Where did my iTunes library go?

Your iTunes library can typically be found and accessed directly within the iTunes application on your PC. Depending on your operating system and the version of iTunes (or related apps) you're using, it might also be managed by the Apple Music app or the Apple TV app.

Locating Your iTunes Library in the App

The primary way to find and interact with your iTunes library is by navigating through the application itself. This allows you to view your music, movies, and other media that iTunes organizes.

Steps to Find Your Library on Your PC

To locate your media within the iTunes application:

1. Open the iTunes app on your computer.
2. Look for a pop-up menu located at the top left of the iTunes window.
3. From this menu, choose an option that corresponds to your media type, such as Music or Movies.
4. After selecting your media type, click on Library to view your collection.

If You Don't See Music, Movies, or TV Shows Options

If the familiar Music, Movies, or TV Shows options are not visible in the pop-up menu within iTunes, it indicates that newer applications might be managing your media. In such cases:

• Check the Apple Music app or the Apple TV app that you have installed on your device. These applications have replaced iTunes for media management on many newer systems and handle the content of your previous iTunes library.

Understanding Your iTunes Library File Locations

While the steps above help you access your library within the app, the actual media files (like your songs, videos, and playlists) are stored on your computer's hard drive. Understanding these file locations can be helpful if you're trying to back up your library or move it.

Common Default Locations for iTunes Media Files

The default location for your iTunes media folder varies slightly between operating systems but typically resides within your user's music folder:

• On Windows PCs: Your iTunes media is often found at:
  C:\Users\[Your Username]\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media
• On macOS: The typical path is:
  ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media (where ~ represents your home directory)

How to Verify Your iTunes Media Folder Location

You can easily confirm where your iTunes media folder is located directly within the iTunes application:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Go to Edit > Preferences (on Windows) or iTunes > Preferences (on macOS).
3. Click on the Advanced tab.
4. Here, you will see the "iTunes Media folder location" which specifies the exact path where your files are stored.

Quick Reference Table for Locating Your Library

For more detailed information on managing your iTunes library and media files, you can refer to official Apple support resources related to iTunes and media organization.