How to Convert CDA Files to MP3 Using Windows Media Player

To convert the CD-exclusive format, CDA files, to commonly used MP3 files, there are various ways way out, either with or without Windows Media Player. Whether you want to download a program or not, you will find the solution you prefer from this article.

CDA is a file format that is used exclusively for audio tracks on audio CDs. Although you can enjoy these audio files by playing a CD, once you separate the CDA files from the disc, these files will become unplayable. That's why if you want to copy CDA files from a CD to your computer, you have to convert these files to a format, e.g. MP3, at the same time.

To convert CDA to MP3 on Windows, the first tool you should try is Windows Media Player, the built-in program on PC. For you to take more control over the audio files, an all-in-one toolkit is also introduced. With it, you can not only rip a CD to MP3 but also edit or convert these files if necessary. Read on to check the details.

How to Convert CDA to MP3 Using Windows Media Player

If you are a PC user, Windows Media Player is no doubt a handy solution for you to convert CDA files to MP3 on Windows 10. Whether you want to rip or burn a CD, it will work well to get things done. Windows Media Player is installed on Windows computers by default. If there is no such app on your computer, go to Microsoft Store to get the program and then follow the steps below to complete the file conversion.

To convert CDA to MP3 using Windows Media Player:

Step 1. Launch Windows Media Player and go to "Organize" > "Options." 

Step 2. In Ripping settings, choose "MP3" as the target format and select a storage path.

Step 3. Insert the CD into the CD drive on your PC.

Step 4. In Windows Media Player, click "Rip CD" to start converting CDA files to MP3.

Step 5. After the ripping process completes, go to the folder you selected to check the MP3 files.

How to Rip CDs with Windows 11 Media Player

According TechRadar, Windows 11's updated Media Player app now includes CD ripping functionality.

Step 1. Go to "File Explorer" > "This PC" > "DVD RW Drive Audio CD" to view the files currently on the Disc.

Step 2. Open Media Player and go to "Audio CD."

Step 3. Click the three dots next to "Rip CD" and choose "Rip setting." Here, select the output format as "MP3," select any quality you prefer, and save this setting.

Step 4. Finally, click the "Rip CD" to start.

Step 5. When it is complete, you can click "View files" to check the ripped music.

Common Issues

Here are some common problems you may encounter when converting CDA files to MP3, along with solutions to fix them.

Issue 1. Windows Media Player Not Recognizing the CD

Fix: Close and restart Windows Media Player, eject and reinsert the CD, or try a different CD drive. Also, ensure that the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service is running in Windows services

Issue 2. Windows 10 Media Player Not Ripping Music CDs to MP3

Fix: Turn on error correction. In Windows Media Player, click on "Tools" > "Options" > "Devices", click the CD burner, and choose "Advanced," set the erroc correction to "On."

Issue 3. Ripped MP3 Files Won't Play

Fix: Check if "copy protection" was enabled during ripping.  Go to "Rip Options" > Rip Music and ensure that "Do not add copy protection to your music" is selected.

Issue 4. Poor Audio Quality

Fix: Adjust the audio quality in the "Rip Settings" menu of Windows Media Player. Increasing the bit rate (e.g., 192kbps or higher) improves quality.

Issue 5. No Sound After Conversion

Fix: The CD may have errors. Try ripping it using iTunes or a third-party converter like Format Factory or VLC Media Player.

How to Convert CDA to MP3 on Windows 10 Without Windows Media Player

Do you want to edit these ripped MP3 files?

Do you need to record audio on the computer in your daily life?

Do you need to convert audio files from one format to another?

To do these things, you just need the all-in-one audio toolkit - EaseUS MakeMyAudio. As an audio recorder, audio converter, and audio editor, it allows you to:

• Record sounds from your computer or a microphone
• Convert audio files between various formats
• Edit audio by merging, joining, cutting files

And of course, you can use it to rip or burn a CD.

To convert CDA files to MP3 on Windows 10:

Step 1. Insert the CD into your computer CD drive and launch EaseUS MakeMyAudio. Click "CD Ripper" > "Add Files" > "Audio CD" and select the source CD. When a popup appears, click "Ignore" to continue.

Step 2. Then the CD ripper will read the audio files on the CD. Select the target audio format, quality, and storage path accroding to your need. Then click "Start" to begin the CD ripping process.

Step 3. When it has done, go to the selected folder to check the audio files you rip from the CD.

The Bottom Line

In addition to these desktop-based programs, there are also online CDA to MP3 converters that will rip a CD for you. If you want to convert CDA files to MP3 in a fast and easy way, you can pick such an online tool to help.

With the MP3 files, you can transfer MP3 to your iPhone from the computer or make it as your phone ringtone as you like to.