Get Windows Media Player - Microsoft Support (2024)

FAQs

What is the short answer to Windows Media Player? ›

Windows Media Player (WMP) is a media player and media library application developed by Microsoft that is used for playing audio, video and viewing images on personal computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as on Pocket PC and Windows Mobile-based devices.

However, Windows Media Player is still available on Windows 11, where you can choose between the new Media Player experience or the classic Media Player.

To do this, Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Scroll down and click the three horizontal dots next to Windows Media Player and choose Advanced options, and click the Repair or Reset button.

Windows Media Player (2022)

A different app called Media Player is the successor to Groove Music (previously Xbox Music) and Windows Media Player.

If you want to reinstall Windows Media Player, try the following: Click the Start button, type features, and select Turn Windows features on or off. Scroll down and expand Media Features, clear the Windows Media Player check box, and click OK. Restart your device.

It is the successor to Groove Music (previously Xbox Music), Microsoft Movies & TV, and the original Windows Media Player. It began rolling out to Windows 11 Insider channels in November 2021 and then to all users starting in January 2022. It was later released to Windows 10 users in January 2023.

Windows Media Player is included with Windows 10 desktop. Note that the app no longer plays DVDs.

Once you have the video open in Windows Media Player, Windows Media Player Legacy, or Media Player, pause it on the frame that you want to capture as a screenshot. Press Win + PrtScn to take a screenshot of the video.

How do I enable old Windows Media Player? ›

To install the Leagacy Windows Media Player, go to Settings > System > Optional Features > Add a feature > Search for Windows Media Player Legacy > Select it > Install.

Find and expand the media features section and uncheck windows media player. Then click OK. Media Player will then be removed from your system. You can add it back using the same method.

Developed by VideoLAN Project, VLC is a free and open-source multimedia player that supports playing all types of video formats, DVDs, VCDs, Audio CDs, and streaming protocols. The player is compatible with working on cross-platform including Windows, Mac, Unix, Android, and Linux.

Windows Media Player - Free download and install on Windows. Microsoft Store.

Key Details of Windows Media Player (64-bit)

Get fast and flexible digital-media playback with access to smart organization features and online stores.

It allows users to view photos, play music from a CD (Compact Disc) or music file, and watch video media. Additionally, Windows Media Player allows users to rip audio CDs and organize their music collections. It should be noted, however, that Windows Media Player will not play DVDs due to Copyright restrictions.

In the Search bar on your taskbar type in turn on or off windows features click it when it shows up. Find and expand the media features section and uncheck windows media player.

Insert the disc you want to play into the drive. Typically, the disc will start playing automatically. If it doesn't play, or if you want to play a disc that is already inserted, open Windows Media Player, and then, in the Player Library, select the disc name in the navigation pane.

Examples. Well known examples of media player software include Windows Media Player, VLC media player, iTunes, Winamp, Media Player Classic, MediaMonkey, foobar2000, AIMP, MusicBee and JRiver Media Center. Most of these also include music library managers.