Since 1991, Windows Media Player classic has been an inseparable part of the operating system. The bundle kept changing with the OS updates, managing to stay the staple player for most.
- A free alternative to Windows Media Player. KMPlayer is a well-known multimedia player that can play movies, music and more. KMPlayer supports various codecs and high-definition services.
- Windows Media Player is a free app in Windows. However, you may want something more from a media program. Whether you have a vast music library or want to watch a video you downloaded, there are tons of full-featured apps out there. Below are several free programs that could be your perfect Windows Media Player replacement.
A straightforward media player
Windows Media Player has been the standard media file player on Windows PCs. Today, it features many new, sleek functions.
Has your Windows Media Player in your Windows 10 stopped working or does it not play MP4 and DVD files anymore? Well, these are some of the common issues of the Windows Media Player reported by many Windows 10 users. However, the good news is, there are a couple of fixes to resolve this type of issue. GOM Player, or Gretech Online Movie Player, is a completely free Windows media player alternative that comes with inbuilt support for the most popular video and audio formats. Windows Media Player comes included as an optional feature with these versions of Windows 10, but it needs to be enabled. To do so, press Windows key + I to open Settings. Go to Apps Manage optional features Add a feature.
This media player boasts a simple file directory, which branches into sections, helping you find the files you want. Alternatively, it enables you to search by title.
The interface enjoys a professional-looking, clean, black outline. The buttons for quick access to the library, currently played files, burning, and syncing are all readily available.
If you feel like creating a playlist, a function exists under that name with a drag-and-drop approach.
You can also have the media player organize your music by itself by your ratings, titles, metadata, and more. Note, however, that the metadata often lacks entirely, and sometimes, it can be wrong, making you change them by hand.
Photoshop mac free trial. While not as useful a feature today, this program also enables you to burn disks, reasonably quickly, and in several file types.
A WMA music store also exists, allowing you to access online music through the player. However, the selection there is scarce.
Where can you run this program?
All versions of Microsoft Windows support this program, from Windows XP all the way to Windows 10.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes, if you're willing to use a third-party player. The best Windows Media Player alternatives include the famous VLC Player and MPC-HC, as well as titles such as Clementine and AIMP if you want something slightly different.
Our take
With the changes it's undergone recently, this player is a decent choice for your viewing and listening experience, but lacks many features that would make it superb.
Why Is Windows Media Player Not Working
Should you download it?
Is Windows Media Player Good
No, as you already have it if you're a Windows user. You should download Windows Media Player updates, though, since they tremendously improve the experience.
12
Designed by media lovers for media lovers. Windows Media Player 12—available as part of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10*—plays more music and video than ever, including Flip Video and unprotected songs from your iTunes library! Organize your digital media collection, sync digital media files to a portable device, shop online for digital media content, and more—with Windows Media Player 12.
Streamlined playback modes
The Now Playing mode is a study in minimalism: It shows only the controls you need, so nothing comes between you and your music or video. A new taskbar thumbnail with playback controls makes previewing easier and more fun.
Plays more media in more places
Windows Media Player 12 has built-in support for many popular audio and video formats. Sync music, videos, and photos, or stream media to your devices so you can enjoy your library anywhere, at home or on the road.
For info about the latest version for your system, see Get Windows Media Player.
To manually troubleshoot or upgrade your installation of the Player, try the following:
Click the Start button, type features, and then select Turn Windows features on or off.
Expand Media Features and see whether the Windows Media Player check box is selected. If it is, clear the check box.
Click OK and then restart your PC. This will remove your current version of Windows Media Player.
After your PC has restarted, repeat step 1.
Expand Media Features and select the Windows Media Player check box.
Click OK and then restart your PC. This will reinstall the latest version of Windows Media Player for your system (Windows Media Player 12, with a few exceptions).
Note: Windows Media Player isn't available for Windows RT 8.1.
* Windows Media Player 12 is included in clean installs of Windows 10 as well as upgrades to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. DVD playback isn't included in Windows 10 or Windows 8.1. Go to the DVD playback for Windows page to find out how to add DVD playback.
