Same iTunes library on different computers.

I have two personal computers that both serve different functions (one is a Mac and another is a PC running Windows 7) and I would like to use the same iTunes library between them, using my external hard drive. On the mac, I have moved the default library to the external hard drive, and when the drive is connected it runs through there. I would like to do the same for the PC, but instead of creating a new library folder, how do I tell iTunes to use the one that is already there from the Mac? I would like to do this through the external hard drive, as I use the computers in different locations and Home Sharing is not an option. I would like to be able to use the external hard drive to access my library and sync my iPod from either laptop, because when I travel I leave the Mac at home.

It can be done, however you will need the appropriate drivers or disk format so that both operating systems can read & write to the drive, your library needs to be in the standard nested format of an iTunes library folder containing the database files and an iTunes Media (or iTunes Music) folder with all your media. The library also needs to be in the newer layout as shown on the right in this image.
If it isn't use the option Library > Organize Library >  Rearrange files in the folder "<Media Folder>".
If it isn't in nested folders see this post.
tt2

Similar Messages

  • Same iTunes Library on Multiple Computers

    I was wondering whether someone could help me out a little here. I have 3 computers at home. A MacBook Pro, a Windows Vista Laptop and a Windows Vista desktop PC. Both my Wife and I have iPods (mine an iPhone and hers an 8Gb 2nd Generation Nano).
    What I want to be able to do is access my iTunes music collection (the music files are currently stored on the MacBook) through any computer in the house (I have wireless through Time Capsule). This I am told is easy through iTunes sharing, however this does not allow you to connect your iPod to any machine and update it, as sharing does allow this.
    Is there a way of storing the iTunes library and files on one machine, like a central server and then you can play music from any computer (perhaps using iTunes on that machine) and you can also plugin your iPod/iPhone into any machine in order to update it?
    Looking forward to hearing peoples suggestions on this one.
    Thanks.

    Hello
    Try this website:
    http://theappleblog.com/2008/10/13/one-itunes-library-on-multiple-computers/
    I have been using this solution with my Library and Music situated on a NAS for awhile now with great success.
    Hope this helps.
    Kevin

  • Can I have the same iTunes library on two computers?

    I have an iMac and a Macbook Pro with two different iTunes libraries. I want to have the same library on both computers with playlist and all, so that if I do anything on the iMac, the macbook will sync. Anybody who can tell me if this is possible and how to do it? I also have a timecapsule if that matters?

    Hello henrik100,
    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
    Home Sharing in iTunes is designed to let you easily share your iTunes media libraries between up to five computers in your household.
    For more information, take a look at:
    iTunes: Setting up Home Sharing on your computer
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4620
    Understanding Home Sharing
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3819
    Have a nice day,
    Mario

  • Can I have the same iTunes library on 2 computers?

    I have iTunes on my desktop PC, but now I want to use it on my laptop.
    I've downloaded iTunes on the laptop, but when I log in to my account, none of my music appears.
    I have my library backed up on my desktop hard drive, so do I have to import all of that music onto my laptop?
    I guess I assumed that my account could go with me where ever I signed in.

