Artwork or cover images play an important role in organizing and personalizing your music library. In the Apple Music app on Windows 11, you can change the artwork of imported songs, albums, and playlists to better reflect your preferences. This is especially useful when album art is missing, incorrect, or when you want a custom image for playlists you’ve created.
It’s important to note that Apple allows artwork editing mainly for locally added music and personal playlists. Artwork for songs streamed directly from Apple Music is usually locked and cannot be modified. Understanding these limitations helps avoid confusion while editing cover images.
Things to Know Before Changing Artwork in Apple Music
Before you start, keep the following points in mind.
- Artwork can be changed for imported (local) songs
- Apple Music streaming songs usually cannot be edited
- Playlist artwork can be customized freely
- Supported image formats include JPG and PNG
- High-resolution square images look best
- Changes apply instantly to your local library
How to Change Song or Album Artwork in Apple Music on Windows 11
Follow the steps below to change artwork for locally added songs or albums.
1. Open the Apple Music App on Windows 11
- Click Start and open Apple Music
- Make sure you are signed in with your Apple ID
Artwork editing works best when you are signed in properly.
2. Locate the Song or Album You Want to Edit
- Go to Library
- Select Songs or Albums
- Find the track or album with incorrect or missing artwork
Only imported songs allow artwork editing.
3. Open Song Information Settings
- Right-click the song or album
- Select Get Info or Song Info
- A details window will open
This section allows you to edit metadata and artwork.
4. Change the Song or Album Artwork
- Click on the existing artwork thumbnail
- Choose Add Artwork or Change Artwork
- Browse and select an image from your PC
- Confirm the selection
- Click OK or Save
The new artwork will be applied immediately.
5. Change Artwork for Multiple Songs at Once (Optional)
If multiple songs belong to the same album.
- Select all the songs together
- Right-click and choose Get Info
- Confirm editing multiple items
- Add or change artwork once
- Save changes
All selected songs will use the same album art.
How to Change Playlist Artwork in Apple Music on Windows 11
Playlist artwork is fully customizable and easier to edit.
1. Open the Playlist You Want to Customize
- Go to Library > Playlists
- Open the playlist you created
You can only change artwork for playlists you own.
2. Edit Playlist Cover Image
- Click the Edit Playlist option
- Hover over the playlist artwork area
- Select Change Artwork or Add Image
- Choose an image from your PC
- Save the changes
The playlist cover image updates instantly.
Final Thoughts
Changing artwork for songs and playlists in the Apple Music app on Windows 11 is a simple way to personalize your music library. While Apple restricts editing for streamed content, locally imported songs and personal playlists give you full control over cover images. Using high-quality artwork and organizing albums properly makes browsing your library more enjoyable.
