Keith Weisshar
Level 1 (4 points)

Q: Deauthorize iTunes

Is the iTunes authorization on the Windows 10 PC tied to the MAC address, Windows boot drive volume, or both?  Will reinstalling Windows count as a new PC even though the PC still has the same MAC address on the Ethernet or Wi-Fi controller?

PC, Windows 10, null

Posted on Mar 18, 2016 9:24 AM

by javaliga,Apple recommended
javaliga javaliga
Level 4 (3,521 points)
iCloud
A:

As you point out, the article does say:

 

You should deauthorize your computer before you:

  • Sell it or give it away.
  • Send it in for service.
  • Make major upgrades.

 

I would consider reinstalling Windows a major upgrade, but that's just me.

 

If you made no changes to the hardware, I'm surprised iTunes didn't still recognize the device.

 

Posted on Mar 18, 2016 7:05 PM

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Keith Weisshar

Q: Deauthorize iTunes

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  • by javaliga,

    javaliga javaliga Mar 18, 2016 9:51 AM in response to Keith Weisshar
    Level 4 (3,521 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 18, 2016 9:51 AM in response to Keith Weisshar

    I believe it's tied to the MAC address.

  • by Keith Weisshar,

    Keith Weisshar Keith Weisshar Mar 18, 2016 2:30 PM in response to javaliga
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mar 18, 2016 2:30 PM in response to javaliga

    Why is reinstalling Windows not listed in the list on Deauthorize your computer using iTunes - Apple Support under you should deauthorize your computer before you sell it or give it away, send it in for service, or make major upgrades?

  • by javaliga,Apple recommended

    javaliga javaliga Mar 18, 2016 7:05 PM in response to Keith Weisshar
    Level 4 (3,521 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 18, 2016 7:05 PM in response to Keith Weisshar

    As you point out, the article does say:

     

    You should deauthorize your computer before you:

    • Sell it or give it away.
    • Send it in for service.
    • Make major upgrades.

     

    I would consider reinstalling Windows a major upgrade, but that's just me.

     

    If you made no changes to the hardware, I'm surprised iTunes didn't still recognize the device.

     

  • by turingtest2,Apple recommended

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Mar 21, 2016 6:41 AM in response to Keith Weisshar
    Level 10 (85,885 points)
    iTunes
    Mar 21, 2016 6:41 AM in response to Keith Weisshar

    Windows authorizations are tied to the boot volume. In a multi boot PC each instance of the OS needs authorizing separately. OS X manages to authenticate the machine. Authorization may survive a Windows upgrade, but I'd recommend deauthorizing beforehand and reauthorizing afterwards just in case. Reinstalling Windows will clear away any active authorization record so you should always deauthorize before reinstalling.

     

    If you're running low on available authorizations, and are not able to use the deauthorize all command because you've used it in the last year then contact iTunes support and explain the problem. They should be able to reset things for you.

     

    tt2