The default setting in the Windows version of iTunes is to open or launch itself automatically, whenever it detects an iPhone or iPad being connected to the computer.
While this feature can be useful, it can be annoying when your intention is only to charge your device, transfer photos using File Explorer or perform other tasks that are not related to iTunes.
Fortunately, it is really easy to change the default “auto-start” setting in iTunes and prevent iTunes from starting up automatically on a Windows 11/10 computer.
iTunes Opening Automatically on Windows Computer
The reason for iTunes starting up automatically on a Windows computer is due to “Automatically sync when iPhone is connected” option being enabled by default in iTunes.
Hence, all that is required to prevent iTunes from opening automatically on your computer is to disable the “Auto Sync” option by using any of the two different methods as provided below in this guide.
1. Stop iTunes Opening Automatically By Disabling Auto Sync
You can follow the steps below to disable the “Auto- Sync” option in iTunes and this will prevent iTunes from opening automatically on your computer.
1. Connect iPhone to computer > click on the iPhone icon as it appears in iTunes.
2. Click on the Summary tab in the left-pane. In the right-pane, uncheck Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected option, located under the “Options” section.
3. Click on Apply & Done to save this setting for iTunes on your computer.
After this, you should no longer find iTunes opening automatically, the next time you plug your iPhone to the computer.
2. Stop iTunes Opening Automatically Using Preferences Tab
Another way to stop iTunes from launching itself automatically on a Windows computer is by going to “Device Preferences” section in iTunes.
1. Plug your iPhone to computer.
2. Select the Edit tab in top-menu bar and click on Preferences in the drop-down menu.
3. On the next screen, go to the Devices tab and check Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically option.
4. Click on OK to save this setting for iTunes on your computer.
This will prevent iTunes from automatically launching itself, whenever an Apple Device (iPhone or iPad) is connected to the computer for charging or performing tasks that do not require the use of iTunes.
Note: After this change, you can still launch iTunes by clicking on the iTunes Shortcut Icon on your Computer.