Prev Next
1 of 5

How to quickly add media to iTunes

If you're an iTunes user who downloads music from all over the Web, you're probably familiar with the annoying task of manually opening iTunes and dragging and dropping your downloads into the library window. It's a pain, especially on older computers where iTunes takes forever to load. But if you don't stay on top of it, you end up having all the new music you're excited about sitting in your browser's download folder instead of loaded into iTunes and your iPod.
Photo by: Donald Bell/CNET
As of iTunes 9, users finally have a way to quickly add their music and video downloads to their iTunes library without having to launch any programs. To do this, first make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. Next, locate the iTunes music folder on your computer. On a PC this is typically found by going to My Documents, My Music, iTunes, and then iTunes Music. If the folders are sorted alphabetically, it shouldn't be too hard to spot a folder labeled "Automatically Add to iTunes" sitting near the top.

As the folder name implies, when you add music or video files to this particular folder, iTunes will automatically import the content next time you launch the program.
Photo by: Donald Bell/CNET
Unfortunately, this folder isn't in the most convenient spot, so here are a few tricks to make things easier.

One technique that works on both Mac and PC is to right-click on the folder and make an alias or Shortcut that you can drag to your desktop.
Photo by: Donald Bell/CNET
PC users can also open the folder and add it to their list of Favorites.
Photo by: Donald Bell/CNET
Another technique for quickly accessing your iTunes auto-add folder is to drag the folder or alias down to the Windows quick launch bar or start menu.
Photo by: Donald Bell/CNET

REVIEW

The most beautiful phone ever has one wildly annoying issue

he Samsung Galaxy S8's fast speeds and fantastic curved screen make it a top phone for 2017, but the annoying fingerprint reader could sour your experience.

Hot Products