64-bit), "for older video cards":

iTunes 12.1 for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards)

You might follow the Reset Sync History instructions here before trying it out (not the whole page, just the Reset Sync History heading):

Troubleshooting Sync Services on Windows with Microsoft Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, or Outlook 2010 - Apple Support

Special thanks to the last.fm Scrobbler users who tipped me off:

http://www.last.fm/forum/34905/_/2239688/4#f21006054

I was so glad it finally worked for me, I bothered to set up an account here. 🙂 Good luck!

Thank you!! 🙂

I had the same problem..

What I did:

1. Uninstalled iTunes, but didnt need to remove other related software components

2. Rebooted my computer

3. Downloaded and installed iTunes from here (as you suggested): iTunes 12.1 for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards)

4. I didnt have to reset Sync History or change anything and it works!

Thanks again 😀

many thanks.

worked like magic

saved me a weekend of torture...🙂

Itzik

You guys rock! I, in fact, did pull out my hair. Hours of support time with both Apple and Microsoft and no one had the answer. You guys have saved my weekend. Thank you!

Great advice, it worked like a charm. Thanks

Thank you! I spent hours yesterday trying to figure this out.. how nutty is it that Apple updates mess up what was working so well... i rely on the sync to my Outlook and this last update was a mess!! Your steps worked perfectly.. I hope Apple takes some more time to QA their updates... I am very grateful for you taking the time to post the cure...

Kudos to Peter.

I have a PC, Windows 7, Outlook 2010, iPhone 5S and iPad Air. As soon as I upgraded to iTunes 12.1, the USB sync with outlook for calendars and contacts just stopped working. After hours on the phone with Apple, the solution came from a user! This change as outlined by Peter worked like a charm. I sent all the info to a senior advisor at Apple.

Thank you user community!

Awesome. Thanks for this. Worked like a charm.

I did the same, but it did not work. Still missing the itunes outlook add-in in outlook on my laptop. What is to do? Thanks

Please see this discussion thread for assistance in resolving this issue:

outlook 2010 syncing problems

So grateful to have found your advice! Thank you so much!

Hey folks ...

I realize this thread is a bit dated .... but perhaps y'all can offer me a bit of advice.

I'm CURRENTLY running:

Windows 8.1 Professional 64-bit version

Outlook 2010 the 32-bit version

iTunes 11.4.0.18 (which I understand is the 32-bit version) - yes WAY downlevel but it worked fine so I didn't want to screw with it...........

I have been sync-ing my iPhone 5s to Outlook calendar and contacts without any issues.

I just bought a new iPhone 6s and need to get a later version of iTunes installed to support & iOS9.

I am SUPER paranoid about breaking my sync with Outlook.

From what I have read I should download the "for older video cards" version of iTunes which is still the 32-bit iTunes in the 64-bit wrapper and use that?

Do you think it is safe to do an "upgrade" from my existing 11.4.x version or should I follow the instructions to do a complete uninstall, reboot,

and install the 12.x version from scratch?

Since I will be moving to a new phone at the same time ... might the uninstall / new-install be preferred?

THANKS in advance for any advice!

Jim