The Apple Music app on Windows 11 allows you to play not only streamed music but also your own local song files stored on your PC. If you have MP3, AAC, WAV, or other supported audio files, you can import them into Apple Music and manage them alongside your existing library.
Many users switch from iTunes to the new Apple Music app and are unsure where the import option is located. Unlike streaming, importing songs creates a local library that can be synced across devices if iCloud Music Library is enabled. Understanding how importing works ensures your music is organized correctly and avoids duplicate or missing tracks.
Things to Know Before Importing Songs into Apple Music
Before you start, keep the following points in mind.
- Song files must be stored locally on your Windows 11 PC
- Supported formats include MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, and ALAC
- Imported songs remain available offline
- Imported music does not require an Apple Music subscription
- iCloud Music Library is required to sync songs to other devices
What Happens When You Import Songs into Apple Music
When you import music files, Apple Music adds them to your local library.
- Songs appear under Library > Songs
- Files remain stored on your PC
- Metadata like artist and album can be edited
- Songs can be added to playlists
- Syncing depends on iCloud Music settings
How to Import Song Files to the Apple Music App on Windows 11
Follow the steps below carefully to import your music files successfully.
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
You must be signed in to manage your library properly.
2. Locate the Import Option in Apple Music
- Click the three-dot menu or Settings option in Apple Music
- Go to Settings or Preferences
- Look for Files or Library settings
This section controls how local music files are handled.
3. Import Individual Song Files
If you want to add specific songs only.
- In Apple Music, click File (if visible)
- Select Import or Add Files to Library
- Browse to the folder containing your songs
- Select one or more music files
- Click Open
The selected songs will be added to your library.
4. Import an Entire Music Folder
To add a full collection at once.
- Open Apple Music
- Choose Import Folder or Add Folder to Library
- Select the folder that contains your music
- Confirm the selection
All supported audio files in that folder will be imported automatically.
5. Enable Automatic Music Folder Import (Optional)
Apple Music can monitor a folder and auto-import new songs.
- Open Apple Music Settings
- Go to Files or Advanced
- Enable Automatically add files to library
- Choose the folder to monitor
Any new songs added to that folder will appear in Apple Music automatically.
6. Check Imported Songs in Your Library
After importing, verify that the songs appear correctly.
- Go to Library
- Select Songs, Albums, or Artists
- Look for the newly imported tracks
If songs do not appear immediately, restart the app.
How to Edit Song Info After Importing
You can fix incorrect song details easily.
- Right-click the imported song
- Select Get Info or Properties
- Edit artist name, album, genre, or artwork
- Save changes
Correct metadata improves library organization.
Can Imported Songs Sync to iPhone or iPad
Yes, but only if syncing is enabled.
- Enable iCloud Music Library in Apple Music settings
- Use the same Apple ID on all devices
- Allow time for syncing
Without iCloud Music Library, imported songs remain local to the PC.
Final Thoughts
Importing song files into the Apple Music app on Windows 11 is a simple way to combine your personal music collection with streaming content. Whether you add a few tracks or an entire library, Apple Music keeps everything organized in one place. As long as your files are supported and stored locally, importing works reliably without requiring an active subscription.
