Wondering how to download iTunes 11 from iTunes 12? Follow our step-by-step guide to enjoy the features of both versions without any hassle.Downloading an older version of iTunes, such as iTunes 11, when you currently have iTunes 12 can be a bit tricky since Apple generally does not support or offer downloads for older versions of iTunes on their official website.
How to download iTunes 11 from iTunes 12
However, I can guide you through a general process which people often use to revert to an older version of iTunes. Please keep in mind that this method might not always work due to compatibility issues or unavailability of older versions, and it’s always a good idea to back up your data before attempting such changes.
Here’s a tabular guide for the process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Backup Data | Back up your iTunes library. This can be done by copying the iTunes media folder to an external drive or another location on your computer. |
| 2. Uninstall iTunes 12 | Go to the Control Panel on your computer, find “Programs and Features”, locate iTunes 12, and uninstall it. This should also remove related Apple software components. |
| 3. Download iTunes 11 | Search for a reliable source to download iTunes 11. Websites like FileHippo or OldApps sometimes host older versions of software. Be cautious and ensure the source is reputable to avoid malware. |
| 4. Install iTunes 11 | Run the installer for iTunes 11 that you downloaded. Follow the installation prompts to complete the process. |
| 5. Restore Library | Open iTunes 11. If needed, restore your library from the backup you made earlier. This might require manually importing the media files back into iTunes. |
| 6. Check Compatibility | Verify if your current device and operating system are compatible with iTunes 11, as older software may not work with newer hardware or OS versions. |
Important Notes:
- Compatibility: Newer devices or operating systems may not be compatible with older versions of iTunes.
- Security Risks: Using outdated software can pose security risks.
- Functionality: Some features available in iTunes 12 may not be present in iTunes 11.
- Data Loss Risk: Always ensure your data is backed up before proceeding with such operations.
If you’re not comfortable with this process or if it seems too risky, you might want to consider using iTunes 12 or finding alternative media management solutions.
Even if you can I download iTunes 11, it does not mean that you should do . There are several important reasons for sticking to ITunes 12:
- Restoring older versions of iTunes restores the previous interface, but it can also cause problems. For example, iTunes upgrades are usually released with new iOS devices and iPods, and the two need to work together. As a result, an older version of iTunes may have trouble syncing with newer iPhones.
- This is very complicated and you may not have all the information you need. For example, the iTunes Library.xml file, which contains all the basic information from your library (such as playlists, playlists, star ratings , song and artist names, and so on), is associated with the version of iTunes you created when you created it. Therefore, if you have the iTunes Library.xml file created in iTunes 12, it cannot be used in iTunes 11. You need to re-create your library empty or create a version of iTunes 11 file that you can use instead.
- Because you’re using an older version of your iTunes Library.xml file, any changes you make to backing up your library and starting the download process will be lost. You must re-add music and other media and remove metadata associated with those files, such as playlists or new playlists.
- Downgrading iTunes in Windowsis a somewhat more complicated and different process. This article only covers downgrading to Mac OS X.
How to go back to iTunes 11
- Start giving up iTunes if it works on your computer.
- Install the application cleaner if you have not already done so.
- Then back up your iTunes library. Hacking shouldn’t be a problem – you shouldn’t touch your music, movies, apps, etc. at all, but it’s always safe, especially when your iTunes library is so large and complex. However, you prefer to back up your data (on-site, external hard drive, cloud service ) immediately.
- This will download iTunes 11 (or any previous version of iTunes you want to use) from the Apple website.
- Next, drag the iTunes music folder to your desktop. You can find it in ~ / Music / iTunes. Make sure you know where this folder is located: it contains all your music, apps, books, podcasts, and needs to be restored to its original location.
- Start the application cleaner. On the App Cleanermenu, click Preferences . In the Preferences window, click Brightness Defaults . Close the window.
- In the clean app market, click appsand then iTunes to search. Check the box next to it, and then click Search . A list of all the files associated with iTunes programs on your computer appears. By default, all files are marked for deletion. When you’re sure you want to delete iTunes 12, click Delete .
- Double-click the iTunes 11 installer and follow the instructions. When the installation is complete, don’t open iTunes yet.
- Drag your iTunes music folder (the one you referred back to your desktop in step 5) back to its original location: ~ / Music / iTunes.
- In Cleaner, step 7, you should remove the iTunes-compatible iTunes Library.xml file, which is currently ~ / Music / iTunes, but if it hasn’t, drag it to the Trash now.
- Find the iTunes Library.xml file that is compatible with your iTunes 11 and drag it to the iTunes folder (~ / Music / iTunes).
- Hold down the selectionand click the iTunes 11 icon to launch the program.
- A window will open asking you to create a new iTunes collection or select one. Click Select.
- In the window that appears, select Music in theleft sidebar and then the iTunes folder . Click OK .
- iTunes 11 should now open and load your iTunes 11-compatible iTunes Library. At this point, you should have iTunes 11 and your previous iTunes collection.
In this article, we have provided a step-by-step guide on how to download iTunes 11 from iTunes 12. We understand that some users prefer the older version for various reasons, and we hope this guide has helped you in achieving that. Remember to follow each step carefully to ensure a smooth transition from iTunes 12 to iTunes 11. Now you can relish the features of iTunes 11 while still having the latest version installed on your device. Happy downloading.
