How to Migrate an iTunes Database From a PC to a Mac

Use an external hard drive to transfer music from a PC to a Mac.

Using an external hard drive, transfer your complete iTunes library from a Windows PC to a Mac computer. After consolidating the iTunes files, you can then copy them to the external hard drive for easy transport to the Mac computer. Both Windows and Mac computers have USB ports compatible with the external hard drive. You will need to locate your iTunes folder so that you can copy it. Upgrade iTunes to version 9 or newer.

Things You'll Need

• iTunes 9 or newer version
• External hard drive

Instructions

1. Click "Start" on the PC. Click "All Programs." Click the "iTunes" folder and click "iTunes" to open the program.

2. Click "Edit" and click "Preferences." Click the "Advanced" tab. Check the boxes next to "Keep iTunes Media Folder Organized" and "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library." Click "OK."

3. Click "File" and click "Library" and click "Organize Library." Check the box next to "Consolidate files." Click "OK." Wait for the files to consolidate.

4. Plug the USB end of the external hard drive into a USB port on the Windows computer. The computer recognizes the new hardware and an Explorer window opens. If not, click "Start" and click "Computer." Click the external hard drive icon to open it in Explorer.

5. Locate your iTunes folder on Windows. Click "Start" and click "Music" to open the "Music Library" window. Scroll down to the "iTunes" folder.

6. Click on the "iTunes" folder to highlight it. Hold down your mouse button while dragging the folder to the external hard drive. Release the mouse button. The iTunes folder copies to the external hard drive.

7. Disconnect the external hard drive from the Windows computer. Power on the Mac computer. Open "iTunes" on the Apple menu.

8. Connect the USB end of the external hard drive to a USB port on the Mac computer. A Finder window opens that displays the external hard drive's contents, including the iTunes folder. Click on the folder and drag it to the Mac desktop.

9. Launch iTunes on the Mac. Click "Edit" in iTunes and click "Preferences." Click the "Advanced" tab and check the box next to "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library." Click "OK."

10. Click "File" and click "Library." Click "Organize Library" and then check the box next to "Consolidate files." Wait for the iTunes folder to consolidate with the iTunes library.

References

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

Resources

• iTunes