Desktop Shortcut won't open iTunes

Question

Desktop Shortcut won't open iTunes

I've installed the latest iTunes on my Windows 10 PC. Install seems normal, but program won't open from desktop icon.

The "target" and "start in" settings are identical: C:\Program Files\iTunes.exe. The "open file location" button goes to the correct folder and file.

Each time I click the shortcut a new instance of iTunes appears in Task Manager, but nothing appears on the screen. If I go to the program folder, I can launch iTunes directly by clicking iTunes.exe. It appears on the screen and runs correctly. How can I correct this shortcut?

null-OTHER, Windows 10, iTunes running on PC

Posted on Feb 17, 2017 5:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

274,318 points

Feb 18, 2017 9:41 AM in response to gregfromwaikoloa

Try the following in turn until iTunes opens normally:

Delete the iTunes shortcuts from the start menu, desktop, task bar, or similar, then repair iTunes from the programs and features control panel.
Locate the new shortcut for iTunes, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator. Doing this once may fix certain launch issues.
Try holding ctrl+shift as you launch iTunes so it opens in safe-mode. Again doing this once may sometimes help.
Otherwise try Fix unexpected quits or launch issues in iTunes for Windows - Apple Support and test the behaviour in a different user profile.
Finally see the second box in Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates for detailed tear down and rebuild advice.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

274,318 points

Feb 18, 2017 9:58 AM in response to gregfromwaikoloa

Holding down Ctrl+Shift immediately on clicking the icon that launches iTunes should produce a message about running in safe mode and with visualizations disabled.

You shouldn't need to use the Run as administrator option every time if iTunes is installed correctly, however there is an option to run a shortcut as the administrator which may be a useful short term workaround for you.

tt2

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Answer 3

Feb 18, 2017 9:47 AM in response to turingtest2

Very helpful, but not quite there. I can consistently open iTunes using the Run as administrator selection. I repaired the app, but couldn't tell what might have changed.

I also tried ctrl-shift and that opened iTunes once. Shutting down and trying to repeat ctrl-shift did not work a second time.

I'm happy that I can at least get iTunes opening consistently, but should I push on into further explanations, as you suggest?

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