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Fix: Computer is Not Authorized to Run iTunes
5 min. read
Updated onJanuary 19, 2024
updated onJanuary 19, 2024
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Key notes
To play and sync mediacontentin theiTunes media player, you need to authorize a Windows desktop or laptop for an Apple ID.
Some iTunes users have stated that computer not authorizederror messagespop up when playing or syncing media content with themedia player.
Thoseerror messagespop up for some users even when they’ve already authorized an Apple ID with theAuthorize This Computeroption on the Store menu. Consequently, they can’t play or sync selected music or video in iTunes.
How do I fix iTunes saying computer is not authorized when it is?
1. Log out of iTunes
If iTunes says that your computer is not authorized, but it actually is, the cause of the problem might be a glitch easily fixed by logging out and logging in to iTunes again.
2. Check what user account purchased the media file
Note that iTunes might request authorization when you select toplay DRM media filesthat weren’t purchased with the Apple ID you’re signed in with.
Thus, somebody else who also utilizes iTunes on the same laptop or desktop might have purchased mediacontentwith a different Apple ID than the one you’re logged in with.
Or you might have downloaded DRM mediacontentwith another ID yourself. If so, you must sign in with the account ID that the music was purchased with to play it.
3. Deauthorize computers linked with iTunes
You can only authorize a maximum of five PCs for your Apple ID. Thus, you can’t authorize a computer if you’ve already authorized the maximum number of PCs for your iTunes account.
As such, reauthorizing desktops or laptops for an Apple ID might fix the computer not authorized message in iTunes.
4. Reinstall iTunes
Some users have also stated that they’ve fixed computer not authorizederror messagesby reinstalling iTunes.
You can manually reinstall iTunes like any other app, but if you want to remove it completely, we suggest using IObit Uninstaller.
This application is designed for software removal, and it will completely uninstall any software you want to remove, including all associated files and registry entries.
IObit Uninstaller is simple to use, and it offers in-depth removal, unlike the regular uninstall process in Windows, so you should check it out.
Other great features:
IObit Uninstaller
5. Delete the SC Info folder
The iTunes computer not authorized error can be to due to a corrupted SD Info folder. Thus, deleting that folder can potentially fix the issue as iTunes will recreate SD Info.
6. Reset User Account Controls
If iTunes says that your computer is not authorized, but it is, adjusting User Account Control settings might be able to help you.
These are a few fixes that will probably resolve most iTunes computer not authorizederror messages. If you encounter any issues with iTunes, it probably concerns thedistnoted.exe file, so check for any errors.
Note that most of the above resolutions might also fix unauthorized issues for the Apple Mac iTunes software and its Windows counterpart.
More about the topics:itunes,windows 10 fix
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
