How to move your iTunes library on an external drive

How to consolidate your iTunes library

Consolidation, in this context, is just a fancy word for moving all of the files that iTunes uses to one folder. This way, you don’t have to go hunting through your entire C: drive for files associated with iTunes. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open iTunes

A lot of the steps involved with the process of moving your iTunes library happen within the file explorer utility. This first step, however, takes place directly in your iTunes for Windows app. Head to wherever your iTunes icon is on your computer, and click on it. 

Step 2: Organize iTunes

Now, you’ll need to organize your iTunes media folder. Don’t stress though, the app will do the heavy lifting for you. All you need to do is head to the menu bar at the top of the iTunes interface and click on File. Next, you’ll want to hit Library from the drop-down menu, and then click on Organize Library. 

Step 3: Consolidate iTunes

You should see a new window open up with the heading Organize Library. Here, you’ll see two available options, depending on the state of your iTunes library. Check the box next to the first option – Consolidate files. This will begin the process of moving every file associated with iTunes into one neat folder. 

Step 4: OK

All you need to do now is hit OK and you’re done! 

Just to be clear, while the term used in this process is ‘move’, the app actually creates a copy of any file associated with iTunes that isn’t in your iTunes media folder. Therefore, it’s a good idea to go around your PC and delete the original versions of these outsider files once you know that the copies are safe and secure in the new consolidated folder. If you’re not much of a fan of saving space, feel free to chuck this pearl of wisdom back into the ocean.

How to find your iTunes media folder

Not everyone knows their way around a Windows PC – especially the filing system outside of ‘Desktop’ or ‘This PC.’ If you’ve ever messed around with mods or custom content for PC games, you’ll know that while most games save a sub-folder to your Documents folder, the real treasure of the inner workings of the game are nestled in your User folder. iTunes also uses your User folder for storage. 

By default, you should find your iTunes folder under User > Music > iTunes > iTunes Media. 

If, for any reason, your iTunes media folder is not the above location, we’ve got a way for you to track it down: 

Step 1: Open iTunes

Yip, you’ll need to head back to the iTunes app for this one. 

Step 2: Preferences

Preferences are all the rage right now. In this step you’ll see what kind of preferences your iTunes app has. Head to the menu bar again, and click on Edit. Now, hit Preferences and then click on the Advanced tab. 

Step 3: Location

All you need to do now is look at the big block toward the top of the Preferences interface. You’ll see a heading – iTunes Media folder location. Below that, you’ll see the exact directory path to follow on your computer. On any default iTunes configuration, it should read something like: 

C:\Users\YourNameHere\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media

Whatever your directory path says, if you follow it, you should find your iTunes Media folder.

How to backup your iTunes library and media folder

Once you’ve consolidated all of your files associated with iTunes, you can back the folder up to an external drive of your choice – supposing it has enough space for all the music you listen to while living your best life. My music folder on my PC spans years, genres, and so many memories. 

Step 1: Exit iTunes

Sorry iTunes app, you’ve outlived your usefulness for this guide. We’re just going to go ahead and close you up really quick. Click the red X icon at the top right-hand side of the iTunes interface to close the app. 

Step 2: Locate your iTunes folder

Your iTunes Media folder and iTunes folder are two different folders in two different places. The one you’re looking for now will be in This PC > Music. It’s that simple to find. This folder will contain your entire iTunes discography. 

Step 3: Move your iTunes folder

This next step is as easy as hitting right-click and selecting Copy. All that’s left is to head to your external drive of choice and then click Paste.

How to restore your iTunes library from a previous backup

Once you’ve got your iTunes library saved to an external drive, you can move it to any device. Just keep in mind that if you intend to restore your iTunes library on a different computer to that where it was first saved, you’ll need to ensure that the new device has the latest version of iTunes. With that out of the way, let’s head into how to restore your iTunes library. 

Head to This PC and locate your external drive. 

Next, find the iTunes folder you moved to your external drive in the previous main step and right-click on it. Select Copy. 

Now, you’ll need to go to the location on your computer where you’d like to save your iTunes Library, and then right-click and hit Paste. 

Your next step is to hold down the Shift key while you open the iTunes app. You’ll see a window pop up prompting you to choose your iTunes library. Click on Choose Library, and then select the Library.itl file associated with your itunes library. 

Lastly, click Open, and your iTunes library will be restored.