Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
No, thank you Accept
X
Apple Vision Pro Hands-OnBest Meal Delivery ServicesCNET CouponsNew Apple Watch PerksBest Solar CompaniesAI and Your Job SearchBest Satellite Internet ProvidersMortgage Rates

How to remotely control music on your PC with Android

Unless you have a HTPC, you're probably using your mouse and keyboard to control the music on your computer. We'll show you how to remotely control music on your PC with Android.

headshots_ed_Rhee2.jpg
headshots_ed_Rhee2.jpg
Ed Rhee
Ed Rhee, a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an IT veteran turned stay-at-home-dad of two girls. He focuses on Android devices and applications while maintaining a review blog at techdadreview.com.
See full bio
Ed Rhee

Unless you have a home theater PC, you're probably using your mouse and keyboard to control the music on your computer.

How would you like to control playback and volume using your Android device? Here's how to remotely control music on your PC with Android:

On your PC

Step 1: Download and install Winamp on your PC.

Step 2: Download and install the remote control plug-in for Winamp on your PC. You may be prompted to update the Microsoft .NET Framework 4 and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 software during the installation. Both are included in the plug-in setup file.

Step 3: Launch Winamp and make a note of your local IP address from the RemoteControl server.

RemoteControl server
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

On your Android device

Step 1: Install the RemoteControl for Winamp app to your Android device from the Android Market.

Step 2: Launch the RemoteControl for Winamp app and under the Settings tab, enter the local IP address you noted from the RemoteControl server.

Server IP address
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Step 3: In the Overview tab, click the Connect button.

Connect to server
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Step 4: Once connected, you'll be able to play/pause, skip back/forward, shuffle, repeat, mute, and volume up/down.

RemoteControl for Winamp in action
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

That's it. Keep in mind that both your PC and Android device need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network in order for RemoteControl for Winamp to work. If you're looking to sync music to your Android device wirelessly, check out Nicole Cozma's How To post.