Can't import music file on Windows 11 in Apple Music

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Level 1

8 points

Can't import music file on Windows 11 in Apple Music

I am using Apple Music on Windows 11, and I want to add a file to my library. I have an m4a file that I stored in a directory under iTunes media. In settings, I have "Keep Media folder organized" turned off, because I like the way I have the files organized. When importing I select the ellipsis at the top, select library, then "Add files to library," navigate to the folder, select the file, and press the "Open" button. The Open dialogue box closes, but I can't find the song in my Library anywhere.

I also tried dragging to file to the Apple Music App while in the Library/Songs screen. The cursor displays a "Copy" icon, and I dropped the file into the window. Again, nothing happens, the file is nowhere to be found.

What am I doing wrong?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Can't import music file Win 11 Apple Music

Posted on Jun 19, 2025 10:27 AM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

277,723 points

Jun 19, 2025 12:26 PM in response to stlTB

Potentially nothing. In some cases the item in question might already be in your library, just not where you are expecting to find it. Alternatively the file may be corrupt in some fashion, in which case it will be silently ignored. One way to check is to place a copy in the Automatically Add to Music folder in your media folder. The item is either added to the library or moved to a Not Added subfolder. Won't tell you what the issue is, but can confirm there is one.

tt2

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Answer 2

stlTB Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 19, 2025 02:07 PM in response to turingtest2

@turingtest2 - Thank you for the ideas. Based on those suggestions, I have confirmed the file is not already in my library. I also tested the file for corruption by opening it in Media Player, and it played without issue. As suggested, I added the file to the "Automatically Add to Apple Music" folder, and it immediately created and moved the file to the "Not Added" directory, so Apple must not like it for some reason.

I created the file from a YouTube video ... would that matter? I used to do that all of the time with iTunes.

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

277,723 points

Jun 20, 2025 07:23 AM in response to stlTB

iTunes/Music may reject files whose internal format doesn't match their file extension. Other apps may be less picky.

tt2

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Can't import music file on Windows 11 in Apple Music

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