In Microsoft Windows, follow these steps to rip audio or music CDs (copy the audio to your computer) with Windows Media Player.

Windows Media Player version 12

Follow these steps to rip audio CDs in Windows Media Player 12.

The steps below are for users who are running Microsoft Windows Media Player versions 10 higher. If you’re unsure which version is on your computer, see: How to determine the version of Windows Media Player.

  • Windows Media Player version 12.

  • Windows Media Player version 10 and 11.

  • CD ripping tips.

  • Open Windows Media Player.

  • How do I open Windows Media Player?

  • Insert the audio CD you want to rip.

  • Near the top of the window, on the left side, click the Rip CD button.

Windows Media Player version 10 and 11

Follow these steps to rip audio CDs in Windows Media Player 10 or 11.

If you only want specific songs, uncheck the boxes next to those that you don’t.

  • Insert the audio CD you want to rip.

  • Check the boxes next to the songs you’d like to rip. If you want the entire CD, you can click the “check all” box above the track listing so that every song is selected.

  • Locate your CD in the menu on the left side of the window.

  • Right-click the CD and select Rip CD to library from the drop-down menu that appears.

CD ripping tips

The following features help make ripping and organizing your audio more convenient.

  • Internet connection - If you want Windows Media Player to automatically fill in the CD name, the artist who created it, and the names of the tracks, you must be online. Although not every CD is listed in the CDDB, this feature can save you a lot of time instead of entering the information manually.

  • Automatically rip - Windows Media Player has the option to rip audio CDs automatically when you insert them. Choosing this option can save you some time when you are ripping multiple CDs.

  • How to make Windows Media Player rip CDs automatically.

  • How to change rip format and quality in Windows Media Player.
  • How to create a playlist in Windows Media Player.
  • Programs used to rip or copy audio CDs to a computer.
  • Windows Media Player cannot rip one or more tracks from the CD.
  • Windows Media Player help and support.