How to find/set up a music library

Question

I am looking to download music onto my laptop, windows 11.

Answer 1

Windows contains two apps, the old legacy Windows Media Player, and the new Media player app, when you download music onto your PC, ensure it is stored in the Music folder in File Explorer, then both those two apps will find the audio files and load them and you can then manage your music from inside either of those apps.

Where are you sourcing your music from, are you ripping CD's to your PC or downloading the music from the Internet?

Answer 2

To set up and find music on a Windows 11 laptop, use the built-in libraries and File Explorer, and download music only from legitimate sources such as Microsoft Store apps or other authorized services.

1. Find or create a place for music files

• Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
• Under This PC, select the Music folder. This is the default music library location.
• If music is stored elsewhere (for example on an external drive), create folders there as needed.

2. Download or copy music files to the PC

• Use a legitimate music service (for example, an app from Microsoft Store) to download music files, or copy existing music from another device using a USB drive.
• Save or move the downloaded files into the Music folder or another folder under This PC.

3. Add additional folders to the Music library (for apps that use libraries) Some apps use Windows libraries (Music, Pictures, Videos) to find media.

• In apps that support libraries, choose options like Add folder or Manage library and select the folder where music is stored.
• Libraries are virtual collections of folders; the Music library can include the default Music folder plus any other folders added through apps.

4. Find music files later

• Use Search on the taskbar and type the song, artist, or file name. Results will include files from the PC and OneDrive.
• Or open File Explorer, go to This PC or Music, and use the search box in the upper-right to search by name or keyword.

5. Install music apps from Microsoft Store

• Open Microsoft Store from the taskbar or by searching for it.
• Search for music player or music service apps.
• Select an app, then install it. After installation, the app appears in Start > All apps, or can be found by pressing the Windows key and typing its name.

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References:

• Files and folders in the Music, Pictures, and Videos libraries
• Find your files and apps in Windows
• Find all your apps and programs
• Find and install your Microsoft downloads from Microsoft Store
• Free up drive space in Windows