    How to Copy and Move your Music Files from One Computer to Another
    This is the conceptual framework with related and important links. Apply and adapt it to your specific situation and equipment resources.
    The safest, quickest, and most optimal method to move your Library to a new computer is to actually clone the entire ‘iTunes’ folder (directory) structure, rather than just copying just the song files. By copying the entire ‘iTunes’ folder and all sub-folders, you capture not only the music files, but the all-important ‘iTunes Library.itl’ database file (usually located in the ‘iTunes’ folder), which contains all the data about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). See: What are the iTunes Library files?
    Install iTunes on the new computer. Then go back to your old computer and move (copy) the "iTunes" folder which usually resides inside your "…\My Documents\My Music" folder from the old computer to the exact same place (both Drive Letter and complete Path) on the new computer. When you open iTunes on the new computer it will look and behave exactly the same way it did on the old, Play Counts, Ratings, Comments and all!
    NOTE: It is usually safer moving files between computers with the same version of iTunes!!
    Here's a list of methods to copy and move your music files from one computer to another:
    1) Use an External Hard Drive (ExHD) to move the complete files and Folder structures from one computer to another (my preferred option). You can clone’ the entire ‘iTunes’ folder structure in one very easy step. Also great to have available for complete backups of your Library. External hard drives now run less than $100 for 200-250GBs of storage. See This Link
    2) Directly connect the two computers....
    - 2a) Connect them through a Router &/or Network
    - 2b) Directly connect using an Ethernet cable: Straight for using at least one Mac; or Crossover for PC/PC Instructions here.
    - 2c) Connect them via a USB-to-USB Network Bridge. Example here. There are various types out there (use Google).
    ....Then copy the files from one computer to the other.
    3) Use the iPod as a transfer device, as this extensive Apple link explains. It will be a bit easier if your iPod has a larger capacity than your music collection, otherwise you will need to perform multiple copy/move transfers. This well written process also works fine while using any other data transfer medium (ExHD, Flash Drive, DVD, CD, Zipp, Jazz, etc.).
    4) Burn several DVDs (at 4.7GBs each) with your music data files and folder structure, and load them onto the new computer. Re-writable DVDs are more cost effective (if your DVD drive can manage these types).
    5) Burn 6x more on CDs (at 700MB each) than in #4 above and load the files and folders on the new computer. Re-writable CDs are more cost effective (if your CD drive can manage these types).
    6) Use a larger USB Flash drive (1GB - 4GB) to move the files and folders. Best if the flash drive is larger than your Library, otherwise you will need multiple copy/move transfers.
    These are links to various additional instructions on performing the transfer (read them all, but some listed steps may not be required depending on your specific situation):
    Switch from PC to Mac Using the iPod
    hudgie: Migrating iTunes for Windows to a new PC
    How to copy music between authorized computers

  • Syncing the same iTunes library among multiple computers

    I have two computers, a Windows 7 laptop and a new iMac. iTunes on both computers are signed into the same Apple ID. I currently have my iTunes library on my laptop, but I would like to also have the exact same library on my iMac. For instance, if I download a new podcast to my laptop, it should be placed on my iMac as well. When I delete the podcast, it should be deleted on the iMac too. When song metadata is updated on my laptop (play count, lyrics, etc), I want it updated on the iMac automatically.
    I have not had much experience with Home Sharing, but would that do all of this automatically? I know I could manually transfer songs from one computer to the other using Home Sharing, but what about updated metadata or deleting files?
    iCloud has made this situation more interesting. I know iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match will keep music files in sync among various devices (including metadata?), but what about podcasts or movies or files not purchased via iTunes? I know there are plenty of details that are yet to be released concerning iCloud, but do you think it will solve this problem entirely, or will manual labor be required to obtain the exact same library among multiple computers?
    I have considered only using my iMac to maintain my library, since it is always on and I could use Home Sharing to listen to music on my laptop since they are on the same Wifi network. However, I feel it would be best to keep the same library on two computers for when I take my laptop on vacation away from my home network.
    What would you suggest for this situation?
    Thanks!

    sorry about the slight irrelevence of this post on this thread....i saw this much older post you had in my explorations and it is almost to a "T" my issue currently and i was wondering if you ever came to a conclusion or had any tips or resolution paths i could explore. your original message:
         I have 2 computers I'd like to set up Home Sharing on. One is Windows XP and the other is Windows 7.
         I set it all up but then the libraries never show up. Nothing happens.
         The computers are on the same network and I can successfully share files and a printer. Both computers are      authorized using the same account. Both are signed into that account.
         I don't know why it's not working. Can you please help?
              Thanks!!
    is EXACTLY my problem with the only variable being that both of my computers run 7. furthermore, you went on to say you were experiencing issues with the "remote" app. that was the initial objective for me in my system that got me here with a deeper problem with home share. i want to home share my itunes library and control it from my iPod touch 4g. is that such an unreasonable request?!?!? lol. i'm incredibly frustrated and was hoping that since you had such specifically similar circumstances....have you found a solution? PLEASE HELP!!! thank you so much for your time.

  • Can I have same Itunes library in two computers?

