How to Move iTunes Music From One Computer to Another

Users can consolidate their iTunes libraries.

iTunes provides a comprehensive music and video management application to transfer libraries to portable media players such as the iPod and iPhone. Users upgrading to a new computer or new system can transfer iTunes libraries from the original system, thereby protecting their favorite songs and investment. Family members can consider consolidating iTunes libraries to create a comprehensive and centralized family library. In transferring iTunes music to another computer, users create a digital archive on an external drive; this digital folder can be retained as a valuable backup of the collection.

Things You'll Need

• USB external hard drive
• Optional: network router

Instructions

1. Connect the USB external drive to the source computer and launch iTunes. Alternatively, you can connect both computers using a network; make sure to access all folders on each computer by logging in as the Administrator.

2. Select "Library" under "File" in the top menu bar and choose "Organize Library."

3. Click the box next to "Consolidate Library" and click the "Consolidate" button. The process to consolidate digital files may take 15 minutes or longer, depending on the total size of the iTunes music, video and application library.

4. Select "Preferences" under "iTunes" in the top menu bar and click the "Advanced" button in the toolbar.

5. Click the boxes next to the options, "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" and "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library." Note: Click the "General" tab to access these options if using an older version of iTunes.

6. Write down the location of the iTunes Media Folder location, specified in the section above the options.

7. Click the "OK" button and then quit the iTunes application.

8. Create a new file on the external hard drive called "Transfer iTunes."

9. Drag the iTunes Media folder (from step 6) into this folder. Note: Depending on the size of the iTunes library and the computer's processing speed, this process may take longer than 10 minutes.

10. Safely eject the external hard drive from the source computer when the transfer process is complete.

11. Connect the USB external hard drive to the target computer and launch iTunes.

12. Select "Preferences" under "iTunes" in the top menu bar and click the "Advanced" button in the toolbar.

13. Choose the options, "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" and "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library" and then click the "OK" button.

14. Select "Add to Library" under "File" in the top menu bar.

15. Browse for your external hard drive to the "Transfer iTunes" folder (created in step 8) and select the iTunes Media sub-folder (step 9).

16. Click the "Choose" button and wait for iTunes to import the files. Note: This process may take longer than 15 minutes, depending on the size of the iTunes library.

17. Click "Music" in the left frame of the iTunes window to confirm that all music was transferred. If desired, select the other library categories (e.g., movies, podcasts) to confirm transfer.

18. Safely disconnect the external hard drive from the target computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Append a date to the "Transfer iTunes" folder name and retain this as a backup of your digital music library.

• Make sure the source and target computers are plugged into an outlet to avoid interruption during file transfers.

• Data regarding album or song ratings will be lost when the libraries are transferred.

References

• Apple: How to Use Your iPod to Move Your Music to a New Computer
• CNET.com: Moving Your iTunes Library from PC to Mac