How to Rip Old CDs and Upload to Spotify for Free Using Windows

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By 2025, CDs no longer represent the cutting edge of music media. Their popularity has declined sharply since their heyday around the early 2000s, replaced by streaming platforms like Spotify. Nonetheless, some enthusiasts still prefer to preserve certain albums on physical discs—especially those unavailable on American streaming services, imported collections, or rare releases exclusive to CD format. Personal recordings stored on audio CDs or audiobooks purchased secondhand are also common reasons to keep and digitize these discs.

In addition to music, many still enjoy listening to audiobooks stored on CDs, which can often be found at affordable prices in secondhand stores.

Ripping CDs Using Windows

As dedicated CD players become less prevalent, ripping your discs into digital files becomes the most practical solution. Ripping transfers the content from a physical disc into digital formats that can be stored on your computer and played on a variety of devices.

Earlier Windows versions included Windows Media Player, which made ripping straightforward. In Windows 11, this feature is now part of the updated Media Player app (search Windows to locate it). This app contains built-in tools for ripping CDs.

If your computer lacks an integrated CD drive, external models are available online for a few hundred dollars. Just connect an external drive via USB, and you’ll be able to convert CDs to MP3 or other audio formats much like the old days.

Once your computer has a functioning CD reader, follow these steps:

1. Launch Media Player

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Open the Start menu, then navigate to All, followed by Media Player. If it’s not visible, visit the Microsoft Store, search for Windows Media Player, install it, and follow the prompts.

2. Play the Disc

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Insert the CD into your drive. In Media Player, select Audio CD or the disc’s name on the left sidebar. The disc’s details, such as artist and track titles, should display. Use the playback controls at the bottom to listen to the disc as needed.

3. Adjust Rip Settings

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> Click the three-dot menu and select Rip Settings. Here, you can choose formats such as MP3 with options like 320 kbps for high-quality audio, or select lower quality to minimize file size. Confirm your choices by clicking Save.

4. Verify or Edit Metadata

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> If the disc’s information (artist, album, tracks) is accurate, proceed. If not, select the three-dot menu and choose Edit information to make corrections or swap album art by clicking the respective areas.

5. Start Ripping

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> Hit the Rip button to begin, or choose Rip CD from the menu if you haven’t started rippping yet. You’ll see progress bars indicating the status of each track as they are processed.

6. Locate Your Files

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> When ripping completes, a message will confirm completion. Click View files to open the folder containing your newly created MP3s. They are also accessible via the Music folder in File Explorer.

7. Import Files to Spotify

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Many streaming services, including Spotify, support local file uploads, allowing you to synchronize your personal collection with your online library. For example:

On Android: Tap your profile image top-left, then navigate through Settings and privacy, Apps and devices, and Local audio files. Enable this feature with the toggle. Access Your Library, then select Local Files. Tap Add Audio to grant permission and browse your device’s Music folder for MP3 files. Simply move desired files there to incorporate them into Spotify.
On Windows: Click your profile icon, go to Settings, scroll to Your library, then click Show songs from. Select the folders containing your MP3s to enable their inclusion in your library.