    I would like to have the same library in two computers.
    If I use home share to import the whole library, Does that mean the library will disappear from the "old" computer? or
    Will I be able to keep the same library in both computers?
    What will happens when I add music to one of the libraries? Will they update? or Do I have to do it manually? Can playlist be imported from home share too? and can I have same playlists in the two computers?
    Thanks!

    Again without firsthand experience my understanding is iTunes copies (not moves) just the media from the Home Shared drive and adds it to your other library as a new item.  It will not affect the original library.
    As for syncing idevices, they are intended to sync with just the original library and only one library at a time.  Apple deliberately designed it this way, and not so you could plug them into a new computer and transfer the contents from the device to the computer (see exception below).  More information:
    Some of the information below has subsequently appeared in a document by turingtest2: Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3991
    Your i-device was not designed for unique storage of your media. It is not a backup device and media transfer was planned with you maintaining a master copy of your media on a computer which is itself properly backed up against loss. Syncing is one way, computer to device, updating the device content to the content on the computer, not updating or restoring content on a computer. The exception is iTunes Store purchased content.
    iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iOS device or iPod to a computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1848 - only purchases from iTunes Store
    For transferring other items from an i-device to a computer you will have to use third party commercial software. Examples (check the web for others; this is not an exhaustive listing, nor do I have any idea if they are any good):
    - Senuti - http://www.fadingred.com/senuti/
    - Phoneview - http://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/
    - MusicRescue - http://www.kennettnet.co.uk/products/musicrescue/
    - Sharepod (free) - http://download.cnet.com/SharePod/3000-2141_4-10794489.html?tag=mncol;2 - Windows
    - Snowfox/iMedia - http://www.mac-videoconverter.com/imedia-transfer-mac.html - Mac & PC
    - iexplorer (free) - http://www.macroplant.com/iexplorer/ - Mac&PC
    - Yamipod (free) - http://www.yamipod.com/main/modules/downloads/ - PC, Linux, Mac [Still updated for use on newer devices? No edits to site since 2010.]
    - 2010 Post by Zevoneer: iPod media recovery options - https://discussions.apple.com/message/11624224 - this is an older post and many of the links are also for old posts, so bear this in mind when reading them.
    Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141 - dates from 2008 and some outdated information now.
    Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide - http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/copying-music-from-ipod-to-co mputer/ - Information about use in disk mode pertains only to older model iPods.
    Get Your Music Off of Your iPod - http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Get_Your_Music_Off_of_Your_iPod - I am not sure but this may only work with some models and not newer Touch, iPhone, or iPad.
    Additional information here https://discussions.apple.com/message/18324797

  • How do I access an iTunes library from different computers?

    Hi
    I have my iTunes Media on a NAS but the library files on my local disk (WIndows 7). Is there any way I can allow my wife to access the same Media folder on the NAS from her laptop (also Windows 7 and on the same network)? Using iTunes server will not allow her to copy the files on to her iPod or into playlists.
    I have tried changing the location of the media to the NAS folder on iTunes in the laptop but it only displays the music that was there on the laptop originally and not the files on the NAS.
    Is there a way around this? I would like to avoid having 2 copies of the files on the NAS - defeats the purpose of having one in the first place.
    Thanks for the help.

    You might find this article useful: iLounge - Managing your iTunes Library on an External Hard Drive

  • Sharing the same iTunes library from different Macs/Pcs to Time Capsule

    Hello everybody,
    I have just bought a new Time Capsule (2TB) internal storage and an external 2TB Western Digital that i have also connected to the time capsule just fine.
    The Time capsule is supplying internet to a ps3, apple tv, sony bluray player and a satelite reciever (equivalent to Sky in UK). It is actually setup on the second floor and is acting as a extension for the main network and is working perfectly.
    Now I have about 5 Pcs at home with different users and 2 mac laptops (Kids wife etc.. so different users).
    My ultimate goal is to setup one itunes library on all the laptops that are present on the TC.
    What I did was I copied the Itunes folder (my main precious itunes library) and pasted it on the TC hard drive.
    Then i tried opening it from an itunes of one of the laptops (a macbook), I opened itunes while holding options button and choose the library to the wirelessly shared itunes file and it showed up perfectly like the exact itunes with everything in it including play counts etc..
    but when i want to open a song it doesnt find it and i have to pinpoint location in order to play the song.
    Its just not possible to do that to every single song as my library is about 120 gigs of music. It would take years to do tht for every song.
    When i usually find one folder itunes asks to find all of them automatically and when i press yes itunes stops working.
    PS. Im trying this on one laptop now as a trial in order to see how this works. The main library is backed up and all safe n sound. Also i would like to say i changed the itunes library folder to the time capsule on preferences of itunes.
    Is there anyway anyone could help me? Any different methods to do it? Please we can discuss whatever ideas ud like to include.
    Thank you

