Got a stack of old music CDs lying around? đ¶ If you want to listen to those tracks on your PC, phone, or even upload them to the cloud, youâll need to rip the CD. Ripping a CD means copying the music files from the disc to your computer and converting them into digital formats like MP3, WAV, or FLAC.
Windows 11 doesnât come with Windows Media Player as the default anymore, but donât worryâyou still have several easy ways to rip a CD. In this guide, Iâll walk you through everything step by step.
What Does âRip a CDâ Mean?
âRippingâ a CD doesnât mean destroying it đ. Itâs simply the process of transferring the music files from a physical disc to your computerâs hard drive. Unlike copying, ripping also converts the tracks into a usable digital format so theyâll play in apps like Spotify, VLC, or iTunes.
Why Rip a CD in Windows 11?
Here are a few reasons why people still rip CDs:
- Preserve old music collections â CDs can get scratched or lost.
- Portability â Listen to your music on a smartphone, tablet, or USB drive.
- Better organization â Store all your tracks in one digital library.
- Backup â Protect rare or personal recordings.
What You Need Before Ripping a CD
Before we start, make sure youâve got:
- A PC with a CD/DVD drive â Many modern laptops donât include these, so you might need an external USB CD/DVD drive.
- A ripping tool â Options include:
- Windows Media Player (still works in Windows 11 if installed).
- Third-party apps like VLC Media Player, Exact Audio Copy (EAC), or iTunes.
- Blank storage space â Depending on the format, each CD can take 200â600 MB.
Method 1: Rip a CD with Windows Media Player (WMP)
Yes, Windows Media Player still works in Windows 11âyou just have to install it from Optional Features.
Step 1: Install Windows Media Player
- Open Settings > Apps > Optional features.
- Click Add a feature and search for Windows Media Player.
- Install it.
Step 2: Insert Your CD
- Place your music CD into the CD/DVD drive.
Step 3: Open WMP
- Search for Windows Media Player from the Start menu.
- Your CD should appear in the left panel.
Step 4: Configure Ripping Settings
- Click Rip settings on the toolbar.
- Choose your format (MP3 is most common, WAV for best quality).
- Select audio quality (192 kbps or 256 kbps for balance; 320 kbps for best MP3 quality).
Step 5: Rip the CD
- Click Rip CD.
- The tracks will be saved to your Music folder by default.
Method 2: Rip a CD with VLC Media Player
VLC isnât just a video playerâit can rip CDs too.
Step 1: Download VLC
- Get it from the official site: videolan.org.
Step 2: Insert Your CD
- Put the CD into your drive.
Step 3: Open VLC
- Go to Media > Convert / Save.
- Select the Disc tab and choose Audio CD.
Step 4: Convert and Rip
- Click Convert/Save â pick an output format (MP3, OGG, FLAC).
- Choose destination folder.
- Click Start to begin ripping.
Method 3: Rip a CD with iTunes
If youâre an iPhone or iPad user, iTunes is a great option.
Step 1: Install iTunes
- Download from the Microsoft Store.
Step 2: Insert CD
- Put the CD into your drive.
Step 3: Import Settings
- Go to Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings.
- Choose your format (AAC or MP3).
Step 4: Rip the CD
- Click Import CD and let iTunes do the work.
Method 4: Rip a CD with Exact Audio Copy (EAC) [For Audiophiles]
If you care about perfect audio quality, EAC is the best tool.
Step 1: Download EAC
- Get it from the official site: exactaudiocopy.de.
Step 2: Insert CD
- Launch EAC and let it detect the CD.
Step 3: Configure Output
- Choose FLAC for lossless, or MP3 for smaller files.
Step 4: Rip
- Click Action > Copy Selected Tracks â select format.
Which Audio Format Should You Choose?
- MP3 â Universal compatibility, smaller file size (best for most users).
- WAV â Uncompressed, huge file size but best quality.
- FLAC â Lossless compression, audiophile-friendly.
- AAC â Good quality, used in Apple devices.
Tips for a Smooth Ripping Process
- Clean your CDs before inserting them to avoid read errors.
- Always choose a higher bitrate for better sound quality.
- Back up your ripped collection on an external drive or cloud.
Conclusion
Ripping a CD in Windows 11 is easier than you think. Whether you use Windows Media Player, VLC, iTunes, or Exact Audio Copy, you can quickly turn your old discs into a digital music library. The best part? Youâll never worry about scratched CDs againâyour music will be safely stored and ready to play anytime, anywhere.
FAQs
1. Can I still use Windows Media Player in Windows 11?
Yes! Itâs available as an optional feature you can install.
2. Whatâs the best format to rip CDs in?
For everyday use, MP3. For high-quality archiving, FLAC or WAV.
3. Do I need the internet to rip a CD?
No, but internet access helps fetch album info and track names.
4. Where does Windows Media Player save ripped files?
By default, in the Music folder of your user profile.
5. Can I rip copy-protected CDs?
Some CDs have protection. In such cases, WMP might fail, but third-party tools like EAC can sometimes handle them.