The time has come to move your iTunes data. For whatever reason, your situation calls for a transfer of data from PC to Mac. In this how to we’ll show you how to transfer your iTunes library to a Mac from a PC and still retain your playlists, ratings and other data.
What You’ll Need
We are basing this article on iTunes 10, so make sure you are running that version or newer before starting.
Move Itunes Library From Windows Pc To Mac
If you have a huge library then you’ll need an external hard drive to copy your data to. If the iTunes library is a modest one then a flash drive will likely do.
- Move your iTunes library to another computer. If you get a new computer, you can transfer your iTunes library by connecting computers or by using iPod or a portable drive. See the Apple Support article Back up and restore your iTunes library on your PC.
- May 07, 2019 Here's how to transfer iTunes library to a new computer without the need to download extra software or go through hours of repetitive tasks. If you are on a used Mac and only want to transfer.
Nov 27, 2013 - Do not copy the library to your desktop (within the mac) - Rather pull the iTunes folder from the External Drive Directly onto the Music folder on your Mac - Choose 'Replace' button for all files when it is ready to copy. This worked for me to migrate all playlists, ratings, tracks, and the rest of the library. Oct 29, 2010 This video will show you how to migrate your iTunes library from a Mac to a PC. Your playlists, ratings, and play count will remain in tact. For this video I used: -A MacBook running OSX 10.6.4.
An alternative to purchasing external hardware is to setup a network connection between the two computers. The setup of such a network is beyond the scope of this article, but if you’ve already got one setup then you can move the files easily with a shared folder.
On the PC Side
Connect your external device (hard drive or flash drive) to the PC. A few items need to be checked off to ensure the library is copied in its entirety.
- Click Edit and select ‘Preferences’.
- Click the ‘Advanced’ tab.
- Check ‘Keep iTunes Media folder organized’ and ‘Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library’.
- Click ‘OK’.
- Click File and select ‘Library’, then ‘Organize Library’.
- Check ‘Consolidate files’.
- Click ‘OK’.
Now copy the iTunes folder to your external hard drive, flash drive or over your network. The iTunes folders will be in slightly different locations depending on your version of Windows.
- 7: <username>My MusiciTunes
- Vista: <username>MusiciTunes
- XP: Documents and Settings<username>My DocumentsMy MusiciTunes
Note: <username> indicates your login/username on the Windows PC.
On the Mac Side
Now connect the external device (hard drive or flash drive) to your Mac. How to download photos off iphone. Kontakt factory library download mac. If you have not yet saved music to your Mac through iTunes, then simply copy the iTunes folder from your external device to your Mac replacing the empty folder at /Users/<username>/Music/iTunes.
If you have already started saving music on your Mac, then you’ll need to move the music out of the /Users/<username>/Music/iTunes folder before copying the PC data over. After the transfer of data from PC to Mac is complete, simply add those files back into the iTunes library.
- Move the ‘Music’ folder which is located in the iTunes folder to another location.
- After transfer, click ‘File’ and select ‘Add File to Library’
- Navigate to where you moved the Music folder and add your Mac songs back in.
After the copy process is complete, launch iTunes. The Mac should read the data and load everything as it was.
Final Thoughts
The process can seem daunting at first, but don’t be discouraged. The process is basically copying from one system to another with a few checks and balances in between. If you store your music in a location other than the default, you’ll need to copy your music/media folder into your iTunes folder on the backup device before transferring it to the Mac.
You need to now choose your existing library folder and follow the above steps in order to re-add the media files. How to find itunes library folder on mac.
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Your Thoughts
![Import Itunes Library From Pc To Mac Import Itunes Library From Pc To Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/5/126519356/902960297.jpg)
Did this method of transfer work for you? Is there another way you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 9:55 am
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Posted in: Apple, Computers, How To, Mac, Microsoft, Windows