Windows Media Player has been around in various forms for decades. While it used to be the default Windows media actor, that's changed for Windows 10. You now need to install Windows Media Histrion before it'south available; the method you use will depend on your version of Windows 10.

If you're missing this classic Windows utility, we're hither to show y'all how to get it dorsum chop-chop and for gratuitous. We'll as well offer upwardly some alternative media players because Windows Media Player hasn't seen a major update in years.

Windows Media Player is software that plays and manages music and video files. If y'all're new to Windows, you may never have heard of it, allow lonely used it. Still, Windows Media Player was the de-facto media player for many, especially Windows eight and prior versions.

The first iteration of the program was called Media Player, launched in 1991 and included in Windows iii.0 with Multimedia Extensions.

Over time, Windows Media Player grew to back up more media formats (all the codecs in the now-defunct Windows Media framework, along with WAV and MP3) and more features.

windows media player

Some of these features include DVD playback, syncing to portable media players, music visualization, and media streaming. You could as well apply different themes.

For many, one of the most of import features of Windows Media Player was its ability to rip from and fire to discs. When music was nevertheless mostly consumed on disc, Windows Media Player was invaluable for bringing your tunes on to your computer.

While primarily known as a role player for Windows desktops, over the years Windows Media Histrion was too released on Windows Mobile, Mac, and Oracle Solaris.

The quickest way to check if you accept Windows Media Thespian 12 (the latest version) installed and enabled is to open the Start carte and search for it.

Information technology comes as an "optional feature" for the majority of Windows ten versions. Yet, Microsoft now disables it by default, so there's every chance your search volition yield no results.

There are besides two versions of the operating arrangement that don't have it at all: Windows x N and Windows 10 NK.

This is because the European Commission ruled that Microsoft'south practise of pre-installing some software on their operating systems is anti-competitive. Thus, Microsoft was forced to offer alternative versions of Windows 10 with some of these central features removed. Not only do they lack Windows Media Player, but they likewise exclude apps such as Video and Voice Recorder.

No affair your operating system version, nosotros'll prove yous how to install Windows Media Player for Windows 10—legally and for gratuitous.

Information technology's extremely unproblematic to install Windows Media Actor 12. The method you need will depend on your version of Windows 10.

Windows 10 N and NK

You need to download the Media Feature Pack from Microsoft'southward official website.

First, select your language using the dropdown, then click Download. You lot must then choose which version of the file you desire to download. This depends on what bit version of Windows 10 y'all're running.

To notice this out, press Windows key + R, input dxdiag, and click OK. This volition open up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Await at the line Operating System and cheque if information technology reads 32-flake or 64-bit.

If you're running 32-bit, check to download this file:

          Microsoft-Windows-MediaFeaturePack-OOB-Bundle.msu

If yous're running 64-scrap, select the other file. In one case checked, click Next. You should then be prompted by your browser to Open with Windows Update Standalone Installer (default). With this selected, click OK to brainstorm the installation.

installing windows feature pack

Follow the sorcerer through, and the update will be installed. Along with installing Windows Media Player, this will also install other apps similar Skype, Voice Recorder, and Groove Music. A total list of the additional features tin can be found on Microsoft's support page.

Windows x Habitation and Pro

Windows Media Thespian comes included as an optional feature with these versions of Windows 10, but information technology needs to be enabled.

To do so, press Windows key + I to open Settings. Go to Apps > Optional features > Add a feature.

windows 10 optional features

Scroll downwardly to Windows Media Player and select it. Click Install.

Job done! Become back a folio, and you'll see Windows Media Player on the list of installed optional features. You can likewise uninstall it from here, should you e'er wish to.

Some people consider Windows Media Thespian to be an abrasive Windows feature they don't need. If that'due south you, then y'all'll likely want alternative sound and video playing software. Happily, in that location are a number of gratis and groovy alternatives to Windows Media Role player.

One of the all-time media players yous tin can download is VLC media player. This open up-source, cross-platform software will run pretty much any audio or video file that yous throw at it, thank you to its huge amount of video codec support.

VLC can play video files, webcams, streams, and more. Information technology's also very lightweight and fast.

vlc media player video

Other expert costless choices are Winamp, which boasts dandy visualization and interface customization, and MusicBee, which is a powerful music director that as well supports podcasts and radio.

Alternately, you could use other default Windows applications. These were designed with Windows x in mind and offer a more modern user interface. For video, practise a organization search for Films & TV. For audio, search for Groove Music. The latter also comes with a store and streaming service, just you tin just use it to manage your local music collection if you lot want.

If you've been missing Windows Media Thespian in your life, hopefully, you've at present been able to install it on your system. Microsoft may remove support for it entirely in the future, but for now, it's here to stay.

Remember, you don't accept to employ Windows Media Histrion if it doesn't suit your needs. In fact, there are ameliorate players out there since Microsoft's offer has fallen by the wayside.

The half-dozen Best Complimentary Media Players for Windows

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About The Writer

Joe Keeley (893 Articles Published)

Joe was built-in with a keyboard in his hands and immediately started writing about technology. He has a BA (Hons) in Business and is now a full-time freelance writer who enjoys making tech unproblematic for everyone.

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