Q: Can iTunes find files in media folder added after initial import?

I imported my entire music to iTunes by using "add folder to library" but I did not know about the "Copy files to iTunes media folder when adding to library" setting under Edit/Preferences. So now all of the tracks are in my library but not in the Media iTunes folder in my PC. This requires me to connect my external hard drive to PC every time I need to play those tracks (since that's where I imported them from) in order for iTunes to locate them.

My question is: if I simply transfer the track files/folders to iTunes Media Folder through the Windows Explorer (by copy and paste), would iTunes recognize them, find them and play them with no issues? Or am I supposed to import them again using the iTunes "add folder to library" feature?  My guess is that iTunes will not be able to find them because iTunes will still look for them in the original location (external drive) when they were originally added to library.

I guess I can test this on my own but I am curious if this knowledge is provided anywhere.

Thanks for your help in advance.