Where Is the iTunes and Music Media Folder?
iTunes Media folder on Windows and the Music app Media folder on Mac, versus the library database files.
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Actual music and movie files live in an iTunes Media folder (Windows) or Media folder (Mac Music app), organized by artist and album. The library database files next to it only index those files.
This post covers media files, not iPhone backups (separate post). Consolidate the library before moving it, or the database points at stale paths.
Where iTunes stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media
Microsoft Store installs may use %USERPROFILE%\Music\iTunes under a different root; check Edit, Preferences, Advanced for the live media folder location.
~/Music/Music/Media
Modern Music app layout. Older iTunes era Macs use ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media instead. The .musiclibrary database sits next to Media, not inside it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move my iTunes library to a new drive?
Use File, Library, Organize Library, Consolidate files first, then move the whole iTunes folder and point the app at it in Preferences, Advanced.
Why do songs show an exclamation mark after moving files?
The database still points at old paths. Relocate through the app or re add the folder so entries resolve again.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.