iTunes 12.6.2.20 should I upgrade?

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Level 1

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iTunes 12.6.2.20 should I upgrade?

Previously, all iTunes on my PC updated themselves within the program and simply restarted afterwards.

Now for some reason, it takes me to a webpage (which is strange), and I download a link for 12.7.

Every time I try to install I get an error. It asks me also to close Outlook which really shouldn't have anything to do with it! I'm skeptical and scared now. If I can somehow get it to work, will I have to reinstall literally everything again, lose my playlists etc? FK that if that's the case.

Am I better off just sticking with 12.6.12.20 and not doing anything?

It happened to me once before and I do NOT want to have to reinstall all my music and re-do playlists that took me years to create and have ready for sync with my phone.

Thanks in advance!

Posted on Jan 21, 2018 10:17 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 22, 2018 6:35 PM in response to SimDiesel

Hi,

If you are running 12.6.2.20 then you have the last release before iTunes 12.7 was launched. 12.7 introduced significant changes which are not to everyone's tastes. See Changes in the new iTunes - Apple Support and Managing apps with iTunes 12.7 or later for details.

iTunes does include some integration with Microsoft Outlook, so a request to close Outlook during the installation of iTunes if it is open is quite normal.

The layout of the iTunes download page at https://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ has changed recently. Previously the download buttons triggered the download though some Javascript, which would sometimes be prevented by pop-up blockers, whereas there are now simple direct links. This also makes it easier to check that file you are about to download really comes from a secure link to an Apple domain.

Should you have any difficulties updating iTunes see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates.

tt2

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Answer 2

liv0123

Level 4

2,883 points

Jan 22, 2018 2:06 AM in response to SimDiesel

Hi SIM,

Here is the official how to with direct link to apple.com and the latest version of iTunes where you can update iTunes securely

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201352

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 23, 2018 3:45 AM in response to SimDiesel

The previous tools for managing apps, books, and tones within the library were removed in iTunes 12.7. I'm quite happy managing this content directly on my device but it was an unwelcome change for those with low bandwidth and/or multiple devices to manage. You should upgrade unless you have a good reason not to. 12.6.3.6 is the minimum version to support devices running iOS 11.

Integration with Outlook is useful for those who want their calendar, contacts, etc. to sync between their device and their computer. The features are built in, but optional.

tt2

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Answer 4

Jan 22, 2018 2:13 AM in response to SimDiesel

As other reply suggests .. Download from Apple.

You mentioned Outlook in your post.. Curious, did you recieve an email regarding the update and possibly a download link included in the email..

If so.. Quarantine that email. And get WEBROOT Security / anti Virus software.. Average of $29.99 .. And install and scan...!!

Good luck

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 23, 2018 3:50 AM in response to SimDiesel

Your playlists will be fine. See Create and manage ringtones in iTunes for details on how to add and remove tones with the new version.

tt2

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Answer 6

SimDiesel Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 22, 2018 6:34 PM in response to Crashzone

Hi Crashzone

Thanks, no I didn't get an email, I tried downloading direct from iTunes but the install kept failing saying that I needed to close Outlook which I thought was strange.

I still don't know whether to keep the one I've got or get the new one though that's the main question really, is it worth it?

I do not want to lose all my playlists and start from scratch etc.

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Answer 7

SimDiesel Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 22, 2018 6:37 PM in response to turingtest2

Hi Turingtest

Thank you so much for all the detail, hugely appreciated!

Is it really that different in layout as you suggest? The main question I really need is is it worth doing it or should I just leave it and stick with the one I have? I certainly have no problem with it.

The otehr thing that bugs me is why they would ever need to integrate with Outlook in the first place. I'm tired of all these companies wanting access to literally everything they simply don't need to.

You have been a great help so thank you again!

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