Copying songs over a network to use with iTunes for Windows

Summary

You can use a network connection to copy music you own between computers.

You can copy your music library to another computer using a network connection. Choose the steps that match your situation below.

Tip: To play songs you purchased from the iTunes Store, you must first authorize the computer you copy the files to. iTunes 4.0.1 or later is required to play purchased music on a Mac.

Products Affected

iTunes 7 for Windows, Windows

Copying between a Windows PC and a Mac

It's easy to connect your Mac to a Windows PC. For help setting up file sharing on your Windows-compatible computer, click the Start button, point to Help, and then click Support.

Copying between two Windows PCs

Step 1

Share a folder on the computer where the music is located:

  1. Select the folder you want to share in Windows Explorer. To copy your whole music library, select the iTunes Music folder. (Click the Start button and point to My Music to find the iTunes Music folder).
  2. Right-click the folder. A shortcut menu appears.
  3. Click Sharing and Security.
  4. Click the checkbox labeled "Share this folder on the network" as shown here.
  5. Click Apply, and then click OK.


For additional information on sharing, click the "Learn more about sharing and security" link at the bottom of the Sharing and Security window.




Click the "Share this folder on the network" checkbox

Step 2

From the other computer, connect to the computer sharing its music library and copy the files:


  1. Click the Start button, and then point to My Network Places.
  2. If you haven't previously connected to the other computer from this one, click the "Add a network place" wizard to configure the connection as shown here.
  3. Connect to the shared folder and copy the music files.
  4. Import the copied songs to your iTunes Library.






Add a network place in My Network Places

Additional Information

Related documents

iTunes: About Authorization and Deauthorization

A note about copyright

iTunes software may be used to reproduce materials. It is licensed to you only for reproduction of non-copyrighted materials, materials in which you own the copyright, or materials you are authorized or legally permitted to reproduce. If you are uncertain about your right to copy any material, you should contact your legal advisor. See the iTunes Store Terms of Service for additional information.

 

Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked