Choppy audio music playback after Itunes 12.1 update on Windows 8.1

There is an alternative downloader for 64-bit editions of Windows here:

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

that seems to address the playback issues that some users have been reporting with the full 64-bit version (the alternative installer here is the same architecture as most previous "64-bit" versions of iTunes, i.e., a 32-bit application with a 64-bit installer). The "for older video cards" label appears to be something of a misnomer as some people have reported that this corrects problems found on current / high-spec systems.

Some users have reported that after installing this alternative version it is necessary to adjust the "Play audio using:" selection in Edit > Preferences > Playback to restore glitch-free audio.

I'm having the exact same problem with this new update. all the audio on my music, movies, and tv shows is really choppy and its really annoying. if you find a way to fix this could you let me know?

Have you tried installing the alternative version of iTunes 12.1 referenced in my previous response?

I'm also experiencing similar issues. I constantly hear skips/stutters in audio playback.

I adjusted bitrate and bps, no difference.

The alternate 12.1 doesn't have this issue, but doesn't perform as well..

I highly doubt its an "older graphics card" issue.

System:

Win 8.1 64bit

i7-4770

16gb ram

EVGA GeForece GTX 780ti SC

I noticed under playback preferences, the option for "play audio using:" is now Windows Audio Session

Before, the selected option was Direct Sound.

Thanks a bunch! Tried this and it worked. The playback option switched from Windows Audio Session, as mentioned by Casper. above, back to Direct Sound after the fix. Dunno if that actually was the source of the problem, but worth noting

My iTunes does not have an option other than Windows Audio Session, however it is the latest 12.1 update. Do you know how to get it showing?

That option seems to be unavailable for some installations of the full 64-bit version of iTunes 12.1, particularly on Windows 8.1. Based on evidence seen so far, the best way to restore correct audio playback within iTunes 12.1 on 64 bit Windows systems is to install the alternative version for 64-bit editions of Windows available here:

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

From what I've seen, this version restores the playback choices available in earlier releases and in the fully 32-bit version of 12.1 (as previously noted, the "for older video cards" installer is the 32-bit application within a 64-bit installation framework).

Had the same issue. Just tried the alternative download for older video cards and it worked fine. No more distorted sound. Thanks for this helpful advice!

I'd actually be interested to know how many people (if any!) have not had playback issues with the 64-bit version of iTunes 12.1. A totally unscientific sample of friends / family / work colleagues suggests that the problem is widespread, to the extent that I've yet to find anyone who hasn't either reverted to 12.0 or installed the "for older video cards" version of 12.1 to restore glitch-free playback.

Installing the version "for older graphics cards" worked for me, thank you!

I have a question if i uninstall the updated version and install the the older version will i have rip my cds on it again?

You don't have to uninstall it, just install the alternative one, it says it should not affect your current library.

I did not uninstall the update - I simply ran the installer for the older version. All music was still there, the library unaltered.

I just had to change the Playback setting, as mentioned above, from Windows Audio Session to Direct Sound - and restart the program. Voila.