Apple Music works on both Mac and Windows computers, giving you several ways to access your music library on a desktop. With an Apple Music subscription, you can add songs, albums, and playlists to your library and download them for offline playback through the Apple Music app. On some older systems, iTunes can also be used to manage and download music.
In this guide, you'll learn how to save Apple Music to your computer, including how to download music through the official Apple Music app, save Apple Music songs as regular audio files such as MP3, WAV, or FLAC, and redownload music you've purchased from the iTunes Store. These options work differently, from in-app downloads for offline playback to local files that can be stored and managed directly on your computer.
Part 1. Can You Save Apple Music to Your Computer?
Yes. Apple Music supports offline downloads on Windows and Mac through the Apple Music app or iTunes. With an Apple Music subscription, you can access its catalog, add music to your library, and download it for offline listening. You can remove downloads to free up storage while keeping the music in your library. Your computer must be authorized before downloading, with up to five computers authorized at the same time.
However, Apple Music downloads are managed within Apple Music for offline playback rather than saved as conventional MP3, WAV, or FLAC files. Apple states that they cannot be manually transferred to another device or burned to a disc. If your subscription ends, downloaded content remains on the computer but can no longer be played. If you need audio files that can be copied, transferred, or managed outside Apple Music, ViWizard Apple Music Converter can save Apple Music as local audio files, including MP3.
Need Apple Music in more flexible audio formats? ViWizard Apple Music Converter helps Apple Music subscribers create a personal music library with seamless music backup. Build your collection and keep your music beyond the Apple Music app.
Part 2. How to Save Music from Apple Music to Your Computer
If you want to save Apple Music songs as local audio files, ViWizard Apple Music Converter can convert songs, albums, playlists, and artists on Windows or Mac. It supports MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, AIFF, and FLAC, including lossless conversion, batch conversion, and customizable output settings. You can convert multiple songs, albums, playlists, or an entire music library at speeds of up to 17×.
To save Apple Music as local files, install ViWizard, load your Apple Music library, choose an output format, and start the conversion. ViWizard removes DRM protection during conversion and saves the tracks as regular audio files that you can store and manage on your computer, transfer to other devices, or burn to disc.
Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter
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- Convert Apple Music songs, playlists, albums, and artists
- Export Apple Music in 6 formats for different devices and players
- Preserve metadata and lyrics when creating music collections
- Organize converted music by artist and album
- Batch download large Apple Music collections
Step 1: Install ViWizard and Sign In to Apple Music
Download and install ViWizard Apple Music Converter on your Windows or Mac computer. Once installed, open the app and log in to your Apple Music account using the built-in web player. This gives you full access to your Apple Music library so you can pick what you want to save.
Step 2: Pick an Output Format (Like MP3)
Go to the settings section before converting. Choose MP3 as your output format. You can also adjust sound quality settings like bit rate, sample rate, and audio channels. If you want to keep synced lyrics or text files, make sure those options are selected too.
Step 3: Select the Songs You Want to Keep
Browse through your library inside the ViWizard interface. Choose songs, albums, or playlists you'd like to download. Click the "+" button to add them to the list. When everything's ready, hit the Convert button to start saving your tracks as regular audio files.
Step 4: Find and Enjoy Your New Music Files
Once the process finishes, go to the History tab or open the output folder on your computer. You'll see your converted music there, ready to use with compatible players and devices. You can play the songs, copy them to a USB drive, move them to your phone, or back them up. Album art, titles, and other original metadata can also be retained with the files.
Part 3. How to Download Music from Apple Music to Your Computer
Open the Apple Music app or iTunes, sign in with your Apple Account, and authorize the computer if required. Add music to your library, then click Download for offline listening. These downloads remain managed by Apple Music rather than becoming ordinary audio files. To save them as MP3, you can use ViWizard Apple Music Converter.
3.1Download Apple Music on Windows 10
On Windows 10, use iTunes to add Apple Music content to your library and download it for offline listening. Downloads are stored in C:\Users\Username\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media and remain managed by iTunes rather than becoming ordinary MP3, WAV, or FLAC files.
01Open iTunes.
02In the menu bar, choose Account > Sign In and sign in with your Apple Account.
03Find the song, album, or playlist you want to download.
04Click the Add button, or choose More > Add to Library.
05In the sidebar, choose Library, then select Songs, Albums, or another category.
06Select the music you added.
07Click the Download button, or choose More > Download.
3.2Download Apple Music on Mac
On Mac, use the Music app to add Apple Music content to your library and download it for offline listening. The downloads remain managed by the Music app rather than becoming ordinary MP3, WAV, or FLAC files.
01Open the Music app.
02Use Search to find the song, album, or playlist you want to save.
03Click the Add button, or choose More > Add to Library.
04From the sidebar, select a category under Library.
05Move the pointer over the item and click the Download button.
Part 4. How to Redownload iTunes Purchases to Your Computer
You can redownload iTunes Store purchases to an authorized Windows PC or Mac without an Apple Music subscription. In iTunes or the Music app, open your purchased music and click the Download button or cloud icon.
iTunes Store purchases are DRM-free AAC files at 256 kbps with the .m4a extension. You can store them on your computer, transfer them to other devices, or burn them to a CD. Purchases can also be redownloaded on other authorized devices linked to the same Apple Account.
4.1Redownload iTunes Purchases on Windows PC
In iTunes, go to Account > Purchased, select Music, find the song or album, and click the Download button or cloud icon. The music is saved in the iTunes media library as an .m4a file.
01Open iTunes.
02In the menu bar, choose Account > Sign In and use the Apple Account that made the purchase.
03Choose Account > Purchased.
04Select Music from the pop-up menu in the upper-left corner.
05Find the song or album you want to redownload.
06Click the Download button next to the song or album.
4.2Redownload iTunes Purchases on Mac
In the Music app, go to Account > Purchased to access your iTunes Store purchases. They remain DRM-free AAC files and are separate from Apple Music subscription downloads.
01Open the Music app.
02In the menu bar, choose Account > Purchased.
03If you use Family Sharing, select Family Purchases and choose the relevant family member.
04Click Music to view purchased music.
05Select Not in My Library to filter for purchases that aren't currently downloaded.
06Find the song or album you want to redownload.
07Click the Download button next to the item.
Part 5. Apple Music Downloads vs. Local Audio Files on Your Computer
| Feature | Apple Music Downloads | Local Audio Files |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Protected Apple Music format | MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, AIFF, or FLAC |
| Playback | Apple Music app | Compatible music players |
| Transfer | Limited | Can be transferred to other devices |
| File management | Managed by Apple Music | Can be copied and organized freely |
| Burn to disc | Not supported | Supported |
| DRM | Protected | Removed during conversion |
Apple Music downloads and local audio files serve different purposes. Downloads are intended for offline playback within the Apple Music app, while local files can be stored and managed independently on your computer.
If you only need offline listening, the built-in download feature is sufficient. If you want to store, transfer, or manage your music more freely, saving Apple Music as local audio files provides a more flexible option.
Part 6. Final Thoughts
Saving Apple Music to your computer can mean two different things. You can download music through Apple Music for offline playback, or save it as local audio files for more flexible storage, transfer, and management. The right option depends on how you plan to use your music.
If you want to keep Apple Music songs as regular audio files, ViWizard Apple Music Converter provides a simple way to save them as MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, AIFF, or FLAC. Download ViWizard Apple Music Converter and save your Apple Music library as local files on your computer.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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