    Check this article for advice about sharing iTunes libraries.

  • How do my fiance and i share the same itunes library with different apple ids, how do my fiance and i share the same itunes library with different apple ids

    how do we share itunes music weve bothe downloaded and purchased with different accounts??

    Perhaps this will help...
    iTunes: How to share music between different accounts on a single computer

  • How can I manage 1 iTunes library with 2 computers (not on same network)?

    I have 1 very large iTunes library in which I am always adding/deleting/editing songs and 2 computers (1 home, 1 laptop). I would like to be able to manage my library with my laptop when I am away from home but also be able to see any changes I made next time I open iTunes on my home computer. I tried home sharing but this seems to be more for computers on the same network. My library is much too big for iCloud. Someone suggested I hold shift when I open iTunes to select a library but even though I can select the library file I want, it doesn't populate iTunes with my changes (or any music for that matter). I'm running XP with the latest version of iTunes (10.7.0.21). Thanks

    This describes a work/home scenario.  For home/away use, edit the library directly on the portable backup when away, then sync libraries on your return.
    Sync iPod/iPad/iPhone with two computers
    Although it isn't possible to sync an Apple device with two different libraries it is possible to sync with the same logical library from multiple computers. Each library has an internal ID and when iTunes connects to your iPod/iPad/iPhone it compares the local ID with the one the device normally syncs with. If they are the same you can go ahead and sync...
    I have my library cloned to a small 1Tb USB drive which I can take between home & work. At either location I use SyncToy 2.1 to update the local copy with the external drive. Mac users should be able to find similar tools. I can open either of the local libraries or the one on the external drive and update the media content of my iPhone. The slight exception is Photos which normally connects to a specific folder on a specific machine, although that can easily be remapped to the current library if you create a "Photos" folder inside the iTunes Media folder so that syncing the iTunes folders keeps this up to date as well. I periodically sweep my library for new files & orphans with iTunes Folder Watch just in case I make changes at one location but then overwrite the library with a newer copy from the other. Again Mac users should be able to find similar tools.
    As long as your media is organized within an iTunes Music or Tunes Media folder, in turn held inside the main iTunes folder that has your library files (whether or not you let iTunes keep the media folder organized) each library can access items at the same relative path from the library folder so the library can be at different drives/paths on different machines. This solution ensures I always have adequate backups of my library and I can update my devices whenever I can connect to the same build of iTunes.
    When working with an iPhone earlier builds of iTunes would remove any file not physically present in the local library, even if there was an entry for it, making manual management practically redundant on the iPhone. This behavior has been changed but it will still only permit manual management with a library that has the correct internal ID. If you don't want to sync your library between machines on a regular basis just copy the iTunes Library.itl file from the current "home" machine to any other you want to use, then clean out the library entries and import the local content you have on that box.
    tt2

  • HT1535 I own an iPhone4, an iPod 3rd generation and an iPad 2. I use the same iTunes library but unfortunately synced iPad with a different computer before syncing to my own. Do I risk losing the films/apps I've downloaded onto my iPad if I sync with my i

    I don't want to sync what is on my iPod to my iPad. (I have a 32gb iPod but only 16gb on iPad. The iPod I use mostly for music.) I can't seem to add the films I have downloaded onto iPad to iTunes. If I could do that, I could erase them from iPad to create more storage.
    This is intensely confusing, sorry.

