Why am I getting the "Device driver software was not successfully installed" error when connecting iPhone to iTunes for Windows?

When you connect your iPhone to Windows with the USB cable, Windows needs to install device drivers that matches your iPhone.

If Windows fails to find and install the required device driver, you will get the "Device driver software was not successfully installed" error message.

You can follow this tutorial to find the root cause of the issue and resolve it.

1. Click and open the device installation icon from the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. You see the error message and a list of recently installed device drivers:

Device driver software was not successfully installed

Please consult with your device manufacturer for assistance 
getting this device installed.
   iPhone	        No driver found
   Apple iPhone     Ready to use
   Unknown Device   Failed

You can change your settings to automatically search Windows
update for drivers.

[ Change setting... ]

2. Click "Change setting..." button. You see "Device Installation Settings":

Do you want Windows to download driver software and realistic 
icons for you device?
[x] Yes, do this automatically
[ ] No, let me choose what to do

3. Check the checkbox next to "Yes, do this automatically" option.

4. Click "Save Changes".

5. Go to "Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers". You see "Apple iPhone" and "Apple Mobile Device (USB Driver)" are listed as installed devices.

6. Right-mouse click on the device icon and select "Troubleshoot". Windows will try to fix the device problem.

⇒ iPhone Summary Displayed on iTunes on Windows

⇐ Connect iPhone to iTunes on Windows via USB

⇑ Manage iPhone from iTunes on Windows

⇑⇑ Apple Music and iTunes Frequently Asked Questions