One PC, multiple iTunes users

We have one PC, running Windows 8, and three Windows accounts for three separate users. The users all have individual iTunes accounts and separate iTunes libraries.
If user A runs iTunes and leaves the PC without quitting iTunes, it prevents user B and C from running iTunes because it is already running although it's under a different Windows user account that user B and C ideally have no access to. So my question is:
Is it possible to run "virtual instances" of iTunes so all user accounts on the same box can have their own instances running at the same time?
I would really prefer NOT to have to install separate instances of iTunes under the individual users - if that's event possible...
Thanks for you input!

Each user has their own library by default. It is possible to connect different users to the same library if that is desired. iTunes doesn't play well when you connect a device to a new library. See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for tips.
tt2

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Multiple itune users on the same computer

Is it possible to have two seperate itunes running on the same computer? My husband and I share a computer and both have ipods. We both have different tastes in music so we would like to be able to access our own itunes instead of having to share a library with all the music together.
He currently has itunes set up with all his music on the computer at home. I have been running my itunes at work and would like to be able to bring my stuff home. Is this possible?

When the iPods belong to different people, there are basically three ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library
b) Creating Multiple Libraries in a single user account
c) Creating multiple user accounts.
Note: When you are sharing an iTunes library, you don't have to set each iPod to update in the same manner, you can mix and match from the options below as each iPod has it's own update settings
Sharing a Library and/or User Account
If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish): iPod - Syncing Music
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod
Loading the iPod shuffle differs slightly but it can still be used with the others, for details have a look at this page: Adding songs to iPod shuffle - Windows
Multiple Libraries
It's also possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Option key (or Shift key in Windows) when launching iTunes 7. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library: Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows
Separate User Accounts
Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists
I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out. You can read about Windows user accounts here:
Using Windows XP User Accounts

Setting up multiple itunes users

Ok so i'll be making my first step into the Applesphere this Christmas with a new iphone for myself and ipods for my two kids. Having never used itunes before the task of getting setup is a little daunting. I want to know the best way of setting up so all our music libraries are separate and ensure the kids are unable to access anything on there ipod touch that they shouldn't when on the app store.
I am also looking to sign up for imatch as i'd like to access my music on multiple devices and wonder how this works and any issues with multiple users. There may be times when i'd be happy to share some of my music with the kids and sometimes not.
So basically how do i get started (does each user need an apple id?, how do i separate each individuals library on a single machine, and does imatch work per library, per user or for all music on one machine)
Thanks for any sage advice.

Create a separate iTunes library for each device. Note: It is important that you make a new iTunes Library file. Do not just make a copy of your existing iTunes Library file. If iTunes is open, quit it.
Mac users: Hold down the Option key while you open iTunes.
Windows users: Hold down the Shift key while you open iTunes.
In the dialog that appears, click Create Library.
Name and save the alternate library file. iTunes opens with your brand new library file.
Open iTunes Preferences. Choose iTunes > Preferences (Mac) or Edit > Preferences (Windows).
Click the Advanced tab.
Deselect the "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" checkbox if it is already selected and click OK. This will prevent iTunes from creating duplicates of your existing media files in the new library folder.
Add the specific media files you want on your device to iTunes either by dragging them into iTunes or choosing File > Add to Library (Mac) or File > Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library(Windows).
Once you have the iTunes Library just how you want it, connect and sync your device.
Once the sync is complete, quit iTunes.
Mac users: Hold down the Option key while you open iTunes.
Windows users: Hold down the Shift key while you open iTunes.
Click Choose library.
Choose your original iTunes Library and click Choose (Mac Users) or Open (Windows Users). You can now switch back and forth between the different libraries for different devices.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495

IPhones can't access Home Sharing w/ One Computer & Multiple iTunes Libraries

I have a Mac Pro that I am using as a iTunes media server for my home entertainment network. This computer has two user accounts. Each user account has it's own iTunes Library. One is for my kid's movies and the other is for my wife and I's movies. I have both of the libraries setup for Home Sharing and for the most part this works perfectly for viewing with Apple TV and the laptops that we have. Both libraries are available for use on these devices.
Where I am having trouble is with iPhones. My wife and I have iPhone 6s and when we open the Videos app it shows that only one library is available. Her phone might show the kid's library as available and mine will show the other library or visa versa. The libraries are not available at the same time on our iPhones. As I stated, our other devices are fine and are able to access each library when desired.
As an example, Jack's Library & Jane's Library are available under shared, seen in the inserted image. In my situation, only one of the libraries would be available even though both libraries are setup for Home Sharing.
I have tried the following (none resolved the issue):
Close/Re-Open iTunes
Turning Home Sharing off/on for each of the iTunes Libraries
Turning Home Sharing off/on for each of the iPhones
De-Authorize/Re-Authorize my Mac Pro
Reboot Mac Pro

click here to learn "how to share music between different accounts on a single computer".
JGG

