How to Convert WMA-Protected Files to MP3 Files

Convert WMA files to MP3 using audio software installed on your computer.

Converting WMA-protected files to MP3 files is a useful process if you wish to place the MP3s on an MP3 player or burn them to an MP3 CD. You can convert WMA (Windows Media Audio)-protected files to MP3 files using Windows Media Player, which comes installed on all Windows-based computers. However, since there is no "Convert" function built into Windows Media Player, you must burn the WMA-protected files to a CD and then rip those files in the MP3 format.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with CD burner
• Windows Media Player
• Blank CD-R

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button, select "Applications" and click "Windows Media Player."

2. Click the tab marked "Burn."

3. Drag the WMA-protected files you want to convert to MP3 files into the "Burn List."

4. Place a blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) into your CD burner and click the "Start Burn" button inside of the "Burn List."

5. Click the "Rip Settings" button when the burning process is complete.

6. Click "Format" from the "Rip Settings" menu and select "MP3."

7. Click the "Rip CD" button and the WMA-protected files will be ripped from the CD and converted to MP3 files.

References

• Windows: Burn a CD or DVD in Windows Media Player
• Windows: Rip Music from a CD