What downloading from a CD actually means
Downloading from a CD means copying files stored on the disc to your computer's hard drive or an external drive. The CD itself stays in your possession — you are not removing anything from it. Once the files are on your computer, you can open them, play them, or move them around without needing the disc anymore.
Libraries lend CDs containing movies, audiobooks, software, or music. To use these files after you return the disc, you need to copy them first. The process is straightforward on Windows or Mac, and takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on how many files are on the disc and how fast your computer reads data.
Key Takeaways
- Insert the CD into your computer's disc drive, then open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to see what is on it.
- Select the files or folders you want, then drag them to a folder on your computer or right-click and choose Copy, then Paste.
- Some library CDs are copy-protected and will not let you transfer files — check your library's policy before you borrow.
- Once files are copied to your computer, you can return the CD to the library and use the files as long as you own them.
How to copy files on Windows
Insert the CD into your disc drive. If a window pops up asking what you want to do, close it or click "Open folder to view files". If nothing happens, open File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar), then click the CD drive in the left sidebar — it usually shows a disc icon with a letter like D: or E: next to it.
You will see folders or files on the disc. Decide what you want to copy. If you want everything, press Ctrl+A to select all. If you want only some files, click the first one, then hold Ctrl and click each additional file you want. You can also click a folder to select the whole folder at once.
Right-click on your selection and choose "Copy". Then navigate to where you want to save the files — your Documents folder, Desktop, or a new folder you create. Right-click in that empty space and choose "Paste". The files will begin copying. Depending on the size and your computer's speed, this may take a few minutes or longer. Do not remove the disc until the copying is complete.
How to copy files on Mac
Insert the CD into your disc drive. The disc icon will appear on your desktop or in Finder. Double-click it to open it and see what files are on it.
Select the files you want to copy the same way as Windows: click one file, then hold Command and click others to select multiple files. Or click a folder to select the whole folder. If you want everything, press Command+A.
Press Command+C to copy your selection. Then navigate to where you want to save the files — your Documents folder, Desktop, or a new folder. Press Command+V to paste. The files will copy over. Leave the disc in the drive until the process finishes, then you can eject it by dragging the disc icon to the Trash or by right-clicking it and choosing "Eject".
What to do if the CD will not copy
Some library CDs are copy-protected, meaning the library or publisher has added restrictions to prevent copying. If you try to copy and get an error message, or if the files appear but will not move, the disc is likely protected.
Check your library's website or call and ask whether the CD you borrowed is copy-protected. Some libraries have policies about which materials can be copied and which cannot. If the disc is protected, you will need to use the files while the disc is in your drive, or return it and ask if the library has an unprotected version. For audiobooks and movies, you may also be able to stream them through the library's digital collection instead.
Where to save your copied files
Create a folder on your computer to organize what you copy from CDs. On Windows, right-click on your Desktop or in Documents, choose "New", then "Folder", and give it a name like "Library CDs" or "Audiobooks". On Mac, open Finder, go to Documents, click File in the menu, then "New Folder".
Inside that main folder, create subfolders for different types of content — one for movies, one for music, one for audiobooks. This makes it much easier to find what you copied later. When you paste files from the CD, navigate into the right subfolder before pasting so everything stays organized.
Returning the CD after you copy it
Once the files are fully copied to your computer, you can return the CD to the library on schedule. The files on your computer will remain there and work normally — copying does not remove anything from the disc, and returning the disc does not delete the files you copied.
However, if the files are video or audio that require the disc to play (some copy-protected discs work this way), you will not be able to use them after you return it. Test the files before returning the disc by opening one and playing it without the disc in the drive. If it plays, you are good to return the disc. If it does not, you will need to keep the disc or copy it using different software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special software to copy files from a CD?
No. Windows File Explorer and Mac Finder have everything built in. You can drag and drop or use copy and paste just like you would with any other folder. Special software is only needed if the CD is copy-protected and you want to work around that protection, which may violate your library's terms.
How long does it take to copy a CD?
Most CDs copy in five to fifteen minutes, depending on how much data is on the disc and how fast your computer reads from the drive. A full movie might take longer than a music CD. Older computers or external disc drives may be slower. Leave the disc in the drive and let it finish — interrupting the copy can corrupt the files.
Can I copy a CD on a laptop without a disc drive?
Not directly. Most modern laptops do not have built-in disc drives. You can buy an external USB disc drive for thirty to fifty dollars, plug it in, and copy the same way as described above. Many libraries also have computers you can use to copy discs before you leave.
What if I copy files but they will not open?
The files may be in a format your computer does not recognize, or the copy may have been incomplete. Try copying again and make sure the process finishes before you remove the disc. If the files still will not open, ask your library — they can tell you what program you need or whether the disc is damaged.