Trying to run iTunes from external hard drive in windows 11

Hello,

I want to run iTunes on my new laptop but from an external hard drive.  I searched google and you tube and all that I read suggested the same procedure.  I did what was suggested but it doesn't work for me.  So I am here asking for help and advice.  Here are the steps I followed:

I opened up iTunes on my old computer, updated iTunes to the latest version and then consolidated my files.  I opened "This PC" and navigated to the following path: C:\Users\Joseph\Music\iTunes\iTunesMedia, right clicked and selected "copy",  Then I navigated to my external hard drive: E:\MyPassport, right clicked and selected "paste".  

I connected the external hard drive to the new laptop and opened iTunes on that one.  Made sure iTunes was updated.  In iTunes, I went to edit, then preferences and clicked on advanced and then change.  I navigated to the external hard drive D:/My Passport and selected the folder "iTunesMedia",  and click "select folder" and then click "ok".  But none of my songs appear.

I thought that I followed the procedure as instructed but it doesn't work for me.  I must be missing a step somewhere along the line.  But I don't know where.

Any advice or suggestions?  

Thank you in advance.

Joe

Hi, no can not move iTunes to a external drive except the Music Folder.  It still must run from C:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255367849

It is also not a given due to effort to say new computer, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255008234?sortBy=best

Follow this by reading I would not trust anything (backup yourfiles 1st before working with the originals)

Move the files manually and see if program will find library.  

(IMHO convert them all to another format can play on anything, anywhere.)

Is a time waster for sure.

Edited by Pkshadow, 07 June 2024 - 02:50 PM.

Hi, no can not move iTunes to a external drive except the Music Folder.  It still must run from C:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255367849

 

It is also not a given due to effort to say new computer, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255008234?sortBy=best

 

Follow this by reading I would not trust anything (backup yourfiles 1st before working with the originals)

 

Move the files manually and see if program will find library.  

 

(IMHO convert them all to another format can play on anything, anywhere.)

 

Is a time waster for sure.

Thank you for your response.  You are correct. I used a poor choice of words in my original post.  I want to keep iTunes on my "c" drive and have my library of songs on the external drive.  I realized that I missed the important final step.  After following the procedure listed in the original post, I needed to close out iTunes and then hold down the 'shift' key while opening iTunes.  Then I was presented with a screen asking me to choose a library and then I was able to choose the location on the external drive.  Thank you again for your help.

Joe

Welcome, glad got where you wanted it