Strip DRM with free Wondershare Music Converter

Today only, freebie-software site Giveaway of the Day is offering Wondershare Music Converter, normally $29.95, free.

True to its name, the program converts music files from one format to another--great if you have, say, some WMAs you want to turn into MP3s. But it can also remove the DRM protection from AAC, WMA, and other popular protected formats.

Wondershare Music Converter can strip the DRM from just about any audio file.

(Credit: Rick Broida)

Now that stores like Amazon, Rhapsody, and even iTunes sell DRM-free music, this is less of a big deal than it used to be. But if you still have DRM-infested tracks in your library, here's your chance to liberate them once and for all.

Wondershare is an admirably easy program to use: Just queue up the tracks you want to convert, choose an output format and destination, and click Start. For DRM strip-jobs, you'll first need to point the program to the folders containing your protected files, and then use the DRM Finder option to add them to the queue.

Wondershare can also extract the audio from DRM-protected video files: M4V, WMV, and so on. I used it to turn Weird Al Yankovic's "White & Nerdy" video, which I bought from iTunes, into an MP3. It worked like a charm!

In case you're unfamiliar with Giveaway of the Day, the only catch is time: You must download and install the software before the day is out. Other than that, it's a bona fide freebie for life (or at least until you move to a new PC).

[pHenom_713]

does it work with macs?

[rickbroida]

Nope, I'm afraid the software is for Windows only.

[mdlangley17]

I take it this doesn't work with Rhapsody or Napster "to go" subscription files?

[rickbroida]

Quite frankly, I imagine it does. But, and this is just my opinion, at that point you're stealing music. When you *purchase* songs, I think you should be able to use them however you want (which DRM prevents). A subscription, however, amounts to renting songs, and if you strip the DRM so you can keep them, that's stealing. Again, just my $.02.

[bionicjim]

Unfortunately, it doesn't support the Sony DRM (ATRAC, OMG, OMA) formats. I guess I'll have to do it the old fashioned way - burn a CD, then rip it again. Bummer.

[unw1red]

This is a demo version that is only good for 30 days and will only convert 1 minute of a song.

[rickbroida]

Nope, not a demo version. Is it possible you failed to activate it? There are three files in the Zip you downloaded. One of them is called Activate. Make sure to run it in order to unlock the full program.

[itsademo]

Hate to break it to you but unw1red is right. Demo only. No activation key is provided with the download

[rufustel]

Sorry, that's not the case--when activated, the product registers.

[rickbroida]

Not sure what to tell you. All GotD downloads work the same way. Is it possible you clicked through to the developer's site and downloaded from there?

[killerqueen33]

Rick, is it possible with this program to strip a file of DRM without having to convert it (thereby losing some of the sound quality)? Also, if you convert it to the same file type, will it lose any quality?

[rickbroida]

You know, that I'm not sure about. I know that converting between formats usually diminishes the quality somewhat, but I don't know if removing the DRM does likewise. I'm guessing yes.

[tombauman]

I tried dozens of free & pay download DRM Strippers / Converters before I stumbled on Wondershare "Switch" Converter. Loaded 4000 WMA files before bed and woke up with 4000 MP3 files without DRM. They all play full length. I don't have an ear that can distinguish sound quality. They sound fine to me. AND IT WAS FREE!! Thanx Rick for a great find.
Tom