To rip a CD on Windows 10, insert the disc and open Windows Media Player (search for it in the Start menu). Select the CD in the left pane, click Rip settings > Format and choose a format such as MP3 or FLAC, set Audio Quality, then click Rip CD. Windows Media Player copies the tracks to your Music folder, named by artist and album. You need a PC with a CD or DVD drive; many laptops need an external USB drive.
Working through a big stack of discs is quicker once you choose what Windows does when you insert a music CD.
This guide covers choosing formats and quality, changing where ripped files are saved, getting correct track names, using the newer Media Player app, and fixing common ripping problems.
What you need
- A CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive (internal or USB).
- Windows Media Player Legacy, included with Windows 10. If it’s missing, go to Settings > Apps > Optional features > Add a feature and install Windows Media Player.
- An internet connection if you want album info and track names filled in automatically.
Step 1: Choose format and quality
- Insert the CD and open Windows Media Player. Close any AutoPlay prompt.
- Click Rip settings > Format and choose:
- MP3 – plays almost everywhere; good for phones and cars.
- FLAC or ALAC – lossless, full CD quality in smaller files than WAV.
- WAV – lossless and uncompressed, but large and limited tag support.
- Windows Media Audio – works well on Windows but less widely supported elsewhere.
- Click Rip settings > Audio Quality. For MP3, 256 Kbps or 320 Kbps (Best Quality) sounds close to the CD.
Step 2: Rip the CD
- Check the tracks you want to copy (all are selected by default).
- Click Rip CD. The Rip status column shows progress; a typical CD takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- When all tracks say Ripped to library, click Rip settings > Eject CD after ripping for next time, or eject manually.
Change where files are saved
- Click Rip settings > More options.
- On the Rip Music tab, click Change under Rip music to this location and pick a folder.
- Click File Name to choose how files are named (for example, track number and song title).
Get correct album and track names
Windows Media Player looks up album info online. If tracks show as “Track 1” or “Unknown album,” right-click the album and choose Find album info, or edit titles by right-clicking a track and choosing Edit before ripping. Online metadata services have become less reliable over time, so you may need to type names yourself or use a tag editor afterward.
Using the newer Media Player app
Microsoft’s newer Media Player app (the successor to Groove Music) has added CD ripping in recent versions, mainly on Windows 11. If you have it, insert the CD, open Media Player, select the disc, and choose Rip CD; set the format in Settings. On Windows 10, Windows Media Player Legacy remains the most reliable built-in option. On a newer PC, the app-first route and the Legacy install path are covered in how to rip a CD on Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- The CD doesn’t appear – check that the drive shows in File Explorer, and try another disc. Update the drive’s driver in Device Manager.
- Ripping errors or skipped tracks – clean the disc, and in More options > Devices, open your drive’s Properties and turn on Use error correction.
- Ripped files won’t play on another device – rip again as MP3.
- Copy protection – some CDs use copy protection; only rip discs you own, for personal use, and follow the copyright laws where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Is ripping CDs legal?
Laws vary by country. In many places, making personal copies of CDs you own is tolerated or allowed, but sharing ripped files isn’t. Check the rules where you live.
What’s the best format for ripping CDs?
FLAC for archiving at full quality, and MP3 at 320 Kbps for broad compatibility.
Can I rip a CD without a disc drive?
No. You need a CD-capable drive; external USB drives are inexpensive.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.