How to Put Songs on a Zune Without Zune Software

By Chappy Sinclair

Updated February 10, 2017

i Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

Zune software is included with the Zune and is available for a free download. Intended to be the primary method for managing content on the Zune, the official Zune software allows you to change Zune settings, add or delete files, and update the Zune firmware. If you don't want to use the Zune software, you can use your computer's version of Windows Media Player to transfer music to the Zune. While the Zune only supports WMA and MP3 audio formats, Windows Media Player will automatically convert incompatible files to a playable format for the Zune.

Start Windows Media Player. Connect the Zune to your computer using the supplied Zune sync cable.

Click the "Sync" button on the top right of Windows Media Player.

Drag and drop the songs you want on the Zune into the "List" section below the Sync button. You can access songs in the Windows Media Player library by clicking the "Library" button, right-clicking the songs you want to transfer, and clicking "Add to list."

Click the "Start Sync" button. If there are any incompatible files in the list, they will be converted before being transferred to the Zune.

×