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How to authorize a computer on iTunes
July 10, 2025
One great feature of iPads and iPhones is that you’ll never need to authorize iTunes like you would on a computer. You can simply log in and start making purchases. However, you’ll have to authorize your new MacBook or PC if you want to purchase new music or movies. Here are the steps to follow on both Windows 10 and macOS to get you started.
See also:How to use iTunes on a Chromebook
It’s helpful to know that you’re able to have as many iOS devices as you want attached to your Apple ID. You can buy songs and other content on all of them. However, you’re limited to just five authorized computers at any one time. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to authorize iTunes on a Windows 10 computer
Windows users can tap into iTunes in two different ways. You can grab the traditional desktop software in either 32-bit or 64-bit formats, or download the iTunes app through the Microsoft store. In our case, we’re going to use the app. The process is essentially the same to authorize your computer on Itunes with both platforms, and you’ll mainly need the Account tab. Here are the steps:
There you go, one Windows computer authorized for your iTunes account. If you change your mind and want to deauthorize the same machine, follow the first three steps above. Once you reach the Authorizations section, chooseDeauthorize This Computerinstead.
See also:How to start a podcast on iTunes
How to authorize a macOS computer
You almost certainly already have iTunes installed on your macOS computer, and you’ll be happy to know that the authorization process is just as easy as the one above. You’ll once again rely on the account tab, and follow these steps:
Now you’ve authorized your macOS computer on iTunes. If you want to deauthorize your mac, follow the first three steps above. Once you reach Authorizations, chooseDeauthorize This Computerinstead.
Check your authorizations
If you’ve tried in vain to authorize a device and iTunes keeps rejecting you, you may have reached your limit. Like we said previously, the limit for authorized devices is five, so you may have to remove an old laptop or desktop. You can check which devices you have authorized pretty easily, and then we can help you update your authorizations.
The easiest way to check how many devices you have authorized is with the Computer Authorizations section of iTunes. It will only show up when you have more than one authorized computer on iTunes, so that can be your first indicator. If you find that you have five authorized computers, you can select the Deauthorize All button to clear all five and reauthorize manually.
Of course, you can also remove each device individually if you still have access to it. Here’s how to find the Computer Authorizations screen on both Windows and macOS.
Find Computer Authorizations
The steps are the same on both Windows and macOS if you want to find your current computer authorizations. Here are the steps you’ll have to follow:
Manage your devices
If you’ve found your list of authorized devices, it’s pretty easy to get rid of one or two of them to free up space. Once again, the process is the same for both Windows and macOS, and you’re able to follow most of the steps from the above section. Once you reach the Apple ID Summary in your account, follow these steps:
There you go, everything you could need to know about how to authorize a computer on iTunes. You should be able to keep your devices in check without any problems.
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