iTunes for Windows Vista: How to make iTunes the default application for music and audio files

Summary

This article addresses steps for making iTunes the default application for audio files in Windows Vista. To set iTunes as the default application in Windows XP and Windows 2000, follow the instructions in this article.

Products Affected

iTunes 7 for Windows, iTunes 8 for Windows

iTunes can play many types of audio files available on the Internet. Using Windows, you can select iTunes as the default application to open audio files.

For a complete list of the kinds of audio files iTunes can play, see, "iTunes: Compatible Audio File Types".

iTunes for Windows can be configured as the default application using the Default Programs control panel.

Changing the default media application

1. From the Start button, click Default Programs.

The Default Programs control panel appears.

2. Select Set your default programs.

   

3. Select iTunes.
4. Select Set this program as default.

   

5. Click OK.

Note: To make a different application the default media player, follow these same steps and select the application you want to use. iTunes for Windows can be configured to notify you if iTunes is not the default player for audio files.

Setting notification if iTunes is not the default media application for audio files

1. Open iTunes.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Preferences.
3. Click the Advanced button and then click the General tab.
4. Click "Warn me if iTunes is not the default player for audio files" to select this option.
5. Click OK.

Each time you start iTunes, you will see this message: “iTunes has detected that it is not the default player for audio files. Would you like to go to the Default Programs control panel to fix this?” This message will appear unless iTunes is set as the default application. You can also unset this message.

Unsetting notification if iTunes is not the default media application for audio files

1. Open iTunes.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Preferences.
3. Click the Advanced button and then click the General tab.
4. Click "Warn me if iTunes is not the default player for audio files" to deselect this option.
5. Click OK.

Related posts:

1. iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Music folder
2. Removing and reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows Vista
3. May be unable to import or play music from an audio CD in iTunes for Windows
4. iTunes for Windows: Moving your iTunes Music folder
5. Importing Windows Media Audio files with iTunes for Windows