With iCloud, Apple users can sync their devices across data even with Windows computers. However, while connecting iCloud with Windows, many users encountered— An error occurred during authentication in iCloud on Windows 11/10.
As a result, they cannot log in to their iCloud account, which prevents them from syncing or accessing their iCloud data. This post will suggest solutions that will help you fix the authentication error.
Fix An error occurred during authentication iCloud error in Windows
The error can occur for multiple reasons, such as unstable internet connection, software bugs, or glitches. However, these methods will help you fix the issue right away:
- Update iTunes
- Reset iCloud App
- Disable Security Software (Temporary)
- Check your host’s file
- Reinstall the iCloud App
You may need admin permission to manage the security issues.
1] Update iTunes
First, you can start by updating the iTunes app. If the error occurs because of a temporary glitch or software bug, then updating the app would fix the issue for you. To update your iTunes, follow these steps:
- Launch the Microsoft Store from your PC.
- Search for iTunes and click on it.
- Next, over here, check if you have an Update option.
- If there is, then click on it. If not, it means you are already running the latest version.
2] Reset iCloud App
The error might be occurring because of a glitch or improper configurations. To fix this, you can reset the iCloud App by following the below steps:
- Press Windows Key + I to launch settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Search for iCloud, click the three dots icon, and select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click the Reset button.
- Once done, try to authenticate iCloud again and see if it works.
3] Disable Security Software (Temporary)
There is also a good chance that your security software, like the Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus program, is not allowing you to connect to Apple servers. As a result, you are getting an authentication error.
To fix this, you can temporarily disable Windows Defender by going to Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection. Then click on manage settings under Virus and & threat protection settings and disable Real-time protection.
If you are using a third-party antivirus program, you can consider checking its settings and see if you can pause it for a specific period. Once done, try to sign into your iCloud account and see if it works.
4] Check your host’s file
Host files map a connection between an IP address and domain names before going to the domain servers. So, if you have added the Apple server IP address or the domain name in the Hosts file, it might be blocking the connection, and you are facing the error that occurred during authentication iCloud error.
To make sure this is not the case, follow these steps:
- Press Windows Key + E to launch File Explorer.
- Next, click on the address bar at the top, paste the following path, and press Enter:
c:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts
- Next, it will ask you to select an app to open the Hosts file – click on Notepad.
- Finally, at the end of the Hosts file, check if you have added any IP address or domain name related to Apple. If you have, then consider resetting your Host’s file.
- If you only see the default Hosts file configurations, then there is nothing to do for you here, and you better move to the other steps.
Read: How to Lock, Manage, Edit Hosts File in Windows
5] Reinstall the iCloud app
You can reinstall iCloud if none of the above methods works for you. For this, follow the below steps:
- Press Windows Key + I to launch settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Over here, search for iCloud and click on the three dots icon.
- Next, click Uninstall and follow the onscreen steps.
- Afterward, go to the Microsoft Store, search for iCloud, and click Install to download it.
- Once done, try to sign in again and see if you still get the same error.
Conclusion
So those were the steps to eliminate the error that occurred during authentication iCloud error in Windows. If the steps do not work for you, then you still have the option to log in to iCloud via your web browser and continue using the service.
Why can’t I authenticate my Apple ID?
If you receive a notification stating that your Apple ID has been locked or disabled, it may be due to multiple incorrect attempts at entering your password, security questions, or other account details. This is a security measure to ensure your protection, and as a result, access to any Apple service will be restricted until the issue is resolved.
Why does my iPhone keep saying there was an error connecting to iCloud?
To ensure uninterrupted access to your Apple ID and iCloud, ensure that your iPhone, iPad, or PC has a strong Internet connection. Also, make sure to turn on cellular data on your iPhone or iPad by navigating to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. Failure to do so may prevent you from accessing your Apple ID and iCloud when not connected to a Wi-Fi network.
