Move iTunes Library to External Drive: Complete 2025 Guide

Why Move Your iTunes Library to an External Drive?

Running out of computer storage space? Moving your iTunes library to an external drive can free up significant space while keeping your music collection safe and accessible.

• Free up computer storage for other files and applications

• Safeguard your music collection from computer crashes

• Switch between computers while maintaining your complete library

• Organize your media in one centralized location

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process to move iTunes Library to external drive, from preparation to completion.

Essential Preparations Before Moving iTunes Library to External Drive

Before transferring your iTunes library, proper preparation ensures a smooth transition without data loss.

1. Consolidate Your iTunes Files

Consolidation gathers all your media files into one main iTunes folder, making the transfer process much simpler.

Step 1. Open iTunes and select File > Library > Organize Library from the menu bar.

Step 2. Check the Consolidate files option and click OK.

2. Re-download Purchased Content

Ensure all your iTunes Store purchases are available locally before the move.

Step 1. In iTunes, go to Account > Purchased (or Family Purchases if using Family Sharing).

Step 2. Select Music from the left panel, choose your songs, and click the download button.

Moving iTunes Library to External Drive on Windows PC

With preparations complete, follow these steps to transfer your entire iTunes library. Follow the steps to know how to move iTunes Library to external hard drive.

Step 1. Close iTunes completely and locate your iTunes folder (typically in Music > iTunes).

Step 2. Right-click the iTunes folder and select Copy.

Step 3. Navigate to your external drive and Paste the folder.

   

★Tips:

   

Ensure your external drive has enough free space for the entire library

   

Use a high-speed USB connection for faster transfer

   

Don't interrupt the transfer process once started

Completing the Setup After Transfer iTunes Library to External Drive

Having successfully copied your iTunes Library to external drive is not the end.  After moving your files, you need to redirect iTunes to the new location.

Step 1. Open iTunes and go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced.

Step 2. Verify that the 'Keep Music Media folder organized' option is checked.

Step 3. Click Change and select the new iTunes folder location on your external drive.

Step 4. Click OK to confirm the changes.

Bonus: Direct Music Transfer from iPhone to External Drive

If you move iTunes Library to external drive for the sake of backing up, FoneTool offers a direct method to transfer songs from your iPhone to any external drive.

Free download FoneTool to your computer by clicking the icon below, and follow the steps below to transfer music from iPhone to external hard drive.

❤️❤️ Video Tutorial for Transferring iPhone Music to External Drive with FoneTool

How to transfer music files from iPhone to external drive
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer and launch FoneTool. Select Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC and click Start Transfer.

Step 2. Click the plus icon to browse and select the songs you want to transfer, then click OK.

Step 3. Choose your external drive as the destination and click Start Transfer.

FAQs on Transferring iTunes Library

Summary

Moving your iTunes library to an external drive is a smart solution for managing storage space while preserving your valuable music collection. The built-in iTunes method works well for complete library transfers, while FoneTool provides excellent flexibility for selective music backups directly from your iPhone.

Ready to organize your music library? Download FoneTool today to easily transfer iPhone music to external drives or use the step-by-step iTunes method to relocate your entire media collection.