How to fix “iTunes is waiting for Windows update error” [3 Easy Fixes]

This article will explain how to solve the “iTunes is waiting for windows update to install the driver for this iPhone” error with genuine solutions that actually fix the issue.

We all know Apple is notorious for keeping people trapped in its ecosystem. But credit where credit is due, they achieve this by integrating each of their devices with the rest of them. They design their devices according to their ecosystem in such a way so that the interaction between each device is seamless.

We saw this formula repeat itself in WWDC this year when Apple announced their new feature focus mode where you can set how your devices behave according to your work environment. For example, you can set a focus mode profile for work when you are in your office or home when you return from work. And once you turn on a focus mode profile in any of your devices, say in your iPhone, it will be automatically set to your iPad, your Mac, your apple watch, and every other Apple device you own. That’s the level of connectivity and convenience they offer.

But this convenience doesn’t come cheap. Apple devices are expensive, and so does their services and applications. But if you are as stubborn as we are and reject the apple supremacy, chances are you don’t belong in their ecosystem and don’t want to get trapped. But for whatever reason, if you decide to get an iPhone and own a Windows system as your PC instead of a Mac, the situation becomes tricky.

Even for tasks as simple as transferring files between your iPhone and Windows PC becomes a real pain once your try connecting your iPhone to your Windows PC. You have to have another 3rd party app from Apple called iTunes installed on your PC so that it recognizes your iPhone. And while doing so, along with all the ridiculous errors, iTunes has one of them you frequent;y is “iTunes is waiting for windows update to install the drivers for this iPhone”.

Thankfully, this is not as painful as some other errors and inconveniences that iTunes has on offer. iTunes is waiting for windows update error occurs mostly because of the outdated iPhone drivers on your PC. So performing a windows update should obviously fix the iTunes is waiting for windows update error message. But if it doesn’t, we will try some alternative ways to make it work. So let’s get started-

How to fix iTunes is waiting for Windows update error?

We will try with the simplest fixes to a bit trickier fix in chronological order. Try the following fixes one by one and check if the problem is fixed before proceeding to the next solution. Now let’s get on with the most obvious first-

Fix 1: Update Your Windows –

Disconnect your iPhone from your PC and follow the steps below to update your Windows( IF available)

• Step 1:From the start, menu type Windows Update and click on open to launch Windows Update Settings.

• Step 2:Now From the right panel, click on Check for updates. This will check for any available updates and install them once the update finishes. Restart your PC and check if the issue is fixed.

Must Read: How to turn on optional diagnostic data in windows 10?

Fix 2: Update iTunes

If you are already up to date on Windows Update or Windows Update didn’t work for you, you should try updating iTunes. Sometimes the iTunes app requires certain bug fixes to work properly; otherwise, you may get errors like iTunes is waiting for windows update. There are two ways you might have installed iTunes on your PC. You can install a desktop version as a .exe file or get it from the Microsoft store. For both the apps, the update strategy is going to be different-

A] For the Desktop Version

• • Step 1: To update the desktop version of iTunes, search for ‘Apple Software Update‘ and open it from the Start menu.
  • Step 2: Since you are connected to the Internet, the Apple Software Update application will launch and immediately search for any updates for apple applications such as iTunes, iCloud, etc. If you see any update regarding iTunes, select it and click on Install 1 item. This will install the updates.

B] For iTunes Microsoft Store Version

If you’ve installed iTunes from the windows store, you can update it from the Microsoft Store itself. To do that-

• • Step 1: Open Microsoft Store from the Start menu, and on the home screen, click on Library.

• • Step 2: Here, you’ll see the list of apps installed on your PC from the Microsoft store. Find iTunes from the list. If any update is available, you’ll see an Update button next to the app. Click on it, and it will update the app.

Updating iTunes sometimes fix the error. Please plug in your iPhone and check if it’s solved or not. if not, we would proceed to some trickier solutions-

Fix 3: Re-install Drivers Manually to fix iTunes is waiting for Windows update error

If both the above-mentioned fixes failed to resolve the iTunes is waiting for windows update issue, we should manually try reinstalling the iPhone drivers. There are two ways you can do that—one for the Desktop Version and one for the Microsoft store version. Connect your iPhone with the lighting cable to your PC first, and let’s get you through the update process for both of them step by step-

A] For the Desktop Version

• • Step 1: Open File Explorer and go to the path mentioned below. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the path on the address bar-

    %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers

  • Step 2: From the window, find usbaapl64.inf file. Right-click on it and click Install.

B] For iTunes Microsoft Store Version

• • Step 1: While your iPhone is connected to the PC, Right-Click on the Start and select Device Manager from there.

• • Step 2:Now, on the screen, find ‘Portable device’ and expand it. You’ll find your iPhone listed here.
  • Step 3: Right Click on it and select Uninstall Device.

After completing the installation process restart your PC 

• • Step 4: Now, after the restart, open Device manager>Portable Device again. Find your iPhone, right-click on it and select Update Driver.
  • Step 5:From the next screen, choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Step 6: It’s done. Remove your iPhone and Restart your PC again.

This should fix the iTunes is waiting for windows update issue by now. Try connecting your iPhone and check if it still exists.

One of these fixes will most definitely resolve the iTunes is waiting for windows update error message. It should no longer pop up next time you try to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC. Please let us know if this guide helped you in any way; we would also like to resolve any other problems you have with iTunes. Just drop them in the comment section below.

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