does icloud for windows work anymore?

Does iCloud still work with windows 11/MS 365? I've been using for several years, but it recently became unstable and when I signed out and back in it no longer works at all.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Aug 6, 2022 01:58 PM

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2 replies

Aug 7, 2022 12:13 PM in response to jmbri51

Hey there, and welcome to Apple Support Communities jmbri51.


What happens specifically when you try to sign in? Are you seeing any error messages?


To answer your question, yes, iCloud does work with Windows 11. To start, make sure that Windows 11 is updated. Updates can help resolve issues: Set up and use iCloud for Windows - Apple Support


"Check that you meet the minimum system requirements

Make sure that you're using the latest version of Windows on your PC, and the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. 

Check that you meet the iCloud recommended system requirements for PC."


For issues with iCloud for Windows, try the recommended steps from this article which can help for most common issues including launching: Resolve issues between iCloud for Windows or iTunes and third-party security software - Apple Support


"If you can’t open iCloud for Windows or iTunes, download content, sync your device, or use Home Sharing, your security software might be the cause. 


How to tell if your security software might be causing an issue

Security software created by companies other than Apple can prevent iCloud for Windows or iTunes from connecting to Apple servers or to devices. Sometimes, you might see a numeric error message when you sync, update, back up, or restore your device.

If your security software is causing an issue with iCloud for Windows

  • You can't sign in with your Apple ID.
  • You see "Verification Failed: An unknown error occurred" or "An error occurred during authentication. Please try again." 
  • You see "Your setup couldn't start because your username or password is incorrect" or "Your setup couldn't be started because the iCloud server stopped responding."
  • iCloud services won't update. 

If your security software is causing an issue with iTunes

  • Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch aren't recognized in iTunes, or they won't back up, restore, update, sync, or activate.
  • You see iTunes Errors 4, 6, 1630–1641, 3000–3999, or 9000–9999*.
  • You can’t connect to iTunes Store to buy or download content.
  • iTunes won’t open.

*If you see error 9006, your computer might not be able to connect to Apple servers or your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Check for communication issues between iTunes and Apple software update servers. If you still see the error message, then continue reading to learn how to check your connectivity and security software.


Things to check first

Before you change your security software's setup: 


Test your connectivity

  1. Check your hosts file to make sure that it's not blocking iTunes from communicating with Apple's servers.
  2. If you’re having issues using AirPlay, Home Sharing, iTunes, or Remote, test the connectivity between the computers or devices in your house. They should be connected to the same network and subnet in order to function properly.


Test your security software

If you still have trouble after you test your connectivity, your security software could be interfering with your computer's connection with iCloud for Windows or iTunes.

In some cases, it might be necessary to temporarily remove your security software to isolate an issue. Some Internet security apps don’t uninstall completely, so you might need to download and run a cleanup utility for your security software for it to be completely removed.

Work with your security software provider to allow the complete list of ports and services that Apple products use or if you need help with uninstalling their software."


Keep us updated.


Cheers!



Aug 7, 2022 04:58 PM in response to Matthew.S81

Hello Matthew, and thanks for the reply. I realize my original question was light on details, so I'll try to give you a more complete picture. When trying to login to iCloud, using two-factor authorization, I get a very generic error message that says: Verification failed. An unknown error occurred. Earlier, I had a problem with being unable to sync contacts, calendars in iCloud, and that's when I logged out of iCloud, in spite of a couple of warnings. When trying to log back in, that's when I got the error message above.


I spoke at length with a MS technician, and he walked me through a complete reinstall of Windows 11. The problem remains, so he suggested I speak to Apple.


I spoke with an Apple tech, and we tried numerous fixes, including shutting down my Windows Security Public Network firewall. I don't have any third party anti-virus installed. That didn't help. We also tried uninstalling and reinstalling iCloud, so I'm sure I have the latest software from Apple and MS. After about an hour and a half, he had no more suggestions so we terminated the call.


Your answer above seems to implicate my security software, so I'll probably continue to work that angle. If I find a solution I'll let you know.


Thanks again,

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does icloud for windows work anymore?

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