Windows Media Player is a widely used multimedia player that comes pre-installed in all versions of the Windows operating system. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily play music and videos without any hassle.

Over the years, regular updates have added new features, making it a more powerful tool than other similar applications such as iTunes for Windows and VLC. With a familiar interface, you can start using this media player right away, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient media player.

Windows Media Player is still going strong

Introduced in 1991 as the default player for the Windows operating system, Windows Media Player is still in use in 2023 and has many strengths.

One of the biggest advantages of Windows Media Player is that it canOME preinstalled on a Windows PC. This means that you don’t need to download or install any additional software to start playing media files. You can simply click the Windows Media Player icon and start playing your media files immediately. This is a great convenience, especially for those who are not tech savvy and don’t want to go through the hassle of downloading and installing additional software.

Another important advantage of Windows Media Player is its ability to play a wide range of audio and video formats. Whether you have MP3, WMA, AVI or MP4 files, Windows Media Player can handle them all with ease. This means you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or download additional codecs to play your media files. You can simply drag and drop files into the player and start playing them immediately.

interface Windows Media Player is also incredibly easy to use. Basic player controls such as play, pause and volume are clearly visible and easy to reach. You can also easily navigate your media library by clicking on different tabs and menus. This makes it easy to find and play the media you want, even if you have a large collection of files.

Another useful feature of Windows Media Player is its ability to rip CDs to digital files. If you have a large collection of CDs and want to convert them to digital files, Windows Media Player can help you do it quickly and easily. Simply insert the CD into your computer’s drive, open Windows Media Player, and click the Copy button. The player will then automatically copy the CD to your computer’s hard drive, where you can access it at any time.

Finally, Windows Media Player also offers some basic library management functions. You can sort media files by various criteria, such as artist, album, or genre, and create playlists to further organize your files. This makes it easy to find and play the media you want, and you can easily share your media with others by burning it to a CD or transferring it to a portable device.

Has some disadvantages

Although it was once a popular choice for playing audio and video files, some users say that it has since fallen behind in terms of features and functionality compared to other media players.

One of the main limitations of WMP is its lack of advanced features. For example, it doesn’t support subtitles, hardware acceleration, or video editing—features commonly found in other media players.

Another problem with WMP is that it outdated design. The interface looks clunky and outdated compared to modern media players, which can make it difficult for users to navigate and find the features they need. Additionally, WMP may not support newer or less common codecs, so an additional download may be required to play certain files.

In addition, WMP offers limited customization options. Users have fewer options to customize the player’s appearance, which can be frustrating for those who want a more personalized media experience.

Finally, WMP Microsoft is no longer actively developing. This means it may not receive new features or bug fixes, which can leave users with unresolved issues and lack of support for new technologies.

Can you still get Windows Media Player?

Yes, you can still install Windows Media Player, but it depends on your specific situation.

if you have Windows 10 or earlier, Windows Media Player is enabled by default. However, it may be hidden or disabled due to updates or other programs. To check if you have it, search for “Windows Media Player” in the Start menu. If it’s not listed, you can enable it in the Turn Windows features on or off settings.

On the other hand, if you have Windows 11, Windows Media Player is not enabled by default. However, you can still download it for free from the Microsoft website. This way, you can still enjoy Windows Media Player features on your Windows 11 device.

So what are the alternatives to Windows Media Player?

There are many great alternatives to Windows Media Player, each offering unique features and benefits. Here are some popular options to consider depending on your needs:

• VLC Media Player: The most popular option, known for its incredible format support (plays almost anything you throw at it!), user-friendly interface, and advanced features like subtitle support, hardware acceleration, and video editing.
• MPC-HC: Lightweight and powerful, with high performance, advanced playback controls and a customizable interface.
• PotPlayer: modern and feature-rich, with codec support, built-in 360° video playback and custom skin.
• MediaMonkey: Focuses on music organization, offering a tagging system, playlist creation tools, and automatic library updates.

Left behind but still gets the job done

Windows Media Player remains a viable option for basic media playback on a Windows PC, offering ease of use, pre-installation, and wide format support. However, the lack of advanced features, dated design, limited customization, and lack of active development on Microsoft’s part lags behind modern alternatives.