Import songs from CDs into iTunes on PC
You can import songs from CDs into your iTunes library. Once you import songs, you can listen to them without having the original CD in the disc drive.
The default encoding format is AAC. To change formats, see Choose import settings.
Import songs from CDs into your iTunes library
iTunes imports most songs in a few minutes, and an entire CD in about 10 minutes.
In the iTunes app
on your PC, insert an audio CD into your computer’s CD or DVD drive, or into an external drive that’s connected to your computer.If you don’t see info for the CD, click the CD button
near the top left of the iTunes window.Do one of the following in the window that appears:
Import all songs on the CD: Click Yes. iTunes starts importing the CD. When it’s finished, go to step 6.
Prevent certain songs from being imported: Click No and go to step 3.
When the list of songs appears in the iTunes window, click to remove the checkmark next to any songs you don’t want to import.
If you don’t see checkboxes next to the songs, choose Edit > Preferences, click General, then make sure “List view checkboxes” is selected.
If you’re not connected to the internet or if iTunes can’t find the CD’s information, songs appear as “Track 01,” “Track 02,” and so on. See If you don’t see songs in iTunes.
To add the selected songs to your library, click Import CD near the top right of the iTunes window.
Select your import settings, then click OK.
To cancel importing, click Stop Importing.
Any songs that iTunes imports before you cancel importing are added to your iTunes library.
When the songs are finished importing, click the Eject button
near the top right of the iTunes window.
You can continue to use iTunes while songs are importing.
Choose what happens when you insert a CD
In the iTunes app
on your PC, choose Edit > Preferences, then click General.Click the “When a CD is inserted” pop-up menu, then choose an option:
Show CD: iTunes opens the CD but doesn’t play or import it.
Play CD: iTunes begins playing the CD without importing it.
Ask to Import CD: iTunes opens the CD and asks if you want to import it.
Import CD: iTunes automatically imports the CD.
Import CD and Eject: iTunes imports the CD, then ejects it. This is a good option if you plan to import a lot of CDs.
If you have trouble importing songs from an audio CD
In the iTunes app on your PC, check the following if iTunes doesn’t recognize audio CDs or if you’re having trouble importing songs:
If iTunes doesn’t recognize an audio CD (it doesn’t appear in the iTunes window) or a window doesn’t appear when you insert a CD, quit iTunes, then open it again by double-clicking the app icon in the iTunes folder in the Program Files folder on your hard disk. Don’t open iTunes using the shortcut on your desktop. If iTunes now recognizes the CD, delete the iTunes shortcut and create a new one.
If error correction is turned on, it can take longer to import CDs. Choose Edit > Preferences, click General, then click Import Settings. If the “Use error correction when reading Audio CDs” checkbox isn’t selected, select it. If it’s already selected, deselect it.
If you’re having trouble importing songs, make sure you check your computer or drive manufacturer’s site for firmware updates and install any that are appropriate for your computer and CD or DVD drive.
Make sure you have the latest software updates for Windows or your CD or DVD drive. Check the Windows website and your computer or drive manufacturer’s site for updates. Also make sure you have the latest drivers for your video and sound cards.
If you have more than one CD or DVD drive, try using iTunes with each drive.
To see if iTunes can find any problems with your CD drive, choose Help > Run Diagnostics, then choose CD/DVD drive tests.
If it’s taking a long time to import a song (more than 10 minutes) from an audio CD, the CD may be dirty or scratched. Try cleaning the CD with a soft, lint-free cloth, then importing the songs again.
If you still have trouble importing songs, visit the iTunes Support website.
If imported songs don’t sound right
If you hear popping or clicking noises when you play songs imported from a CD, your disc drive may not have read the CD correctly. Try turning on error correction and then importing those songs again.
In the iTunes app
on your PC, choose Edit > Preferences, then click General.Click Import Settings.
Select “Use error correction when reading Audio CDs.”
Insert the CD and import the songs again.
To prevent duplicate items from appearing in your iTunes library, delete any songs you’ve imported before.
You may also want to check with the manufacturer of your computer or disc drive to see if there’s a firmware update for the drive.
To learn how to add other content to iTunes, see How to add items.