Why is iTunes putting music on my C drive on Windows 10 when I have it set to save it on another internal drive?

I have my iTunes set to save files to another internal drive rather than C drive as I didn't want to use up space. However it seems to be using C drive for something. I've tried to research it out but can't figure out how to get those files off of there.


I've attached an image that shows my iTunes settings and also an image that shows where it's putting the files on my C drive.


I'd appreciate any help!


Nancy


Windows, Windows 6

Posted on Nov 5, 2021 2:53 PM

Reply
7 replies

Nov 6, 2021 7:44 AM in response to nancyrector

Traditionally the A: and B: drive letter designations are for floppy discs. iTunes may have an aversion to using them even if they are connected to more reasonably sized storage volumes. Recent versions of iTunes may also have trouble retaining the path to the media folder when it isn't a subfolder of the iTunes folder that holds your iTunes Library.itl database file. Changing the media folder location changes where new content is stored, but doesn't move anything from a previous location. If you consolidate to the new path the original copies still take up space on the old path. See Make a split library portable - Apple Community for more.


tt2

Nov 19, 2021 11:07 AM in response to turingtest2

I managed to do what I needed. I consolidated the music which put the few songs that were linked to my C drive into my chosen A drive iTunes folder. Then I deleted all the music on C drive. Making it portable was a bit confusing so I left all the program files on C drive such as the iTunes Library.itl and the xml files. Everything seems to be working fine and I've gained 20 gig on my C drive which I desperately needed.


I appreciate the help!


Nancy Ü

Nov 8, 2021 12:15 PM in response to nancyrector

Your library appears to be split already, judging by the media folder location. It should be possible to manipulate the current layout of your library into the portable shape rather than starting over. That is the aim of the user tip. Is the A: drive a standalone physical volume, or some form of mapping? If you look at a typical track in your library, or better perhaps your most recent import, you can use the Song Info (Ctrl+i) > File tab to see where it is stored. Perhaps the content on C: is no longer part of the active library? Before doing anything it is probably best to grab another external drive large enough that you can backup all your content to it.


tt2

Nov 8, 2021 1:41 PM in response to nancyrector

It is generally a good idea to let iTunes make copies in the media folder of content you add from removable drives. Placing content somewhere inside the media folder before you add it to iTunes avoids any unwanted duplication on local storage. Using the default layout of an iTunes folder that contains an iTunes Media folder, which in turn holds all media connected to the library, makes it easier to move the library between drives and computers when the need arises. How easy it is to make that transition depends in part on how large the library is and how much free space you have on the drive where you want the library to live. One method I have involves making new copies of everything temporarily, while another uses a script to move the files and reconnect the library to the new path so is potentially more space efficient but requires using an additional tool.


tt2

Nov 8, 2021 1:12 PM in response to turingtest2

My A drive is, as are all of the other ones, a partition of a larger installed separate drive. I realize I went overboard on partitioning which I now know can cause problems. I only have one external backup drive which is used for that purpose only.


When I originally I set up iTunes on my current computer 2 years back I basically started from scratch and lost all of my play data etc. I also assumed telling it to keep the library on A drive would be all that was needed.


I also generally add a new song by dragging it from the desktop into iTunes. Which in retrospect was probably also not wise given my lack of understanding on this.


Was it a good idea to have it make a copy of the songs placed in the media folder? I wondered if that's what had it place the songs on my C drive.


I'll start looking at the songs info to see where it's referencing them from. I didn't think to do that so thanks










This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Why is iTunes putting music on my C drive on Windows 10 when I have it set to save it on another internal drive?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.