How to Transfer iTunes to a New Computer (Windows and Mac)

Introduction

Did you get a new computer and don't know how to transfer iTunes to new computer? Don't worry. In this article, we'll show you how to move your iTunes to a new computer on Windows or Mac. Keep reading.

For Windows users, the transfer might be a bit tricky. Here we recommend the Todo PCTrans tool, which is a great option to transfer iTunes to a new computer. Todo PCTrans is an excellent data, file, and app transfer software. You can use the Todo PCTrans tool to transfer iTunes to a new computer. However, most Mac users can easily transfer their iTunes with MacOS. We've listed two methods to help you with the transfer. You can skip to Transfer iTunes to a New Computer on Mac to follow the complete steps.

What is iTunes?

iTunes is a media player, media library, and mobile device management application developed by Apple Inc. for use on personal computers to purchase, play, download, and organize digital multimedia content from the iTunes Store. The core functionalities of iTunes can be summarized as:

• Listening to music and audiobooks
• Downloading and streaming from the iTunes Store
• Using specific services: Apple Music, iTunes Match, iCloud Music Library; podcasts, etc.
• Importing and exporting playlists

This software works on both Mac and Windows computers.

Transfer iTunes to a New Windows Computer

iTunes is primarily associated with the Mac operating system. If you're switching from a Mac to a Windows computer, you might be wondering how to transfer your iTunes to Windows. In this guide, we offer two methods to help you make the move.

Method 1: Transfer iTunes with Todo PCTrans to New Windows

Todo PCTrans is a tool that can safely transfer programs from one computer to another. It's an excellent software for large file transfers, especially those that take up significant disk space, such as application files or server files. It supports the most common applications/programs, including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.). You can use the Todo PCTrans tool to transfer iTunes to your new computer.

Here are the steps to transfer iTunes using Todo PCTrans:

Step 1. Launch Todo PCTrans on both computers. Choose "PC to PC" and proceed.

Step 2. Make sure you have chosen the correct transfer direction.

"New" - Transfer data from an old computer to the current new one.

"Old" - Transfer data from your current old computer to a new one remotely.

Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 1

Step 3. Enter the target computer's password or verification code to connect the two computers over the network. Make sure you've selected the correct transfer direction, then click "Connect" to proceed.

The verification code is located in the upper-right corner of the “PC to PC” main screen on the controller computer.

Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 2

Step 4: Next, click on "Files" to select the files you want to transfer. Choose specific files as needed. Additionally, you can click on the edit icon to customize the storage path for your transferred data.

5. Click “Transfer” to start sending the files from your computer to the other one. The transfer time will depend on the size of the files, so be patient.

Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 5

Method 2: Moving iTunes to a New Windows PC with an External Hard Drive

With this method, you will need to have an external hard drive on hand. If you do not, skip ahead to Method 1 to transfer the files using software. Here are the steps for using an external hard drive:

Step 1: Open the iTunes application and click on “File,” then choose “Library.” From there, click on “Organize Library.”

Step 2: Check the box next to “Merge files” and click OK to proceed.

Step 3. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, go to your user folder, and then click on Music.

Step 4: Locate the iTunes folder and copy it to your hard drive.

Step 5: Open your hard drive and paste the folder inside. Then, connect the hard drive to your new computer.

Step 6: Copy the iTunes backup from your hard drive, then paste it into the Music > iTunes folder on your new computer.

Your iTunes library has been successfully transferred to another computer. Open iTunes on the new computer to access your library.

Transfer iTunes to a New Computer on a Mac

Are you often losing your iTunes media when transferring from one system to another? Well, you don't have to encounter this problem again and can easily transfer your iTunes library to a new computer with our help. In this section, we will provide two methods to help you transfer iTunes to new Mac. You can go through the full guide of your choice.

Method 1: Transfer iTunes with Home Sharing

Home Sharing is already built into iTunes. To use this method, both computers must be logged in to the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Note that this method only works with iTunes version 9 or later. Update your copy of iTunes if you're running an older version before proceeding.

1. Open iTunes on both computers and make sure they're connected to the same network.

Step 2: Go to the iTunes menu and choose File > Home Sharing, and turn it on.

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID to turn on Family Sharing.

Step 4: Launch iTunes on your new computer, and then click Account > Authorize This Computer > Authorize.

Step 5: Enter the same Apple ID to associate the new computer's iTunes with your existing account.

Step 6 On the first computer, open iTunes and click on “Home Sharing.” Check the box next to “Share my library.”

Step 5: Wait for the iTunes library to sync with the target system.

When it's done, you'll find the transferred content in your iTunes library.

Method 2: Transfer iTunes with iTunes Match

To do this, Apple offers the iTunes Match service, which makes it easier to transfer music between computers. However, when you use this method to transfer an iTunes library to another computer, only your music will move over. It won't transfer videos, apps, or any other type of data between systems. Also, you'll need to have an active subscription to iTunes Match, which costs $24.99 per year. If you're ready, follow these steps to copy iTunes to a new computer.

Step 1: On your old Mac, open iTunes and click Store > iTunes Match. Check its status.

Step 2: Fire up iTunes on your target system and go to Store > iTunes Match.

Step 3: Tap Add This Mac, then sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4: This will sync your associated library with your Apple account.

Your content should now appear in the new system's version of iTunes.

Conclusions

In this article, we've discussed how to transfer iTunes to a new computer on both Mac and Windows. All the methods presented here should work for you. For Windows users, we recommend using Todo PCTrans to transfer iTunes to a new computer because it's easy to use and will save you a lot of time. For Mac users, we've provided two options: Home Sharing and iTunes Match. Choose the one that suits you best to migrate your iTunes. Good luck with moving your iTunes!