How to Fix iTunes Is Waiting for Windows Update Error
But unlike the other ridiculous mistakes that iTunes throws all the time, it made sense.
In simple terms, "iTunes is waiting for Windows update …" results in an outdated device driver for your iPhone. So doing a Windows update will probably solve the problem for you.
But with iTunes, problems are not so easy to solve most of the time. In my case, I made an extra effort to manually reinstall the drivers for my iPhone. Fortunately, nothing is complicated and can be completed quickly enough.
I've compiled the troubleshooting steps for desktop and Windows Store versions of iTunes. Try the fix for the version you are using accordingly.
1. Update Windows
Since the application of the latest Windows updates is the default action of the error message "iTunes is waiting for the update of Windows …", let's start with that. Disconnect your iPhone from your PC before continuing.
Step 1: Type "windows update" in the search box on the taskbar, and then click Open to launch Windows Update.
2nd step: Click Check for Updates. If new updates are available, Windows Update will download and install them automatically. For some optional updates, you may need to click Install to begin the installation procedure.
Restart your PC if prompted, then launch iTunes. Connect your iPhone and check if you are still experiencing the error message on iTunes. If you still do, keep reading.
2. Update iTunes
If the Windows update did not help you solve the problem, you should consider upgrading to iTunes. The latest versions contain many bugfixes, so it's wise to proceed this way.
ITunes desktop version
Step 1: Type "Apple Software Update" in the search bar on the taskbar, and then click OK. Apple Software Update will launch and analyze new updates.
2nd step: If updates are present, select them and click Install. Follow the rest of the instructions on the screen to update iTunes with the latest version.
While you're at it, it's also a good idea to install any additional updates (if available) of related Apple software such as iCloud.
Windows Store iTunes Version
Step 1: Open the Windows Store via the taskbar. Then, click the ellipsis icon (three dots) in the upper right corner of the Windows Store window, and then click Downloads and Updates.
2nd step: If updates are available for iTunes, click the Download icon next to it.
Once you have updated iTunes, be sure to check if the problem is resolved before continuing.
3. Reinstall the drivers manually
If updating Windows and iTunes did not solve the problem, it's time to reinstall the drivers yourself. Before making the correction applicable to your iTunes version, connect your iPhone to the PC, then quit iTunes when it launches automatically.
ITunes desktop version
Step 1: Open the file explorer. Then, copy and paste the following path into the address bar at the top of the File Explorer window, and then click OK:
%ProgramFiles%Common FilesAppleMobile Device SupportDrivers
2nd step: Right-click the usbaapl64.inf file (or the usbaapl.inf file if you are using a 32-bit version of iTunes), and then click Install.
NOTtakes away: Since there are several files of the same name in the directory, right-click a file, and then select Properties to identify the extension of the INF file in case of confusion.
Remove your iPhone, reboot your PC, and then reconnect your iPhone. Once iTunes is launched, you will probably no longer encounter the problem.
Windows Store iTunes Version
Step 1: Locate "Device Manager" with the help of the Search Bar on the taskbar, and then click Open.
S2nd step: Expand the option labeled Portable Devices. Right-click Apple iPhone, and then click Uninstall Device.
Apple iPhone will disappear under the Portable Devices section. Do not worry, you'll get it back! Quit Device Manager.
Step 3: Restart your computer. After rebooting the desktop, unlock your iPhone, and quit iTunes if it appears automatically.
SStep 4: Restart the Device Manager. Again, expand the section titled Portable Devices and you should see the Apple iPhone again appear below. I told you so! Right-click it, but click Update Driver This Time.
Step 5: Select "Automatically search for updated driver". After the update process is complete (or if no new updates are available), click Close.
Remove your iPhone, reboot your PC, and then reconnect your iPhone. You will probably not encounter the error "iTunes is waiting for the update of Windows …".
Wait Catalina
I hope you can connect your iPhone to your PC without any problem after using one of the solutions mentioned above. In addition, the error message "iTunes expects Windows Update to install the driver for this iPhone". should disappear. Apple should seriously consider splitting iTunes on Windows, as was the case with macOS Catalina. Otherwise, these ridiculously insignificant questions will only appear too often. iTunes is too heavy to work properly.
Then: Did you know that you can listen to Apple Music without using iTunes? Discover how.