download windows media legacy app

Install Windows Media Player Legacy from Windows Optional Features, then open that legacy app and insert an audio CD to display the Rip CD option.

Install Windows Media Player Legacy

Windows 11

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Optional features.
2. Next to Add an optional feature, select View features.
3. Search for Windows Media Player Legacy.
4. Select its check box, then choose Next → Add.
5. When installation finishes, open Start, search for Windows Media Player Legacy, and launch it.

Microsoft documents Legacy Player as an optional feature in Windows 11; on some versions, Optional features may instead be under Settings → Apps.^1^^2^

Windows 10

Go to Start → Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Manage optional features → Add a feature, select Windows Media Player, and then select Install.^1^

Rip the CD

1. Open Windows Media Player Legacy, not the newer Media Player app.
2. Insert a standard audio CD into the laptop’s internal or external CD drive.
3. Select the CD in the left navigation pane if it does not open automatically.
4. Maximize the window if necessary.
5. Optionally select Rip settings to choose the file format, audio quality, and destination.
6. Clear the check boxes beside any tracks you do not want.
7. Select Rip CD. The resulting WMA, WAV, or MP3 files are saved to the Music folder by default.^3^

The Rip CD button is shown when Legacy Player recognizes an inserted audio CD. It will not appear merely from opening the player without a recognized audio disc.

If Windows Media Player Legacy is not listed

Check Settings → System → About → Windows specifications → Edition.

If the edition name ends in N, install the required media components first:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Optional features.
2. Select View features beside Add an optional feature.
3. Find and install Media Feature Pack.
4. Restart the computer even if Windows does not request it.
5. Return to Optional Features and install Windows Media Player Legacy if necessary.^4^

If Legacy Player opens but no CD appears in its navigation pane, verify that the disc is an audio CD and that the CD/DVD drive appears in File Explorer. That would indicate a disc or drive-recognition issue rather than a missing ripping option.

References

1. Windows 10
2. Add, remove, or hide Windows features (windows-11)
3. Burn and rip CDs | Microsoft Support
4. Windows 11