Home Sharing w/ One Computer & Multiple iTunes Libraries

I have a Mac Pro that I am using as a iTunes media server for my home entertainment network. This computer has two user accounts. Each user account has it's own iTunes Library. One is for my kid's movies and the other is for my wife and I's movies. I have both of the libraries setup for Home Sharing and for the most part this works perfectly for viewing with Apple TV and the laptops that we have. Both libraries are available for use on these devices.
Where I am having trouble is with iPhones. My wife and I have iPhone 6s and when we open the Videos app it shows that only one library is available. Her phone might show the kid's library as available and mine will show the other library or visa versa. The libraries are not available at the same time on our iPhones. As I stated, our other devices are fine and are able to access each library when desired.
As an example, Jack's Library & Jane's Library are available under shared, seen in the inserted image. In my situation, only one of the libraries would be available even though both libraries are setup for Home Sharing.
I have tried the following (none resolved the issue):
Close/Re-Open iTunes
Turning Home Sharing off/on for each of the iTunes Libraries
Turning Home Sharing off/on for each of the iPhones
De-Authorize/Re-Authorize my Mac Pro
Reboot Mac Pro

Home Sharing is for something else - sharing media between 2 computers, not one.
There aren't any instructions for home sharing for two accounts on one computer, because you can only have itunes open in one windows user account at a time.
What you need to know about is *How to share music between different accounts on a single computer*
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1203
At least, I think thats what you're trying to do!

Multiple iTunes users on single computer

First, I would like to point out that I am sonehwat comp savvy but not an expert. Here is my deal..my son and I each have an ipod and we both use iTunes. I am trying to find a way to have a single iTunes library that either of us can access taht will hold all of our music. I have been using iTunes longer and initially gave him access to my library by copy the link and the xml files to his iTunes. The librayr is intended to reside on my external Maxtor Hard Drive. Now however, when either of us updates our libray, the other doesn't get updated automatically. Can someone give me proven, specific instructions on how to achieve my single, synched library goal? Thank you. I hope that isn't too wordy or selfish sounding.
Gateway PC Windows XP Pro Maxtor External HD

These links should help:
Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations
How to use multiple iPods with one computer
How to share music between different accounts on a single computer
Also See: How to Transfer Music Between the Computer and iPod
The iPod offers three ways to transfer music from your computer. You can select one of the following update modes from the iPod Preferences menu in iTunes (Edit=>Preferences=>'iPod' tab):
1) Automatically update all songs and playlists. This is the default mode, in which your entire music library, including playlists, is automatically synced to your iPod. If the music library on your computer exceeds the iPod storage capacity, you are prompted to select a different update method.
2) Automatically update selected playlists only. With this option, iTunes automatically copies the playlists you have selected to the iPod when you connect it to the computer.
3) Manually manage songs and playlists. You can also choose to transfer music to the iPod manually. This allows you to drag and drop individual songs and playlists from iTunes to the iPod.

Multiple Itunes users??

Does anyone know how to set up more than one user in Itunes. I dont want to share apps or contacts with my wifes Iphone but just did.

This article has three options for that. My advice is use Method #1
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1495
since apparently you do not like method #2, sounds like that is how you're set up right now.
Avoid method #3 unless both you and your wife can always remember to start itunes using the shift-start. And even that won't help with separating iphone contacts like method #1 will, it will only keep the apps & music separate.

One PC multiple Itunes Libraries

Hi,
I have one family Windows 7 PC with 4 user accounts.
I want all Libraries to appear in my ATV2 computer list.
The only way i can see each one is to log on to that profile on the PC run itunes and that library is then in the ATV2 menu.
Does itunes have to be running to be able to see the library in ATV2
If itunes has to run how can itunes be run at the same time on different PC profiles - i keep getting an error message telling me to shut down the other itunes session.

just add the media from the other accounts to 1 account
the whole DRM copy protection was discontinued in itunes a while ago
and if older songs still have it you can right click and remove it
and yes with atv2 itune have to be running and it will only stream the lib the running itunes got access to

How do I manage multiple iTunes users on the same PC?

