I have version 12.9.0.167 on windows 10 pc, Everytime I start Itunes i get msg; "The software for communicting with ipd is not installed correctly. I have to get itnes to reinstall it every time. Tried installing version of itunes from ms, no change

You may find a direct download from Apple works better than the Microsoft Store version.

For general advice see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates.

The steps in the second box are a guide to removing everything related to iTunes and then rebuilding it which is often a good starting point unless the symptoms indicate a more specific approach. When reinstalling right click on the downloaded setup file and use run as administrator. It may also help to temporarily disable any non-Microsoft anti-virus.

Review the other boxes and the list of support documents further down the page in case one of them applies.

The further information area has direct links to the current and recent builds in case you have problems downloading, or want to revert to an older version if the current one won't work properly for you at the moment.

Your library and device backups should be unaffected by these steps but there are links to backup and recovery advice should it be needed.

tt2