    Question.....
    "I own an iPhone4, an iPod 3rd generation and an iPad 2. I use the same iTunes library but unfortunately synced iPad with a different computer before syncing to my own. Do I risk losing the films/apps I've downloaded onto my iPad if I sync with my iPod?"
    Answer.....
    Yes you will lose the films that you downloaded to the iPad when you sync with your own iTunes unless you transfer the purchases into your own iTunes library. Were these movies that you purchased? If so, you might be able to download them again for free. Do you have multiple computers that you sync from or is this someone else's purchased content?
    You can select whatever you want to sync to all of your devices in iTunes, you do not have to sync the same content to all device.
    iTunes 11 for Windows: Set up syncing for iPod, iPhone, or iPad
    iOS: Syncing with iTunes - Support - Apple

  • Can i have my itunes library on 2 computers at the same?

    i have a burning question thats needs a very thorough explination. i want my itunes library on my desktop and laptop so when i'm on my desktop i can listen to it on there and when i'm out and about i can listen to it on my laptop. if this possible can someone explain to me how it's done as i don't want to acidently wipe my library if you know what i mean.
    thanks for all your comments in advance.

    I hope you don't mind me throwing a curve ball into this discussion... It should be a fairly simple matter to copy your library from one computer to the other. The tricky bit is keeping the two copies up to date with each other. I've written about this before, primarily with a view to being able to update devices from each computer, so perhaps this will be useful to you too.
    Sync iPod/iPad/iPhone with two computers
    Although it isn't possible to sync an Apple device with two different libraries it is possible to sync with the same logical library from multiple computers. Each library has an internal ID and when iTunes connects to your iPod/iPad/iPhone it compares the local ID with the one the device normally syncs with. If they are the same you can go ahead and sync...
    I have my library cloned to a small 1Tb USB drive which I can take between home & work. At either location I use SyncToy 2.1 to update the local copy with the external drive. Mac users should be able to find similar tools. I can open either of the local libraries or the one on the external drive and update the media content of my iPhone. The slight exception is Photos which normally connects to a specific folder on a specific machine, although that can easily be remapped to the current library if you create a "Photos" folder inside the iTunes Media folder so that syncing the iTunes folders keeps this up to date as well. I periodically sweep my library for new files & orphans with iTunes Folder Watch just in case I make changes at one location but then overwrite the library with a newer copy from the other. Again Mac users should be able to find similar tools.
    As long as your media is organised within an Tunes Media folder, in turn held inside the main iTunes folder that has your library files (whether or not you let iTunes keep the media folder organised) each library can access items at the same relative path from the library folder so the library can be at different drives/paths on different machines. This solution ensures I always have adequate backups of my library and I can update my devices whenever I can connect to the same build of iTunes.
    In your case you could use a shared folder on one computer in place of the external drive, but you could use the SyncToy tool to keep the two folders in sync with each other rather than trying to do that part by hand which is almost impossible...
    tt2

  • Same itunes library for 2 iphones on 2 computers?

    Me and my brother would like to use both of our iphones on the same library but also access that library from different computers.  Is this possible and how?

    Hi bmbillups,
    Welcome to the Support Communities!
    The article below may be able to help you with this issue.
    Click on the link to see more details and screenshots. 
    iTunes 11 for Mac: Share iTunes libraries on a local network
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12150
    Apple - Support - iTunes - Manage and share your Library
    http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/library/
    iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
    Cheers,
    - Judy

  • Put itunes downloaded from different computers on same ipod?

    Hello,
    I have downloaded itunes onto two different computers using the same account. How do I put these itunes onto my ipod without deleting any content? Thanks, Jake.

    If you want to connect and use an iPod on more than one computer change the update setting on your iPod to manual. Connect your iPod to the computer you are using it on now an in iTunes go to Edit>Preferences>iPod and check the "Manually manage songs and playlists" box:
    Using iPod with Multiple computers
    Managing Your Songs Manually
    For info: iPod 101
    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.

  • How can I get my itunes library on multiple computers at the same time. I have 3 and an iphone 4S

    So I have my itunes library on a laptop and synced with my iphone 4S. I have a new laptop and a tower and I use all three computers. Is there a simple way to have all three computers sync the same itunes library, and the phone?

    No.
    Iphone will sync with one and only one computer a a time.  Syncing to another will erase the current content from the iphone and replace with content from the new computer.

Maybe you are looking for