Windows Media Player (WMP) is a built-in application that comes pre-installed on Windows computers. WMP is designed to play audio and video files, and it even has its own file type (. WMA) which, normally, cannot be played or played in other programs. While previous versions can't play files other than WMA files, the newer version allows you to listen to a wide variety of audio files. In fact, with certain settings, you can convert existing WMA files so that they can be listened to through other programs.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Playing Various Audio Files
Step 1. Upgrade Windows Media Player (WMP) to the latest version
Windows 7, 8, 10 and later users can already use (at least) WMP 12. Meanwhile, Windows XP and Vista users can only update the program (maximum) to WMP 11 version.
- Open WMP and click “Help,” then select “Check for Updates”. In earlier versions, the “Help” menu was usually displayed at the top of the screen. However, you may need to activate the menu bar first to see it. If you can't see it, click “Organize”, then go to “Layout”. Check the “Show Menu Bar” option, then open the “Help” menu and select “Check for updates”.
- As long as the computer is connected to the internet, WMP will check for updates to the latest version. If you see a message saying you need to install a new version of the program, follow the on-screen instructions, then reopen WMP when the process is complete. Usually after updating, Windows 7, 8 and 10 users can use WMP 12, while Windows XP and Vista users can use WMP 11.
Step 2. Download the codec pack containing DirectShow
Microsoft requires special programs (known as codecs) to create and play various types of files, such as Apple's AAC format. This step is optional for WMP 12 users, but WMP 11 users must follow it. However, WMP 12 users will need to install the codec if they want to copy music from their computer to their iPhone or iPad.
- Visit https://www.mediaplayercodecpack.com via a web browser and click “Click to Download”. Experts recommend this codec pack because it is free to download and easy to use. Choose an easy-to-remember storage location to save the file.
- Once the download is complete, double-click the file that has the word “codec” in its name on the desktop (or any other storage location you specify). When the program loads, select “Detailed installation” and click “Next”.
- Click “I Agree” on the approval page, and select “Decline” in the Yahoo! offers. On the next page, click “Install”. Once the installation is complete, restart WMP.
Step 3. Put music into WMP library
Now, WMP can play various types of audio files, such as MP3, MP4 and AAC. Import files to the library by copying them from the CD (via a ripping process) or adding files that are on your computer to the library.
Method 2 of 3: Copying and Ripping Music from Audio CDs to Various File Types
Step 1. Update Windows Media Player (WMP) to the latest version
Earlier versions of WMP only offered a smaller selection of audio formats. Windows XP and Vista users can update the program to WMP 11 version, while Windows 7 and later users can use WMP 12.
- Click “Organize”, and open the “Layout” menu. Select "Show menu bar". After that, click “Help”, and select “Check for updates”. If you are running the latest version of WMP, you can see the message. Otherwise, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- If you don't see the “Organize” menu, but can see the “Rip CD” menu, click on it and select “Help”. Check for program updates and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 2. Select the type of audio file you want to create
Click “Organize”, and select “Options”. Go to the " Rip Music " tab and look at the menu section under " Rip Settings ".
- You can see a list of file types in the “Format” menu. While viewing the various formats available by clicking on them, pay attention to the box at the bottom of the screen labeled “Audio Quality”. The higher the bit rate (kbps) and file size (MB), the better the quality of the file that will be created.
- MP3 files are known for their portability and sound quality, as well as their relatively light file size. Music connoisseurs usually prefer FLAC files, but they may be twice as large as MP3 files.
- WMA (Windows Media Audio) files are created to be played on Windows devices only. You need to convert it first so that it can be played on other devices.
- If you want to use the audio file via a musical instrument, such as a sampler or synthesizer program), select the WAV type to optimize file compatibility.
Step 3. Choose a file storage location
On the same page (“Rip Music”), note the full directory address displayed under “Rip music to this location”. You can change it to a different folder or disk by clicking “Change” and selecting a new save location.
Step 4. Click “OK”
After that, the settings will be saved. If you want to copy and convert music to other types, you will need to return to that menu to readjust the settings.
Step 5. Insert the CD into the disc drive
You can start copying files from the CD in one or two ways, depending on your computer settings:
- If a dialog window appears asking if you want to copy files from the CD (ripping), select “Yes”.
- On the main WMP page, click on the “Rip CD” option at the bottom of the menu bar. Click “Yes” to start the process.
Step 6. Eject the CD
Now, the audio files from the CD have been added to the WMP library so you can play them on your computer.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Third Party Program to Convert Windows Media Files
Step 1. Look for a tool or program that supports Windows media files
For example, if you have a WMA (Windows Media Audio) file that you want to convert to MP3, you will need equipment that supports both file types.
- Freemake is a free program that is very easy to use. Visit the site and click “Free Download”. Choose an easy-to-remember storage location and save the installation file. Once the download is complete, double-click the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Audacity is a fairly popular and free program, but its use is not recommended for beginners. Audacity can convert various types of audio files for free, but you will need to install an add-on to convert files to/from WMA. Download the program installation file, LAME MP3 encoder, and Ffmpeg import/export add-on. Place all three in that order.
- Try using an online converter. If you only need to convert one or two files, an online audio converter can be a good choice. Sites like https://www.media.io and https://www.online-convert.com are quite popular and free options.
Step 2. Open the file you want to convert in a converter program
If you already have a program like Freemake or Audacity installed, open the program and locate the audio file you want to convert by clicking on the “Audio” or “File” menu, then selecting “Open”. If you're using an online tool, look for the button labeled “upload” or “add file” and select the file you want.
Step 3. Select the desired final audio format
In Audacity, go to the “File” menu, then select “Export” to select the final file format. Under Freemake and other online converters, click a file type in the list (eg MP3 or WMA).
Step 4. Convert the selected files
Click “Convert” or “Export” to start the conversion process. The process can take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your computer and the size of the file. Usually, the device or program will ask you to specify a location for the new file to be saved, so you will need to specify that as well. Once the conversion process is complete, open the file in the desired media player and listen to the music.
Tips
Just because you're using Windows, doesn't mean you can only use Windows Media Player to listen to music. Some alternative programs that are quite popular, among them, are VLC Media Player, iTunes and MusicBee
Warning
- Never download programs without adequate virus and malware protection on your computer.
- Conversion of copyright-protected files may be illegal in the area or city where you live. Therefore, be familiar with applicable laws before downloading or converting copyright protected files.
