If you are moving your music library to a new machine, this guide shows how to transfer iTunes library to another computer without losing playlists, ratings, and purchase history. The steps below cover both native macOS and Windows workflows and include verification tips for a clean migration.
Use the overview table to quickly compare the key migration methods side by side, focusing on time investment, data covered, and complexity.
| Method | Typical Time | Data Included | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Sharing | 5–15 minutes | Playlists, purchases, play counts, ratings | Easy |
| Manual Media Folder Copy | 10–30 minutes | Local files, metadata, playlists, watch progress | Medium |
| External Drive Library Consolidation | 15–45 minutes | Full library, files organized in one folder | Medium |
| Archiving + Reinstall | 30–90 minutes | i>includes backup, clean install, restoreComplete library and settings | Advanced |
Preparing both computers
On the source Mac or PC, close iTunes, back up your current library, and confirm the media folder location. On the destination machine, install the same version of iTunes and make sure the account used for purchases has the same credentials. Matching usernames and passwords reduce sign-in prompts and authorization issues later.
Transfer via Home Sharing
Enable Home Sharing on the source
Open iTunes, choose Account, then select Home Sharing, and sign in with your Apple ID. On the destination, open iTunes, choose Home Sharing, and use the same Apple ID. This method works best within the same household network and preserves play counts and smart playlists.
Manual media folder transfer
Locate and copy the folder
Close iTunes, find your media folder on the old computer, and copy the entire folder to an external drive. On Windows the default path is usually Documents\My Music\iTunes, while macOS stores it in Music\iTunes. Pasting the folder on the new machine preserves relative links if you keep the same structure.
Consolidating files with the library organizer
Copy files into the iTunes folder
Use the Consolidate Files feature under File in iTunes to copy all referenced tracks into the iTunes media folder on the original computer. After copying this complete folder to the new machine, you minimize broken links and missing file warnings. This method is ideal when you want an exact local replica of your collection.
Recovering from mismatched paths
If files show as missing after transfer, use the Locate feature in iTunes to reconnect each folder. On macOS, set the new media folder location in Preferences, Advanced, and Point to the iTunes Media folder. On Windows, use Change in File Locations or drag files back into the library viewer to rebuild links.
Key steps for a reliable migration
- Back up your current iTunes library before any transfer
- Close iTunes and disable antivirus during file copy operations
- Keep the original folder hierarchy to avoid broken links
- Use the same Apple ID on the destination machine
- Run Consolidate Files if you want a single portable media folder
- Reauthorize the new computer in Account Settings if needed
- Verify play counts, ratings, and metadata after migration
FAQ
Reader questions
Will Home Sharing transfer my Apple Music offline downloads? No, Apple Music offline downloads are tied to the authorizing computer and email. You need to download them again on the new machine after signing in with the same Apple ID. Can I transfer iTunes purchases without using Home Sharing?
Yes, sign in with the same Apple ID on the new computer and use the Purchased list to re-download items. Some apps and files may require additional authorization steps in Account Settings.
What should I do if play counts and ratings do not sync after transfer?
Make sure both computers use the same iTunes library XML version and that you copy the iTunes Music Library.xml file. Resync devices and let the new library overwrite stale device data.
Will consolidating files delete external recordings or references?
Consolidate Files copies only files managed by iTunes into its folder. External recordings outside the library remain untouched, but they may not appear in your transferred library unless you add those folders manually.