iTunes loading slowly? Here’s a simple fix to speed iTunes launch

May 5, 2010 - 19 Comments

iTunes

From time to time iTunes can take a very long time to open, typically because it is looking for the music library.

If you find iTunes to be taking a long time to launch, you might try this simple fix seems to resolve the slow application launch issues:

* Launch iTunes

* Immediately hit and hold the “Option” / ALT key

* Select your iTunes Library, on your computer, often located in the user home folder or /Music/iTunes/

* Click OK

iTunes should now but be considerably faster when loading and quitting.

The interesting thing is that you’re loading the same music library as before, so the speedup must be related to a more recent cache being available.

itunes_logo

This should work with iTunes on both Mac and Windows.

If you have any other tips to speed up iTunes, share with us in the comments!

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Related articles:

Posted by: Manish Patel in iTunes, Troubleshooting

19 Comments

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  1. BleachX says:

    FYI – There’s no such thing as an “Option” key on a PC keyboard and the ALT key does nothing.

    • lee says:

      After upgraded to Windows 11, iTunes taking about 3-4 minutes to launch. That’s why I am here to see any way to solve the problem. Tried most recommendations but doesn’t fix it. Then I decided to un-install it, then re-install it, it works!!! Instantly open it now, every single time…

  2. Rick Corrigan says:

    Nope. Not really. Still churning.

  3. Kunal says:

    What is the option key for hp pavilion notebook ????? And my issue is ituens open up but it takes long interval of loading time …?? Plz help

  4. steveylang says:

    This still works great in 2016!! (iTunes 12)

  5. Aaron says:

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!

  6. Steve says:

    It’s the Shift key for windows

  7. Blikkies says:

    I love you!!! Worked like a charm. Lately my iTunes took more than 3 minutes to start up. And then clicking a song brought up the spinning rainbow wheel for another few minutes. I can now play music from closed itunes till pumping tunes in 3 seconds!!!

  8. AntwanFisha says:

    Thanks! I use a pc and I used “alt” instead of option when opening. It seemed to do the trick – it just asked for my itunes password again – beware – each time. But still if kicka$$ speed is what you’re looking for this should do it.

  9. woody says:

    Where is the “option” key? I’m using a DELL laptop (E4200) with Windows XP.

  10. gbxdl says:

    My entire computer got faster because of this tip!
    Thanks allot!

  11. […] Saw this on OSXDaily; […]

  12. poppinfresh says:

    wow that was awesome

  13. bonobo says:

    Shaved a good 5 seconds+ off my launch time, thanks! iTunes was getting really slow, must be some caching thing. Thanks again.

  14. XCool says:

    just like what Fabio says, holding the Option key while loading iTunes works 100% of the time instead of holding it ‘after’ the launch – you might miss the key and end up waiting for iTunes to launch with the default library..

    also note that holding the Option key while launching or clicking any icons in the dock will cause the current application to hide – if you have a lot of windows open, the iTunes prompt might be hidden behind one of them..

    great tip nevertheless! :)

  15. Fabio says:

    For me worked just when I click and hold the Option key and clicked on iTunes icon. Great tip !!!

  16. Adam Shafer says:

    Wow… this worked great for me! Went from taking probably 6-8 seconds to load iTunes to about 2. THANK YOU!

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