How to restore missing songs and albums in iTunes on PC post the Windows Update

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to restore missing songs and albums in iTunes on PC post the Windows Update

I have used iTunes on my PC for years. Yesterday when I opened iTunes, I see none of my songs or albums there. I can still see all my music in the iTunes media folder on my PC and had not moved the file. This happened after a Windows update. I've made sure I have the latest version of iTunes. I just tried uploading new music from my computer to iTunes, but can only see that one album. How can I see all my music in iTunes again?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Feb 22, 2024 8:00 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Feb 23, 2024 4:54 AM in response to Mapplechick

See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash - Apple Community.

tt2

Reply

Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Feb 24, 2024 4:09 AM in response to Mapplechick

See Make a split library portable - Apple Community.

TL;DR, if your library is currently in the normal layout of an iTunes folder containing an iTunes Media folder that contains all content you can move/copy the iTunes folder to an external drive, then hold down shift as you launch iTunes and choose the library at <External>\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl. The user tip has details for when things aren't in the usual layout.

You should also backup your library. Keeping the library on an external drive doesn't of itself prevent the chance that the library could be corrupted during an upgrade, crash, or other incident.

tt2

Reply

Answer 3

Mapplechick Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 23, 2024 8:21 PM in response to Mapplechick

Thank you for your advice! I found the ITL file and moved it back into the iTunes folder and can see all my music in iTunes again. I may try moving the library to an external hard drive if I can figure out how to tell iTunes that pathway.

Reply

Answer 4

Feb 23, 2024 10:14 AM in response to Mapplechick

I long ago moved banished iTunes to a NAS. I moved the ITL file there as well and so far the library is easier to recover when I have to reset windows or install a new SSD etc

Reply

How to restore missing songs and albums in iTunes on PC post the Windows Update

Similar questions