How to Use the iTunes Library on Multiple PCs

The Home Sharing feature of Apple iTunes lets you share the same iTunes library across multiple PC's while they are on the same network. You can play music from another computer's hard drive through live streaming, or you can copy any file from that computer to your own. To use Home Sharing, both computers must be using iTunes version 9 or later. They must also be logged into the same iTunes Store account.

Instructions

1. Make sure both computers are connected to the same wireless or Ethernet (wired) network.

2. Install the most recent version of iTunes to each computer. Home sharing only works with iTunes version 9.0 or later.

3. Check your router settings, if you are using advanced routing features. TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5353 must be open to use Home Sharing. This should not be an issue for most home networks.

4. Turn on both computers and open iTunes on both.

5. Select "Home Sharing" on the left side of the iTunes window. If you do not see it, click the "Advanced" menu and select "Turn on Home Sharing."

6. Enter the same Apple ID email address and password on both computers.

7. Click "Create Home Share."

8. Click the arrow beside the "Home Share" icon on the left side of the iTunes window. Then select media such as Music and Movies from the list provided to view the contents available in the Home Share.

9. Double-click any file in the main window to play the music or watch the video.

10. Drag any file from the main window of the Home Share to the iTunes library to copy that file to the computer's hard drive.

References

• Apple Support; Understanding Home Sharing; April 2011
• Apple Support; Troubleshooting Home Sharing; March 2011