Hi- I'm new to iPod and iTunes. We have 3 iPod's in our house but only 1 PC. How can I set up iTunes so we can all manager our music separately? Thank you!!

I manage three iPods too--mine (a mom of 50+ years old); a son 22 years old; and a daughter 14 years old. Obviously we must all have very different tastes in music!
You're right we do! But we all share one library--because we like all of our music to be in one place. So all of our iPods are set to MANUALLY update. Then we create playlists that we want to add to our device. This has worked well for over two years now. I have no other advice!

Question: Multiple iTunes users w/ single music library on file server

My son and I (separate computers) host all of our music on a common file server. Initially, it was my music library...when he loaded iTunes, it imported everything and all was fine.
However, now if I add a few songs to the library (I can see them in the shared folders that we both have setup as our music folder within iTunes) they don't show up in his music library unless we either import them or drag them from File Mgr into iTunes.
There has to be an "automatic" way...doesn't there?
I'm eager for suggestions.
Thanks much,
Rick

Sorry to say, there is not an easier way and folks have been requesting it from Apple for years.
You are running into the situation noted in this article, towards the end
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1203
+When another user of the computer has imported new music from CD, repeat steps 6 through 8 to add the music to your library.+

Multiple iTune Users

I have an iTunes account that my I share with my wife and young daughter. Up to this point, we have purchased all songs thru a single iTunes store acount and have different play lists - some songs we all thre enjoy listening to. My daughter recently received some gift cards for the iTunes store. She wants to use her gift card to purchase music - if we do so thru my iTunes store account, what happens in a year or two when she is older and wants her own account - can those songs be transferred to her new account or will she need to repurchase those songs? If we set up a new iTune store account now for her now, will we be able to share songs that I have already purchased?

I have an iTunes account that my I share with my wife and young daughter. Up to this point, we have purchased all songs thru a single iTunes store acount and have different play lists - some songs we all thre enjoy listening to. My daughter recently received some gift cards for the iTunes store. She wants to use her gift card to purchase music - if we do so thru my iTunes store account, what happens in a year or two when she is older and wants her own account - can those songs be transferred to her new account or will she need to repurchase those songs? If we set up a new iTune store account now for her now, will we be able to share songs that I have already purchased?

One device, multiple iTunes accounts

Can I associate my device with two or more iTunes accounts?
Example: personal account and a work/school account

The only restrictions are that you need a valid billing address in that country and that you will need to be in that country when buying from it.

HT1689 How do I download multiple itunes accounts on one computer under one user?

Recenlty moved to one account on our windows 7 computer to cut down on potential malware issues that allowed malware to migrate over to other user accounts. However, we have different iTunes accounts and want to be able to download our individual music from each of our devices that include an iphone 4, iphone 4S, and ipod. How do I create this capability under one windows 7 user account?

It certainly is possible.
How to use multiple iOS devices with one computer
A single computer can be authorized for multiple iTunes accounts but only one account can be signed into the store at a time.
Frankly, you are better off with unique Windows User accounts for each user.

Multiple iPod users on one computer, one iTunes

Need help.
We have 3 iPod 5th generation using one computer and each of us have different tastes in music/movies/games etc. I just spent 6 hours redoing my personal setting to resync my iPod after my son reset it for his tastes. Is there any way of setting up preferences within iTunes for each iPod to prevent or elivate this total waste of time. When adding new music, audiobooks, and/or movies it should be a no-brainer to resync them but it is a total pain-in-the-arse.
Thank you

When the iPods belong to different people, there are basically three ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library
b) Creating Multiple Libraries in a single user account
c) Creating multiple user accounts.
Note: When you are sharing an iTunes library, you don't have to set each iPod to update in the same manner, you can mix and match from the options below as each iPod has it's own update settings
Sharing a Library and/or User Account
If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish): iPod - Syncing Music
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod
Loading the iPod shuffle differs slightly but it can still be used with the others, for details have a look at this page: Adding songs to iPod shuffle - Windows
Multiple Libraries
It's also possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Shift key in Windows when launching iTunes 7. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library: Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows
Separate User Accounts
Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists
I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out. You can read about Windows user accounts here: Using Windows XP User Accounts

Multiple computer users, one iTunes account

One computer, multiple users (each logon), one iTunes account. All songs are downloaded to D:. I want all songs downloaded by any user to show in everyones library. If I purchase a song how do I make it also show in other user's libraries?

Hudgie's advice is correct. But if you want more detailled instructions read this Apple document:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93195

One PC, multiple iTunes users

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