How to authorize new PC with iTunes

Authorizing new PC with iTunes

Learn how to authorize or deauthorize your computer with your Apple ID.

Authorizing and deauthorizing a computer allows you to manage which computers can sync or use apps, audiobooks, books, music, movies, or other content you've purchased from the iTunes Store.

You can use or sync your purchases from the iTunes Store on up to five different computers (these can be any mix of Macintosh or Windows-compatible computers). When you sync or play an item you've purchased, your computer is "authorized" for purchase using your Apple ID.

Notes:

• In order to enable Home Sharing, Automatic Downloads, or downloading of past purchases, your computer must be authorized for use with your Apple ID.
• Songs you encode in AAC format from a source other than the iTunes Store, such as your own audio CDs, and iTunes Plus content (music and music videos) do not need to be authorized.

Additional Information

• iTunes DRM-protected music includes audio with a bit rate of 128 kbps and allows users to transfer songs and videos to up to five computers, burn seven copies of the same playlist to CD, and sync to an unlimited number of iPods.
• iTunes Plus music refers to songs and music videos available in 256 kbps AAC encoding (twice the current bit rate of 128 kbps), and without digital rights management (DRM). There are no burn limits and iTunes Plus music will play on all iPods, Mac or Windows computers, Apple TVs, and many other digital music players.
• You may need to enter your Apple ID information again after initializing or formatting your hard disk. Initializing or formatting the hard disk does not remove the computer from the list of authorized computers. If you plan to initialize or format your hard disk prior to selling or donating your computer, deauthorize the computer first, then initialize or format the hard disk.
• Under some circumstances you may be required to enter your Apple ID information again, but this should not use up multiple authorizations. If you think that you may have used up multiple authorizations on just one computer, see One computer using multiple iTunes Store authorizations.
• The iTunes Store is governed by its Terms of Service, which permits Apple to change the authorization policy.
• An Apple ID based on an expired MobileMe account can still be used to purchase items and to authorize or deauthorize computers to play purchased music.