If you’re still using iTunes on a Windows PC, you may have run into this error message, “This action could not be completed. Try again.” It usually shows when trying to log in or authorize your computer, and unlike newer Apple Account login issues on iPhone, there’s no obvious on-screen recovery flow. So what’s actually happening? Let’s break it down.
Table of contents
It May Not Be You
In some recent cases, Apple Support has confirmed this error was caused by a temporary Apple services outage, not a problem with the user’s account.
If this is the situation, no amount of local troubleshooting will fix it. You simply have to wait for Apple’s backend services to stabilize.
Before doing anything else, check:
- Apple’s System Status page (look for Apple Account, iTunes Store, or Music services)
- Apple’s Support Community or Reddit to see if others are reporting the same issue
If multiple users are affected at the same time, it’s almost certainly server-side.
If It’s Not an Outage, Try These Fixes
If Apple’s system status looks normal and no one else is reporting problems, then the issue may be local to your PC or Apple Account session. In this case, try the following:
1. Update iTunes
Yes, iTunes is legacy software. But Apple still pushes backend compatibility changes.
- Open iTunes > Help > Check for Updates.
- If you installed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, open the Store and check for updates there instead.
Outdated builds can fail authentication when Apple changes account verification systems.
2. Sign Out Everywhere, Then Back In
If your Apple Account session token is corrupted, you may need to reset it.
- Open iTunes.
- Go to Account > Sign Out.
- Close iTunes completely.
- Reopen and sign back in.
If it won’t let you sign in at all, try logging into:
If login fails there too, it’s likely an account issue… or outage.
3. Deauthorize and Reauthorize the Computer
If the error appears during purchases or downloads:
- Open iTunes.
- Go to Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.
- Restart iTunes.
- Go back and Authorize This Computer again.
Authorization errors sometimes trigger that vague “action could not be completed” message.
4. Reset Apple Account Password
Even if you’re sure it’s correct, Apple sometimes flags accounts for silent reauthentication after backend changes.
- Go to iforgot.apple.com
- Reset your password. Then attempt login again in iTunes.
5. Check Date and Time Settings
This sounds trivial, but it isn’t. Incorrect system time can break secure authentication.
On Windows:
- Right-click the clock.
- Adjust Date/Time.
- Make sure Set time automatically is enabled.
6. Disable VPN or Security Software Temporarily
VPNs, firewall tools, and some antivirus programs can block Apple’s authentication servers. Temporarily disable them and try signing in again.
7. Reinstall iTunes (Last Resort)
If nothing works:
- Uninstall iTunes.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall the latest version from Apple’s website or Microsoft Store.
Corrupted installation files can cause persistent login failures.
Bottom Line
The “This action could not be completed. Try again.” error in iTunes on PC is usually one of three things:
- Apple service outage
- Authentication token issue
- Outdated or corrupted iTunes installation
If multiple users are affected at once, it’s almost certainly Apple’s servers. If not, the fixes above usually resolve it.
And yes, your 2008 iPod Classic still works. Even if Apple’s login servers occasionally forget that it exists.
