Consolidate Your iTunes/Music Library Before Backup
The media files that make up your iTunes library might not be contained in the same folder; they may be spread among multiple folders. This can complicate things because you will have to make sure that all of the folders on your hard drive are backed up, in addition to the iTunes music folder. Fortunately, you can use the consolidation feature in iTunes to copy all of your media files into one folder. This process does not delete the original files found in other locations, and it makes sure that all of the media in your library will be copied. Here’s how to consolidate your iTunes library into one folder before backup, make sure iTunes is running and follow these steps:
Copy Your Consolidated iTunes/Music Library to External Storage
Now that you’ve made sure all the files in your iTunes library are in one folder, you can copy the folder to an external storage device, such as a portable hard drive or disc. To do this you will have to make sure iTunes is not running. Quit the program and follow these steps:
On a Mac computer, select the iTunes/Music menu, then select Preferences.On a Windows computer, select Edit > Preferences.
Windows: \Users\userprofile\My Music\ macOS: /Users/userprofile/Music
Windows: Select the Computer icon or This PC via the Start button.Mac: Open a Finder window from the dock or desktop.
