How to Copy an iTunes Library From a PC to the Mac

Copying an iTunes library from a Windows PC to a Mac is more than just a matter of transferring the music files. The iTunes library contains music as well as ratings and playlists in a database. You cannot merge two separate iTunes libraries into one, but you can copy it from one location to another. Update the PC and the Mac to the most recent version of iTunes before you attempt to copy the files.

Things You'll Need

• External hard drive or USB thumb drive

Instructions

1. Open iTunes on the PC. Click on the "Edit" menu and select "Preferences." Go to the "Advanced" tab and check off the options to "Keep iTunes Media Folder Organized" and "Copy File to iTunes Media Folder When Adding to Library."

2. Click the "File" menu, select "Library" and choose "Organize Library." Check the option to "Consolidate Files." If the option to "Upgrade to iTunes Media Organization" option is available, check it off. Click "OK."

3. Connect an external hard drive or USB drive to the PC.

4. Go to the location of the iTunes folder. In Windows 7, it is in the "My Music" folder. Drag the folder to the external drive and drop it. Allow the folder to copy to the drive.

5. Eject the drive and connect it to the Mac.

6. Click on the "Go" menu in the Mac's "Finder," and select "Home." Double-click on the "Music" folder.

7. Drag the iTunes folder into the "Music" folder. If you have opened iTunes on the Mac previously, there will be an "iTunes" folder already there. Choose to replace the folder with the folder from the PC to copy the iTunes library to the Mac.

References

• "Macworld": Move an iTunes Library from a Windows PC to a Mac