What version of iTunes do I need?

It is possible that a corrupt preference file may cause iTunes to fail at launch with one of these errors:

• The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes.
• The folder “iTunes” is on a locked disk or you do not have write permissions for this folder.
• The iTunes Library.itl cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the 'iTunes' folder in the 'Music' folder.

It may be worth trying the shift-start-iTunes method (option on a Mac) to actively select the .itl file that should contain your library. If you still get the error message try Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows and/or check for interference from anti-virus software.

For more info, see:

Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrad… - Apple Community

Swabby254 wrote:

I have a new Dell Inspiron 3020S computer with windows 11 Home. I tried installing iTunes 12.10.11 64 bite and I get the message "iTunes library.itl cannot not be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes".

Why are you using that version of iTunes, it's very old?

In fact, that's the last version for Windows 7, so if the .itl file for your library was created using Windows 10 that will be why you see that message.

You should be able to update your current iTunes installation from 12.10.11.2 to the latest version by clicking on Help on iTunes' top bar menu and selecting Check for Updates. Once you do that, when you re-start iTunes (with the newer version) I would expect the .itl file to work.

Alternatively, you can download iTunes from iTunes - Apple. On that page is a link to the Microsoft Store version of iTunes or, if you scroll down that page to below the picture of the laptop, there are links to the version form Apple: Looking for other versions? macOS > Windows >

The current version (at time of posting) is 12.13.1.3. Unless you have an issue that you are troubleshooting you should always run the most recent build, which you can get from https://www.apple.com/itunes/download/win64. If you are running the current build and still get that error message that indicates either a corrupt preference file or a corrupt library file. See the information posted by javaliga above. Reinstalling iTunes won't fix the problem. iTunes libraries are forward compatible. iTunes 12.13.1.3 can open valid libraries generated by all previous builds.

tt2