Turn off compatibility mode in iTunes for Windows

Learn how to turn off compatibility mode in iTunes for Windows to resolve issues with iTunes.

This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

You might get a message when you open iTunes that asks you to disable compatiability mode. 

To turn Windows compatibility mode off, follow the steps below:

  1. Quit iTunes.
  2. Press the Windows key on your keyboard. If your keyboard doesn't have a Windows key, press the Control (Ctrl) and Escape (Esc) keys on your keyboard at the same time.
  3. Click on the magnifying icon or search field. In the search field, enter %SystemDrive%.
  4. Open the Program Files folder. If you're using iTunes on a system with an older video card, open Program Files (x86).
  5. Open the iTunes folder.
  6. Right-click on the iTunes application (iTunes or iTunes.exe) and from the pop up menu, click Properties.
  7. Click the Compatibility tab.
  8. Click "Change Settings for All Users." If it's selected, deselect the check box under Compatibility mode. Then click OK.
  9. Click OK again.
  10. Open iTunes and play a song.

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