You can remove iTunes and related Apple services from your computer. The process is fairly straightforward on a Windows computer, but since the iTunes application is the default player for many files on Macs and is considered an integral part of the operating system, it is not easy (or recommended) to delete it. However, it is quite possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Windows 10
Step 1. Open Windows Settings
You will find this icon in the Start menu.
- If you are using Windows 7 or 8, you will need to open the Start menu, click on Control panel, to select Programs then Programs and Features. Then go to the third step. The remaining steps will be similar to Windows 10.
Step 2. Click Applications
You will find this option in the second column, above Time and language. Click on it to display a list of applications and programs on your machine. Depending on how many programs you have and the size of your hard drive space, this may take a few seconds to a minute.
Step 3. Select iTunes
You will see the program highlighted in blue and expanded.
Step 4. Choose Uninstall
You will see this button appear in the highlighted and expanded area next to Edit.
Step 5. Follow the uninstallation steps
Click on Uninstall at the command prompt then choose Yes to uninstall iTunes.
- If you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart later.
Step 6. Uninstall other Apple services
This will only be necessary if you have the desktop version of iTunes installed. If you have the UWP or Microsoft Store version, you can skip this step. To get rid of iTunes permanently, uninstall the following programs in this order:
- Apple Software Update;
- Apple Mobile Device Support;
- Hello;
- Apple Application Support (64-bit);
- Apple Application Support (32-bit).
Step 7. Restart your computer
Open the Start menu, click the power button icon, and then select To restart. When your computer starts up, iTunes and partner applications will be gone from your machine.
Method 2 of 2: Use a Mac
Step 1. Disable System Integrity Protection
Since iTunes is a default application, it will be very difficult to uninstall it. You will first need to turn off System Integrity Protection.
- Restart your computer then press Ctrl + R to boot into recovery mode.
- Go to Utilities > Terminal to open Terminal in recovery mode.
- Type csrutil disable in the Terminal window then press Return on your keyboard. You will see that System Integrity Protection has been disabled.
Step 2. Restart your Mac
Then, log into your administrator account. You will only be able to uninstall applications with an account with administrator rights.
Step 3. Open Terminal
You will find it in the folder Applications under Utilities. You can also search for terminal in Spotlight.
Step 4. Type cd / Applications / then press Return
This will display the apps directory.
Step 5. Type sudo rm-rf iTunes.app/ then press Return
This command will remove the iTunes application from your Mac.
Step 6. Re-enable System Integrity Protection
Restart your Mac then press Ctrl + R to boot into recovery mode, open Terminal and then run this command: csrutil enable.
Advice
- VLC Media Player is a decent alternative to iTunes.
- In macOS Catalina, iTunes is divided into 3 applications: Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV. For more information, visit this page.