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How to copy an audio CD
Back up a favourite music CD by ripping it to your PC, then burning the tracks to a fresh CD-R with cdBurner so it still plays in any deck.
cdBurner copies a disc in two stages: it reads the source into an ISO image on your PC, then writes that image back to a blank disc. The result is a faithful, end-to-end duplicate. It works only with discs that aren't copy-protected.
What you'll need
- A Windows 10 or 11 PC with a CD, DVD or Blu-ray writer (internal or external USB).
- Enough free space on your PC to hold the disc image.
- The free cdBurner burn agent — a one-time, 2-second install.
Step by step
Connect the burn agent
Open onlinecdburner.com and connect the burn agent.
Insert the disc
Put the data disc into the drive and select it.
Choose “Rip / make ISO”
cdBurner reads the disc and builds an ISO image of it.
Download the ISO
Save the image to your PC; burn it to a fresh disc whenever you like.
Tips for a clean burn
- You get a standard ISO image — keep it as a backup or burn it to a fresh disc anytime.
- Copy only discs you own that aren't copy-protected; cdBurner does not remove CSS or AACS protection.
- Use a quality blank and a moderate speed when you write the copy back for the most reliable result.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting an audio CD to rip to ISO — use the audio-CD ripper for music instead.
- Running out of disk space for the image.
- Trying to image a copy-protected disc.
Why cdBurner is different
Unlike Nero, ImgBurn or the others, cdBurner needs no heavy software — just a 2-second helper, and your files never leave your PC.
- 100% free — no trial, no watermark, no nag screens.
- Private — files are written locally and never uploaded to a server.
- No bloatware — one small signed helper, not a heavy install.
- Built on Windows' native IMAPI2 engine, so your discs read everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal?
Copying discs you own for personal backup is generally fine. cdBurner only works with unprotected discs — it does not remove CSS or AACS copy protection.
What do I end up with?
A standard ISO image of the disc that you can archive or burn to a blank disc whenever you like.
Is cdBurner really free?
Yes — completely free and ad-supported. No trial, no watermark and no paid tier.