How to Convert Your iPod from Windows to Mac? Converting an iPod between operating systems may sound difficult, but there are a few basics you should know: transfer your iTunes library and update iPod software.
Convert Your iPod from Windows to Mac and vice versa
I used to have a PC but recently switched to a Mac and now I’m having problems with my iPod. I want to use the iPod with my new Mac, but it’s formatted for Windows. doIs there any way to convert my iPod from Windows to Mac?
Port your iTunes music library
Back up and transfer your iTunes music library is an essential part of this process, as converting an iPod between platforms requires you to update the iPod software and overwrite all iPod media files during that process. If your iTunes music library is still intact on your old computer, you’ll need to copy all of your media files to the new computer. If your music only exists on your iPod, you will need to rescue that music.
Copy your iTunes music library from your old computer
If you still have your iTunes music library intact on your old computer, you’re in luck, because the latest versions of iTunes include a feature that allows you to back up your entire library to a CDs or DVDs.
- Launch iTunes and click File → Backup to Disk.
- Select Back up your entire iTunes library and playlists. This will bring in all your songs, ratings, playlists, and purchases from the iTunes Music Store.
- Put the first blank disc in your disc drive and start burning the backup. If your music library is larger than one disc will fit, iTunes will prompt you for another once the first one is full.
Next, you need to restore your music library from these backup disks to your new computer.
- Launch iTunes (on your new computer) and insert the first backup disc.
- When iTunes asks, tell it that you want to restore.
Rescue songs from your iPod
If the old computer that contains your iTunes music library is no longer available, your situation is a little more difficult. Apple has built significantly high barriers into its system iPod/iTunes to prevent people from illegally copying music.
The way Apple sees it, the way iTunes → iPod it’s a one-way street, and the music doesn’t come out of an iPod. The unfortunate side of Apple’s tough stance against piracy is that they’ve cut off the legs of a lot of people just like you, who have a very legitimate need to move music from an iPod to a computer. The result of this situation is that anyone who wants to recover their music from their iPod must violate Apple’s terms of service and use unsupported third-party software to recover songs from it.
Updating your iPod software
iPods run on software that is specially designed to work with a PC or Mac, so converting an iPod between computer platforms requires you to update this software to work with the new operating system. Apple has a program called iPod Software Updater whose purpose is to update and/or restore the software that powers an iPod.
Convert your iPod from PC to Mac
- Download and install the Apple iPod Software Updater.
- Connect your Windows iPod to your new Mac.
- Run iPod Software Updater and select Restore.
- Update your iPod with your iTunes music library.
Convert your iPod from Mac to PC
- Download and install the iPod Software Updater from the Apple website.
- Connect your Mac iPod to your new PC.
- Run iPod Software Updater and select Restore.
- Update your iPod with your iTunes music library.
Caution! Running iPod Software Updater will erase the contents of your iPod. Before you update your iPod software, you should back up any music you have on other media, such as a hard drive, CD, or DVD.
