Fast iTunes to Windows Media Playlist Converter — Convert M3U & WPL Easily

iTunes to Windows Media Playlist Converter: Best Tools Compared

Converting iTunes playlists to Windows Media Player (WMP) playlists is a common need when switching platforms or sharing curated libraries. iTunes uses .xml/.itl and exportable .m3u formats, while Windows Media Player primarily uses .wpl (XML) or .m3u. This comparison covers the best tools and methods for converting playlists reliably, with pros, cons, and step-by-step usage notes.

Quick comparison

How these tools work (brief)

• iTunes export: Export playlists from iTunes as M3U or XML. M3U lists file paths/URLs; WMP can read M3U directly, but WPL is WMP’s native XML format and may need conversion.
• Web converters: Upload or point to exported playlist, choose target format, and download converted file. Some services can read libraries from streaming services.
• Desktop apps (foobar2000): Read the exported playlist and save in the desired format; plugins may be required for WPL.
• Scripts: Parse M3U/XML and emit WPL (XML) with correct file path tags and encoding.

Detailed tool breakdown

1) iTunes export + manual edit

• Process: In iTunes, select playlist → File → Library → Export Playlist → choose M3U or XML. If you exported XML and need WPL, you can either open M3U in a text editor to verify paths or convert to WPL using a simple script or small app.
• Pros: No extra software; full control.
• Cons: Manual steps; editing can be tedious for large libraries.

2) Playlist Converter (web)

• Process: Visit the web tool, upload exported playlist or paste a playlist URL, choose WPL or M3U output, and download.
• Pros: Fast, no install; usually handles path normalization.
• Cons: Privacy considerations for uploading playlists; some features behind paywall.

3) TuneMyMusic / Soundiiz

• Process: Connect source (iTunes via file upload or platform connector) and choose Windows Media Player or file output. Migrate playlists directly between services or export WPL/M3U.
• Pros: Excellent for transferring across services; user-friendly.
• Cons: Free tier limits; web-based.

4) foobar2000 (with converters)

• Process: Install foobar2000, load your M3U playlist or point it to your music library, then use the “Convert” or “Save playlist” functionality (plugins may be needed for WPL).
• Pros: Powerful batch operations, customizable mappings.
• Cons: Steeper learning curve; Windows-only.

5) iTunes to WMP script (PowerShell/Python)

• Process: Use or create a script that reads an M3U/PLIST and writes a .wpl XML file with proper encoding and media tags. Example tasks: normalize file paths, handle missing files, map iTunes metadata if needed.
• Pros: Fully automatable, repeatable for large libraries.
• Cons: Requires scripting knowledge.

Step-by-step: Fast method for most users (iTunes → M3U → WMP)

1. In iTunes: select the playlist → File → Library → Export Playlist → choose M3U.
2. Copy the exported .m3u to the PC with Windows Media Player if exported on macOS.
3. Open Windows Media Player → File → Open (or drag the .m3u into the WMP playlist pane). WMP will import and you can save the playlist as WPL via Save list as.

Step-by-step: Using a web converter

1. Export playlist from iTunes as M3U (or XML).
2. Upload or paste the playlist into the web converter.
3. Select WPL as output and download converted file.
4. Double-click the .wpl to open in Windows Media Player or import it.

Tips and troubleshooting

• File paths: Ensure exported playlist paths match the target computer’s library paths (absolute vs relative). Use find-and-replace in a text editor or a script to fix paths.
• Missing files: Converters don’t transfer audio files—only playlist references. Make sure the target machine has the same media files and folder structure.
• Encoding: WPL is XML—ensure the converter writes UTF-8 if filenames include non-ASCII characters.
• Batch work: For many playlists, use foobar2000 or scripts to automate conversion and path normalization.

Recommendation

• If you want a simple, quick solution and both machines share the same file paths: export M3U from iTunes and open it in WMP.
• For multiple playlists, cross-service moves, or cloud libraries: use TuneMyMusic or Soundiiz.
• For full control, automation, or large libraries: use foobar2000 with plugins or a PowerShell/Python script.

If you want, I can generate a ready-to-run PowerShell or Python script to convert M3U to WPL and normalize paths for Windows—tell me your source path structure and target machine layout.