How to Add WMA Files to iTunes?

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Way 1: Import WMA to iTunes Directly

Way 2: Convert WMA to iTunes Format Using a 3rd-Party Tool

Good to Know Before You Go

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So, you've got a bunch of music in WMA format, right? That's Windows Media Audio, a format loved by many Windows users but not so much by iTunes. Unlike the more universal MP3 or Apple’s favored AAC, WMA files and iTunes don't usually play nice together. But fear not! We've got some tricks up our sleeves to help bridge this gap.

Way 1: Import WMA to iTunes Directly

For those who prefer a seamless integration without third-party software, iTunes offers a built-in solution for importing unprotected WMA files, provided you have Windows Media Player Series 9 or later installed. Here's how to proceed:

Configure iTunes Preferences

Launch iTunes on your Windows machine and navigate to "Edit" > "Preferences".
Under the "General" tab, click on "Import Settings".
Here, you get to choose how iTunes converts your files. Options include AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, and WAV encoders.
Adjust quality settings as desired.
Access the "Advanced" tab to configure iTunes to place copies of imported WMA files. Click OK.

Configure iTunes Settings for WMA Conversion

Add WMA Files to iTunes

With your preferences set, it's time to introduce your WMA files to iTunes. You can either click "File" > "Add File to Library" or simply drag and drop the WMA files directly into the iTunes window.

Upon adding the files, iTunes will prompt you to convert the WMA files automatically to the format you specified earlier. Click "Convert" to initiate the conversion process.

Once the conversion's done, your tunes will be hanging out in your iTunes library, ready to play, while your original WMA files chill out untouched wherever you had them stored.

Way 2: Convert WMA to iTunes Format Using Third-Party Software

For an alternative approach, consider utilizing a free third-party WMA to iTunes converter. WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory is recommended for its user-friendliness and intuitive design.

Step 1. Add WMA Files

DownloadDownload, install, and run the freeware on your PC. Open up the "Converter" module and throw your WMA files into the window.

Step 2. Choose iTunes Supported Format

From the massive list of formats on the right side, select a format under the "Audio" category - AIFF, ALAC, M4A, MP3, or WAV are all compatible with iTunes.

For further customization, adjust the output quality in "Parameter settings".

Step 3. Start Conversion

Pick where you want your new files to go, hit "Run", and let WonderFox do its thing.

In no time, you'll have iTunes-friendly files ready to add to your library.

Good to Know Before You Go

While both methods provide straightforward solutions for adding WMA files to iTunes, there are a few additional points worth considering:

Convert to ALAC for Lossless Quality: If your original WMA files are in lossless format, convert them to ALAC (Apple Lossless) to maintain audio quality.
Avoid Double Lossy Conversion: Converting from one lossy format (WMA) to another (AAC or MP3) can result in further quality degradation. Therefore, it's best to convert to a lossless format if the original quality is important to you.
Protected WMA Files: You cannot add protected WMA files to iTunes directly. If you have the legal right to do so, you'll need to remove any DRM protection before converting and importing these files.
Keep Your Info Intact: Metadata such as song titles, artists, and album information should be preserved during the conversion process. However, it’s always good practice to double-check and update this information as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will iTunes play WMA files?

A: No, iTunes cannot play WMA files natively. You must convert WMA files to a supported format such as AAC, MP3, AIFF, or ALAC before they can be played in iTunes.

Q2: What if I'm on a budget? Are there free converters?

A: Absolutely! VLC and Audacity are both free and can handle your conversion needs. Or hit up online solutions like Online Audio Converter or Zamzar for a quick fix without installing anything.

Q3: Can I convert WMA to MP3 in iTunes?

A: Yes, iTunes can convert WMA files to MP3 if you have Windows Media Player Series 9 or later installed. Follow the steps outlined in Way 1 to configure iTunes to use the "MP3 Encoder" for conversion.

Q4: Can I convert protected WMA files to an iTunes-compatible format?

A: Unfortunately, no. Protected WMA files with Digital Rights Management (DRM) encryption cannot be converted or imported into iTunes unless you have the legal right and means to remove the DRM protection first.

Q5: Can I import WMA files to the Music app on Mac?

A: Nope, that won't fly. The Music app on macOS does not support WMA files natively. You'll need to convert them first to something like MP3 or AAC using a third-party converter before importing them into the Music app.