Do you still have a collection of music CDs lying around? With streaming services everywhere, CDs might feel old-school—but they still hold some hidden gems. If you’d like to digitize your CDs so you can enjoy the tracks on your PC, phone, or portable device, you’ll need to rip them.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to rip a CD in Windows 11, which tools you can use, and some tips to get the best audio quality.
What Does “Ripping a CD” Mean?
Ripping a CD simply means copying the music tracks from an audio CD and converting them into digital files (like MP3, WAV, or FLAC) on your computer.
Think of it like taking your favorite book (the CD) and making a digital PDF copy you can read anywhere.
Why Rip CDs in Windows 11?
Here are a few reasons why ripping CDs is still useful today:
Preserve old music collections before discs get scratched or damaged.
Listen anywhere on your PC, phone, or portable music player.
Organize music libraries with metadata like artist, album, and cover art.
Save space by storing hundreds of CDs on one drive.
What You Need Before Ripping a CD
Before you begin, make sure you have:
A PC running Windows 11.
A CD/DVD drive (external drives work fine if your laptop doesn’t have one).
A blank storage space on your computer.
Software for ripping CDs (Windows Media Player, VLC, or third-party apps).
Method 1: Rip a CD Using Windows Media Player
Yes, Windows Media Player still exists in Windows 11, and it’s one of the easiest tools for ripping CDs.
Step 1: Insert the CD
Place the audio CD into your CD/DVD drive.
Windows Media Player will automatically detect it.
Step 2: Open Windows Media Player
Press Win + S and type Windows Media Player.
Launch the app.
Step 3: Select the CD
On the left sidebar, click on your CD name.
The tracklist will appear.
Step 4: Choose Rip Settings
Click on the Rip settings menu.
Select the output format: MP3 (common), WAV (lossless), or FLAC (high quality).
Choose audio quality (higher bitrate = better sound).
Step 5: Start Ripping
Click Rip CD at the top.
The tracks will start copying to your PC.
Method 2: Rip a CD Using VLC Media Player
If you don’t want to use Windows Media Player, VLC is another free and reliable option.
Step 1: Insert the CD
Insert your audio CD into the drive.
Step 2: Open VLC
Launch VLC Media Player.
Go to Media > Convert/Save.
Step 3: Select Disc
In the new window, click the Disc tab.
Choose Audio CD and make sure the correct drive is selected.
Step 4: Convert Settings
Click Convert/Save.
Choose the desired format (MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.).
Step 5: Save and Rip
Select a destination folder.
Click Start to begin ripping.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software (Exact Audio Copy, fre:ac, etc.)
For more control, third-party tools like Exact Audio Copy (EAC) or fre:ac are popular.
Steps:
Download and install your chosen software.
Insert your CD.
Select output format and quality.
Rip the CD to your preferred folder.
These apps are great for audiophiles because they allow error correction, tagging, and high-quality ripping.
Best Audio Formats for Ripping CDs
Choosing the right format depends on how you’ll use your music:
MP3 – Best for general use, small file size, works everywhere.
WAV – Lossless quality, but huge file size.
FLAC – High-quality, compressed, and space-saving.
AAC – Good balance of quality and size, common for Apple devices.
Where to Find Your Ripped Music
After ripping, your files are usually saved in the Music folder under your user profile.
Windows Media Player saves music in Music > Artist > Album folders.
VLC saves files to the location you selected during setup.
Tips for Better Ripping Results
Use FLAC or WAV if you want the best sound quality.
Keep your CD drive clean to avoid skipping.
Make sure your internet is on—so metadata (album name, artist, cover art) can download automatically.
Rip once, save forever—always back up your collection.
Common Problems and Fixes
CD not detected → Try another drive or check if drivers are updated.
Tracks skipping → Clean your CD or use error-correcting software.
Wrong song info → Manually edit metadata in Windows Media Player or third-party apps.
Conclusion
Ripping a CD in Windows 11 is still easy and useful if you want to preserve your music collection or listen on modern devices. Whether you stick with Windows Media Player, use VLC, or prefer advanced third-party tools, you have plenty of options.
Pick your format wisely (MP3 for compatibility, FLAC for quality), and soon your old CDs will live again in digital form.
FAQs
Q1: Does Windows 11 have a built-in CD ripper?
Yes, Windows Media Player can rip CDs directly in Windows 11.
Q2: Can I rip a CD to my phone directly?
Not directly—you’ll need to rip the CD on your PC first, then transfer the files to your phone.
Q3: Is ripping CDs legal?
Yes, as long as it’s for personal use. Sharing ripped files online may violate copyright laws.
Q4: How long does it take to rip a CD?
Typically 5–15 minutes, depending on your drive speed and file format.
Q5: What’s the best format for ripping CDs in Windows 11?
For everyday listening, MP3 is fine. For high-quality archiving, go with FLAC.