How to Transfer Music from an Old iPod to a Windows 10 Computer

To transfer music from an old iPod to a Windows 10 computer, connect the iPod, open it in File Explorer as a drive, turn on Hidden items on the View tab, and open iPod_Control > Music. Copy all the F00, F01, and similar folders to a folder on your PC. Then add that folder to iTunes or another music app, which reads the song names and artists from the files. First, stop iTunes from syncing automatically so it doesn’t erase your iPod.

This works for iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle models. iPod touch works differently, so it has its own section below.

Step 1: Stop iTunes from syncing automatically

If your iPod was synced with a different computer, iTunes may offer to erase it and sync with this one. To prevent that:

1. Open iTunes (without the iPod connected).
2. Click Edit > Preferences > Devices.
3. Check Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically, and click OK.

If iTunes ever asks to Erase and Sync, click Cancel.

Step 2: Make the iPod show up as a drive

1. Connect the iPod with its USB cable.
2. Open File Explorer and click This PC. If the iPod appears as a drive, skip to Step 3.
3. If it doesn’t, select the iPod in iTunes, click Summary, check Enable disk use (sometimes labeled Manually manage music and videos), and click Apply.

Step 3: Copy the music files

1. In File Explorer, click the View tab and check Hidden items.
2. Open the iPod drive, then iPod_Control > Music.
3. Select all the F folders (F00, F01, and so on) and copy them to a new folder on your PC, like Music\iPod backup.

The files have random four-letter names, like ABCD.m4a. That’s normal. The song information is stored inside each file.

Step 4: Import the music into a library

• iTunes: Click File > Add Folder to Library and choose your backup folder. iTunes reads the titles, artists, and album art.
• Apple Music app for Windows: Use File > Import to add the folder.
• Other players: Most music apps, like VLC or Windows Media Player, can read the files and their tags.

To give the files proper names on disk, turn on Keep iTunes Media folder organized and Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library in iTunes’ Advanced preferences before importing.

What about an iPod touch?

An iPod touch doesn’t show its music as a drive. Options include:

• Re-download purchased music in iTunes with Account > Purchased.
• Use File > Devices > Transfer Purchases in iTunes to copy purchased songs.
• Use a reputable third-party iPod transfer app for non-purchased songs. Check reviews and download from the developer’s official site.

Troubleshooting

• iPod not recognized: Try another USB port and cable, and install the latest iTunes or Apple Devices app, which includes the drivers.
• Some songs won’t play: Older purchased songs may be protected with DRM and need the original Apple Account authorized on this PC (Account > Authorizations).
• No iPod_Control folder: Make sure Hidden items is on. Very old or damaged iPods may need a restore, which erases them, so try everything else first.

Frequently asked questions

Will copying files from my iPod delete them?

No. Copying leaves the music on the iPod.

Why are my song file names random letters?

iPods rename files internally. Your music app uses the tags inside each file to show the correct names.

Do I need iTunes to do this?

Only to enable disk use on some models and to manage syncing. Copying the files works in File Explorer.