Apple software generally works better with the company’s own hardware. This is especially true with iTunes, which is a pain to use on Windows computers. iTunes users on Windows aren’t strangers to the bugs and error codes that pop-up every so often. The error code 0xE80000A while connecting an iPhone to Windows 10 has been troubling users for a long while now. The exact cause for the error isn’t known.

However, like most other iTunes errors, there are a few workarounds that can be tried. In this guide, we will be showing you methods might help solve the error 0xE80000A code from appearing. The error first started appearing over a year ago and a permanent fix still has not seen the light of day. Nonetheless, there are a few solutions that can help solve the problem. You may try one fix or all the fixes mentioned until the problem is fixed. So without any further ado, let’s check out a few methods to fix the iTunes error 0xE80000A.

Method 1: Disable antivirus software

Antivirus software plays an important role in keeping your system free from harmful programs. However, anti-virus software may cause unnecessary interference when you connect your iPhone to a Windows 10 PC. To check whether the antivirus software is the cause of the error 0xE80000A, you can disable the program.

Click on the Arrow icon on the taskbar to bring up the application tray in Windows 10. If an antivirus program is running, its icon will show up. Right-click on the antivirus program’s icon and then click on Disable or Exit. Depending on the program, this option may be labeled differently. Nonetheless, once you disable the antivirus software, reconnect your iPhone and launch iTunes. Chances are that the error code will not show up.

If this is the case, then iTunes should be added to the exemption list on your antivirus program’s firewall. Doing this will allow you to keep your Windows 10 machine free from virus while also allowing you to connect your iPhone without encountering an error.

Adding an exception to Windows Firewall/Defender:

  • Open the Run window using the Windows Key + R keyboard shortcut.
  • Type in this command ‘control firewall.cpl’ and then click on OK or hit the Enter key.
  • In the Windows Firewall menu, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Now click on Change Settings and click on Yes to proceed.
  • Navigate to the iTunes app and then check the boxes under private and public. Now tap on OK to save your settings.

Method 2: Update iTunes

Older version software may be the cause of the iTunes error 0xE80000A. Therefore, you may have to consider updating iTunes to the latest version that is available. Updating iTunes on Windows 10 might be a tad confusing. This is because there are two versions of iTunes. It can be downloaded from Apple’s official website or from the Microsoft Store. Depending on where you downloaded iTunes from on your Windows 10 device the update process will be slightly different.

iTunes update (Desktop app)

To update the iTunes desktop application downloaded from Apple’s site, follow these steps:

  • Launch iTunes and navigate to the Help tab.
  • Click on Check for updates which will show up in the pop-up menu.
  • Wait for the program to check for updates.
  • If a new version is available, follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the new version.

iTunes update (Microsoft Store)

If you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store, then follow these steps to update it:

  • Launch the Microsoft Store and click on the three-dots icon at the top right corner of the screen.
  • From the menu, select Downloads and updates.
  • You should see a list of applications that can be updated. If no list appears, click on the Get updates button.
  • If an update is available for iTunes, simply click on Update.
  • Wait for the update to download and install.

Method 3: Reinstall iTunes

You may want to consider reinstalling iTunes if the error isn’t fixed yet. If you were on the desktop version of iTunes, we’d suggest switching to the UWP version. This is considered to be slightly more stable with lesser bugs than the desktop version. To uninstall iTunes, tap the Windows key and search for ‘iTunes’. From the search result, click on the drop-down arrow to expand the available options. The option to Uninstall iTunes will be available at the bottom. Click on Uninstall and in the pop-up window, you will have to confirm the action by clicking on Uninstall again.

After uninstalling iTunes, launch the Microsoft Store. Then search for iTunes and click on Install. Wait for the app to be installed on your Windows 10 device. Now launch iTunes and connect your iPhone again.

Method 4: Delete the ‘Lockdown’ folder

If the methods provided above don’t do the trick, this method will most likely solve the problem for the majority of users. All that is required for this is for you to delete a folder labeled as Lockdown.

  • Open the File Explorer on your computer.
  • Navigate to the Local Disk C: drive.
  • Click on the View tab in the file explorer and then check the box to display Hidden items.
  • Now open the ProgramData folder and then open the folder labeled as Apple.
  • You should see the Lockdown folder. Select the Lockdown folder and left-click on it. Click on Delete to delete the folder.

Once the folder is deleted, you will have to reboot your computer. When Windows boots up, connect your iPhone to your computer again and tap on Trust. And click on Continue on the iTunes program on your Windows computer as well. The error should not show up and you will be able to use the program as usual.

In case none of the issues are fruitful to solve the iTunes Error 0xE80000A, feel free to drop a comment below and we’ll try to assist you further. Also, be sure to check out our other articles on iPhone tips and tricks, Android tips and tricks, PC tips and tricks, and much more for more useful information.