Is Windows Media Player a free download?

Windows Media Player is available for Windows-based devices. Use this table to find the right version of the Player for your system. (If you've got a Mac, you can download Windows Media Components for QuickTime to play Windows Media files.)

Which version of Windows am I running?

If you want to reinstall Windows Media Player, try the following:

1. Click the Start  button, type features, and select Turn Windows features on or off.

2. Scroll down and expand Media Features, clear the Windows Media Player check box, and click OK.

3. Restart your device. Windows Media Player should be uninstalled.

4. Repeat step 1.

5. Scroll down and expand Media Features, select the Windows Media Player check box, and click OK.

6. Restart your device. Windows Media player should now be reinstalled.

Note: To troubleshoot issues like playback and codec problems, see the "Get help" section in Windows Media Player.

Windows Media Player (WMP) is a popular multimedia software that lets you play video and audio files. Most Windows computers have the media player pre-installed so that users can start listening to music and playing movies the moment they launch their PC. In the past few years, Windows Media Player download has received various updates that have put it back into consideration as a good multimedia player. 

Does Windows Media Player still work?

Windows Media Player has been around for so long that most people are confused about whether the application still works or not. However, the app is still in action perfect and comes integrated with most Windows operating systems. If you don’t have WMP pre-installed, you can easily download and set up the program without much hassle. Once active, you can use the player to play songs and movies, available in a variety of file formats. 

What can you expect from the interface?

Since there are a number of multimedia players available in the market, Microsoft has been trying to keep up by introducing various new features. When you complete the Windows Media Player update, you will be able to change the theme of the classic interface to blue or black, according to your preference. 

In addition to this, the app features large familiar icons with options like Now Playing, Library, Rip, and Burn. It also has a Guide option that includes various tutorials and information. When using the Windows Media Player, you’re also able to create a customized playlist of music available on a local folder. To do this, all you have to do is drag-and-drop different files to the interface and rate them with a star-rating feature. 

What are the features of Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player download has been around for a while now, and some of its classic functions are still available in different versions. It consists of a feature that lets users burn CDs and DVDs. With its help, you can create perfect music mixes and add them to your collection. Burning a CD or DVD is quite simple, just drag files into the Burn List section and enable the feature. The app also lets you choose the file type and bitrate, along with various other parameters. 

With the help of the Windows Media Player app, you can enjoy a variety of multimedia files from your Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 computer. The latest version of the tool consists of a new Music Services icon that lets you access different online music streaming platforms from within the player. It also lets users browse through different files with its easy search options. 

Does Windows Media Player support different file formats?

One of the reasons why users moved away from Windows Media Player was that it didn’t support many new file formats. However, the app has since been updated and supports a variety of file formats. With WMP, you can play files that are in MOV, Xvid, AVI, or DivX formats. It also supports WMV, WMA, AAC, and 3GP file formats. Thanks to the latest Windows Media Player update, you no longer need codecs to play a file. 

Are there any alternatives?

In the past few years, Microsoft has been working very hard to raise the bar on its Windows Media Player. While the program features the same familiar interface, it does include new features. However, those aren’t as robust as the ones offered by other players. In case you want to check out alternatives, you should explore apps like QuickTime, Kodi, SWF Player, 5K Player, and MKV Player. 

Our take

Windows Media Player is accessible, familiar, and popular. However, the program doesn’t provide half as many features as its competitors. The app also only supports a limited number of file formats, which is a deterrent if you often download and play videos offline. That being said, the app is very simple to use and will be a great option for users who aren’t very tech-savvy. 

Should you download it?

Yes. Windows Media Player is a simple utility tool that lets you play audio and video files. Even though the app doesn’t offer various features, it also doesn’t crash or freeze. The app features a clean and beginner-friendly interface. 

Highs

• Free to download and use
• Has a simple and clean interface
• Supports a range of file formats
• Includes advanced features

Lows

• Offers limited functionality only