iTunes error -45061 appears on Windows PCs when a song will not play, and the first fix is to authorize the PC with Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer.
Apple does not publish a definition for this code, so this guide works through Apple's own fixes for songs that will not play in iTunes on PC.
Authorize this computer in iTunes to fix error -45061
Songs bought from the iTunes Store play only on computers authorized with the Apple Account that bought them.
- Open iTunes on the PC.
- Select Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer.
- Enter your Apple Account password if prompted.
- Play the song again.
If the app you use is the newer Apple Music app for Windows, click your name at the bottom of the sidebar, then Authorize Machine, sign in and click Authorize.
What causes iTunes error -45061 on a PC
Apple's help for songs that will not play in iTunes on PC lists the causes below. Match the one that fits what you are playing.
| What you are playing | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| A song bought from the iTunes Store | The PC is not authorized, or five computers already are | Authorize this PC, or deauthorize another one |
| A song in a shared library or playlist | Your PC is not authorized for the sharer's purchases | Double-click the song and enter the sharer's Apple Account details |
| An AAC file not made by iTunes | iTunes plays only MPEG-4 AAC files from the iTunes Store or its own encoder reliably | Convert the file in iTunes |
| Any song, with no sound | Volume, speakers or audio driver | Check output and update the sound driver |
Deauthorize a computer when you hit the five-computer limit
An Apple Account can authorize up to five computers at a time. Authorizing the same PC again does not use a second slot.
- On an old PC you still use, open iTunes and select Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.
- Enter your Apple Account password if prompted.
- If you no longer have the old computer, open your account page with View My Account, go to Computer Authorizations and click Deauthorize All.
- Back on the PC showing error -45061, select Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer.
Deauthorize All works only once a year, and every computer you use must then be authorized again.
Update iTunes for Windows from the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- Open your library and check for updates.
- Install any update for iTunes.
- Restart iTunes and play the song again.
Apple also advises keeping Windows current through Windows Update.
Fix iTunes playing with no sound on Windows
If the progress bar moves but you hear nothing, the error is not the issue; the audio path is.
- Check that the iTunes volume slider and the Windows volume are not turned down.
- For powered speakers, check they are plugged in, switched on and connected to the PC's audio port.
- For AirPlay speakers, select them from the AirPlay button at the top of the iTunes window and check their volume.
- Update the sound card driver from the PC or audio maker's website.
- Open Start, search for the audio troubleshooter and run it.
iTunes song still won't play after authorizing
Songs from a shared library are skipped
iTunes skips store purchases your PC is not authorized to play.
- Double-click the skipped song.
- Enter the Apple Account details of the person who bought it when asked.
An audiobook will not play
The book belongs to another account, or the PC is not authorized for its store.
- Select the audiobook and choose Edit > Song Info, then click File.
- Check the Purchased By field. If it is not your account, you cannot play it.
- Files ending in .m4b come from the iTunes Store; .aa or .aax files come from Audible and need Audible authorization.
Playback stops after a short clip
The playlist contains a song preview, and playback stops when the preview ends.
- Double-click the next song to continue.
- Buy the full song or remove the preview from the playlist.
Check iTunes authorization worked
- Play the song that showed error -45061.
- Play a second purchased song to confirm the whole library works.
- If you used Deauthorize All, authorize each other PC you use and test one song on each.
iTunes error -45061 FAQ
What is iTunes error -45061?
It is an error iTunes for Windows shows when a song will not play. Apple does not publish a meaning for the code, so work through its fixes for unplayable songs, starting with authorizing the computer for your Apple Account.
How do I authorize my computer in iTunes?
Open iTunes, select Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer, and enter your Apple Account password if prompted. In the Apple Music app for Windows, click your name in the sidebar, then Authorize Machine.
How many computers can play my iTunes purchases?
Up to five computers at a time. Each computer counts once, however often you authorize it. To add a sixth, deauthorize one of the others first.
How do I deauthorize a computer I no longer have?
Open View My Account, go to Computer Authorizations and click Deauthorize All. You can do this only once a year, and you must then authorize each computer you still use again.
Why does iTunes play music with no sound?
Check the iTunes and Windows volume, the speaker power and cables, and the AirPlay speaker selection. Then update the sound card driver from its maker and run the Windows audio troubleshooter.
How do I update iTunes on Windows?
iTunes for Windows comes from the Microsoft Store, so check for updates there. Open the Microsoft Store, look for updates in your library, and install any listed for iTunes.
