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 get started with Winamp

Winamp is probably the most popular MP3 player for Windows. Its simple interface, huge library of skins, plug-ins that range from freaky visualizations to actual games, and support for a wide range of audio formats make it a favorite among millions.

Required Attention Span: A few minutes to hours
 
   Before you start, you'll need to gather these elements:
 
Follow These Simple Steps

Step One
Download and install Winamp. Run the program.

Step Two
Winamp's interface is nice and simple. There are only two windows that you need in order to listen to MP3s: the Playlist window and the Main window. If the Playlist window isn't open while you run Winamp, just click the PL button to open it. To add MP3s to your playlist, simply drag and drop them into the Playlist window. It's a good idea to save your playlists, which can be done by clicking List Options • Save List in the Playlist window.

Winamp Screenshot
Step Three
Once your playlist is complete, playing music is simplicity itself. The Play, Pause, Stop, Forward, and Back buttons are clearly identified. Slide the left slider to change volume or the right slider to affect the balance. If you want to tweak the sound, click the EQ button to open Winamp's equalizer (click the On button to activate the equalizer, then drag the sliders until the music sounds right to you).

Step Four
If you want to access Winamp's various options, click the top left corner of the main window, which will open the Winamp menu. Here you can change Winamp's skin, pick a visualization, or access the myriad functions of the program.

Tips

  • There are lots of skins and visualizations that let you customize Winamp's appearance. Check out Winamp's Skins and Plug-ins section to craft a look that suits your style. You can post the skins that you've made on the site for others to download.
  • Click the Shuffle button to mix up the order of songs in your playlist. The button to the right of Shuffle is the Repeat button. Click it to loop your playlist for continuous music.
  • You can also access the Preferences menu in Winamp by pressing Ctrl-P.
  • If you want Winamp to be your default player for CDs, open the Preferences menu and choose Setup • File Types and check the Associate With Audio CDs box.
 
Next steps