iTunes is a very bloated application. It's slow, clumsy, and malfunctions in Windows 10. And the fact that it depends on a number of related applications to work properly only serves to make the experience worse. Then there is the famous "Windows Installer Package" error that can make a dent in your day.
Usually, the 'Windows Installer Package' error appears when you try to update or reinstall iTunes. That has been a known problem for several years and was caused by a conflict with the Apple software update utility that was originally installed together with iTunes.
Fortunately, the solutions listed below will help you avoid these mistakes forever. Then let's start
Fix Apple software updates
The wrong example of Apple Software Update is the most likely cause behind the "Windows Installer Package" error. Therefore, a clear way to fix it is to fix it. Fortunately, a short visit to the Applications and Features panel will help you do that.
Step 1: Open the Start menu, type applications and features, then click Open.
Step 2: In the list of applications that appear, click Apple Software Update and then click Change.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, click Fix and then follow the instructions left on the screen to fix Apple Software Update.
Step 4: Click Finish when you are asked to complete the repair of the Apple Software Update.
Step 5: Download iTunes from the official Apple website.
Download iTunes
Step 6: Run the downloaded file and then click Fix when prompted. It must reinstall and update iTunes to the latest version, and you might not have found the 'Windows Installer Package' error.
If you experience problems again, let's see what's on the card below.
Use the Microsoft program, install and uninstall the troubleshooter
For cases where improvements to Apple Software Update appear to be unsuccessful, you must use Microsoft Installation and Uninstall Removal Search. This utility detects and resolves problems continuously with installed applications. In this case, you must configure it to remove the Apple Software Update. Then you can reinstall the latest version of iTunes without further problems.
Step 1: Download the Troubleshooter to install and uninstall the Microsoft program and then run the downloaded file.
Download the Microsoft program, install and uninstall the troubleshooter
Step 2: Click Next and then wait for a while while the tool looks for possible problems on your PC.
Step 3: Select Uninstall. Again, wait a moment while the tool looks for problems related to the registry.
Step 4: Select Apple Software Update from the application list and then click Next.
Step 5: Click Yes, try uninstalling when prompted.
Step 6: Click Close to exit the Microsoft Installation and Removal Troubleshooter.
Trying to reinstall the latest version of iTunes will not cause problems from now on. If you find an error again, run the Microsoft Software Installation and Removal Troubleshooting, uninstall iTunes in addition to the Apple Software Update, and try again.
Use a third party removal tool
In rare cases, Solving Microsoft Software Installation and Removal Problems may fail to resolve the 'Windows Installer Package' error. In such cases, you must download and install a free third-party uninstaller, such as Revo Uninstaller, Absolute Uninstaller or CCleaner to delete iTunes and all related applications.
These tools also have the ability to completely delete leftover files and registry keys, thus providing a clean record to reinstall iTunes later. We will choose Revo Uninstaller and see it in action.
Note: this tool will not delete the music library or iPhone / iPad backup. But to be on the safer side, consider copying it to another location. Your music library is located in the Music folder in your Windows user account, while you can access your backup copy by typing '% APPDATA% \ Apple Computer \ MobileSync' in the Run box (press Windows + R).
Step 1: Download and install the free version of Revo Uninstaller.
Download Revo Uninstaller
Step 2: Right-click on Apple Software Update and then click Uninstall.
Note: If you select Uninstall does not delete iTunes, use the MSI Uninstall option.
Step 3: Revo Uninstaller will automatically create a system restore point and ask you to delete iTunes. Click Yes to confirm.
Step 4: After deleting iTunes, select the radio button next to Advanced and then Scan to find items that are finished.
Step 5: Delete all detected registry entries and then click Next.
Step 7: Repeat the procedure for other software related to iTunes on your system in the following order:
Apple software update
Support for Apple mobile devices
Bonjour
Support for 32-bit Apple applications
64-bit Apple application support
After that, restart your PC and install the latest version of iTunes. There is little chance that you will find another 'Windows Installer Package' error.
It's time to relax, but ...
Hopefully the previous solution was successful and you have successfully reinstalled or updated iTunes. However, you can also consider switching to the iTunes version of the Windows Store and completely eliminating similar headaches in the future.
In short, this requires less volume than the desktop, feels a bit slow in terms of performance and is automatically updated along with other applications from the Windows Store. That sounds good, right?
Get iTunes in the Windows Store
Migration to the iTunes Store version is also simple, because the backup and existing music library are imported from the current installation automatically. Unless you don't use Windows 10, there's no reason why you shouldn't change.
Next: Have you run out of space on the main hard drive partition because of iTunes backup? Click the link below to find out how you can change it to another partition or unit.