iTunes crashes whenever I connect a device or attempt to access settings

Greetings mrblanchett,

If you are having issues with iTunes on your PC, it could be caused by third-party security software.

Start by testing your connectivity:

"Test your connectivity

1. Check your hosts file to make sure that it's not blocking iTunes from communicating with Apple's servers.
2. If you’re having issues using AirPlay, Home Sharing, iTunes, or Remote, test the connectivity between the computers or devices in your house. They should be connected to the same network and subnet in order to function properly." Resolve issues between iCloud for Windows or iTunes and third-party security software

Then, visit the linked article to learn more steps.

We hope this helps, so you can use iTunes seamlessly .

Best wishes.