Best way to convert APE to FLAC without losing quality?

In fact, Windows 11 does not support converting APE to FLAC by default. 

Windows 11, like its predecessors, includes built-in tools for media playback (e.g., Windows Media Player, Groove Music) but does not provide native utilities for converting audio files between formats, including APE to FLAC. The operating system primarily focuses on playback rather than format conversion.

While Windows 11 natively supports several common audio formats such as MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC, it does not include built-in support for the APE format. This means that APE files cannot be directly handled or converted without additional software.

Since Windows 11 doesn't offer built-in support, you'll need to use third-party APE to FLAC converter to perform the conversion. Ensure that the converter you choose maintains the metadata (artist, album, track number, etc.) during the conversion. Most reputable converters handle this automatically, but it's good to verify post-conversion.

If you have a large library, opt for software that supports batch processing to save time and effort. In addition, FLAC allows you to adjust compression levels. Higher compression results in smaller file sizes but may take longer to encode. Typically, a compression level between 5-8 balances size and encoding time effectively.