Can I uncheck the "Copy files to iTunes media folder when adding to library" and delete those duplicate files?

As given there isn't a way to automatically relink iTunes to the original sources. When using the Copy to... option it doesn't maintain a record of where things came from. See Make a split library portable - Apple Community for general advice on organizing the library. I don't suppose you would consider archiving and then deleting the originals as an alternative strategy? I do have a script called FindTracks that can potentially be used to repair broken links after the fact, but it requires more effort and might need tweaking if your original files are in a non-standard layout.

tt2

Hello helil,

Thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities.

We understand not wanting duplicates in your iTunes Music files, but you don’t want to uncheck the Copy files to iTunes.

There is a perfect article to help you with getting rid of the duplicates. Take a look at Find items and duplicates in iTunes library or playlist and go to “Find duplicates”. It will help so how to easily find and delete the duplicates.

Let us know if you have questions.

Cheers!

Hi helil,

To learn more about the iTunes Media folder, see this link found in the iTunes User Guide.

Reading over your question, and if we understand your question correctly, there isn’t an automated process to locate songs for play if you’ve removed them from the library.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Take care!

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2