Migrate iTunes + Rekordbox from OSX to Windows 10

After years of using a Mac, I switched to a Windows computer. I manage my DJ collection (13k tracks) in iTunes and have a lot of cue points in Rekordbox. Moving both iTunes and Rekordbox databases is a challenge. But after two weeks of searching around and trying I found a way to do this! I know more people are facing the same challenge, so I hope I can help you with this post (This may also work if you stayed on the same OS but changed your username, but I’m not sure).

If you ask me, the move database feature (explained here: https://forums.pioneerdj.com/hc/en-us/articles/205021549-Moving-Your-Rekordbox-Database-Video-) is dodgy, because you are messing around with your original database. Copy instead of move would be much safer. You don’t want anything to happen to your original database. First you want your new setup up and running. And then, it does not work when you manage your tracks in iTunes (unless you relocate al tracks one by one).

So this is how I have done the migration:

1. On you Mac, copy your iTunes folder (containing al the music+library) to an external drive
2. In Rekordbox on your Mac, go to “File” - “Library” – “Backup Library”. Click OK
3. Then it will ask if you want to create a backup of the music files, click “Yes”
4. Save it in another folder on your external drive. This may take a while.
5. Now connect your drive to your Windows computer. Copy the iTunes folder to your music folder (or other preferred location).
6. Hold your shift key, and open iTunes. Now select the location of your iTunes library. Make sure your iTunes collection is working OK. Then go to settings, Advanced and make sure that the “Share iTunes Library XML with other applications” checkbox is on.
7. Now open Rekordbox in Windows. Go to settings, Advanced. In the iTunes section, locate your iTunes XML file.
8. Sync the iTunes library with Rekordbox. It will start analyzing tracks, you don’t have to wait for that.
9. Now go to “File” - “Library” – “Restore Library”. Click Ok.
10. Locate the backup you created
11. This will restore your complete library, while it keeps using the iTunes library! All your track analyses and cue point should be back. I’m not sure if it overwrites or skips the tracks, but the size of the music/iTunes folder did not grow in size.
12. Now you have the collection running on both you Windows computer and Mac.

I know it sounds weird to copy all your music files twice, but it worked for me! Please let me know how your migration goes 😊