Fix iTunes Error 5105 on Windows: Request Cannot Be Processed

If you see “iTunes error 5105” with “Your request cannot be processed” on Windows, the fix usually involves clearing the iTunes cache or resetting the Apple Mobile Device Service. This error typically appears during sync, backup, or restore, and it means iTunes cannot read or write the temporary files it needs. Below is a step-by-step guide to resolve it, plus background on why it happens and how to avoid it.

What Causes iTunes Error 5105?

Error 5105 is a file-permission or cache-corruption problem, not a network or account issue. iTunes stores temporary files in two main folders: the iTunes Media folder and the “iTunes” folder inside %AppData%\Apple Computer. When these files become corrupted, or when the Apple Mobile Device Service (which handles the connection between Windows and your iPhone, iPad, or iPod) is not running, iTunes cannot process your request.

Common triggers include:

• Interrupted sync or restore (e.g., unplugging the cable mid-process)
• Antivirus or security software locking the iTunes folders
• Outdated or conflicting Apple software components (like Apple Application Support)
• Insufficient disk space on the drive where iTunes stores its cache

Fix 1: Clear the iTunes Cache Folders

The most direct fix is to delete the temporary files iTunes uses. This does not remove your music, apps, or backups—it only clears corrupted cache files.

1. Close iTunes completely (check the system tray for the iTunes icon and right-click → Exit).
2. Press Windows + R, type %AppData%\Apple Computer\iTunes, and press Enter.
3. Look for a folder named “iTunes” (sometimes called “iTunes” or “iTunes Media”). Delete the entire contents of this folder, but do not delete the folder itself if it contains your library files.
4. Also open %ProgramData%\Apple Computer\iTunes (if it exists) and delete its contents.
5. Restart your PC and reopen iTunes. Try the sync or restore again.

If you are unsure which folder holds your actual media library, check Edit → Preferences → Advanced in iTunes to see the path. Only delete the cache subfolders (like Cache, Previous iTunes Libraries, or Updater), not your Music or Mobile Applications folders.

Fix 2: Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service

iTunes relies on a Windows service called Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) to communicate with your device. If it stops or hangs, you get error 5105.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Apple Mobile Device Service.
3. Right-click it and select Restart. If it is not running, click Start.
4. Set its startup type to Automatic (right-click → Properties → Startup type).
5. Close the Services window, restart iTunes, and try again.

If the service will not start, you may need to reinstall Apple’s software components (see Fix 4).

Fix 3: Check Disk Space and Permissions

Error 5105 can also appear if the drive where iTunes stores its cache is full or if Windows has restricted write access to that folder.

• Check free space on your C: drive (and any drive where your iTunes library is stored). You need at least a few GB free for backups and temporary files.
• Right-click the %AppData%\Apple Computer\iTunes folder → Properties → Security → make sure your user account has Full control.
• If you use an external drive for your library, make sure it is connected and not in “read-only” mode.

Fix 4: Reinstall Apple Software Components

If the above steps fail, the problem is likely with Apple’s Windows services or drivers. A clean reinstall of the Apple software often resolves it.

1. Uninstall iTunes, Apple Application Support (both 32-bit and 64-bit), Apple Mobile Device Support, and Bonjour from Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Download the latest iTunes from Apple’s official website (or from the Microsoft Store if you prefer the UWP version).
4. Install it, then restart your PC again.

Note: Reinstalling iTunes does not delete your music library or backups. Your library file (iTunes Library.itl) is stored separately and remains intact.

Fix 5: Use Compatibility Mode or Safe Mode

If error 5105 only happens with a specific device, try connecting the device to a different USB port (preferably a rear port on the PC, not a hub). Also, try booting Windows in Safe Mode with networking and running iTunes there—this disables third-party antivirus and startup programs that might interfere.

• In Safe Mode, open iTunes and attempt the sync. If it works, your antivirus or a background app is the culprit.
• If you use a third-party antivirus, add iTunes and the Apple folders to its exception list, or temporarily disable it while syncing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the cache delete my music or apps?

No. The cache folders contain only temporary files (like album artwork thumbnails and update logs). Your actual media library, apps, and backups are stored in separate folders and remain untouched.

Why does error 5105 happen during a restore but not a sync?

Restore writes a full system image to your device, which generates much more temporary data. If the cache is corrupted or the service is unstable, the larger write operation fails first. The same fixes apply.

Does this error affect Windows 10 and Windows 11 the same way?

Yes, the error and the fixes are identical on both operating systems. The folder paths and service names are the same.

Can I use the Microsoft Store version of iTunes to avoid this?

Sometimes. The Microsoft Store version is sandboxed and may handle permissions differently. If you are using the classic iTunes installer, switching to the Store version can help, but the Store version has fewer features and may not work with older devices.

What if none of these fixes work?

Try a different USB cable or a different computer to rule out a hardware issue. If the error persists on multiple PCs, the device itself may have a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support for further diagnostics.

Related

• Install Kodi on Android TV: Full Guide
• How to Block Spam Messages on iPhone
• Fix Outlook Has Stopped Working: Step-by-Step