How to get and use Windows Media Player in Windows 10

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Key notes

  • Windows 10 users might need to learn how to use Windows Media Player.
  • That's because the tool is no longer the default video and audio player in this OS.
  • So the first thing to do if you want to see how to use Windows Media Player on Windows 10 is to download it.
  • Until this day, this app is one of the best free CD burning software for Windows 10.
how to use windows media player on windows 10

Starting with Windows 10, Windows Media Player stopped being the default app for audio and video playback. Newer OS use Groove Music and Microsoft Movies & TV, respectively, for that purpose.

However, those that prefer the simpler interface Window Media Player displays, can still use the program by downloading it separately.

Where do I find Windows Media Player for Windows 10?

To get the Media Player version compatible with your system, head over to the official Microsoft page and get the tool.

As you’ll find out, the latest app version is Windows Media Player 12 and it was released along with Windows 7. Since then, the program’s interface or features haven’t changed.

How does Windows Media Player work?

where do i find windows media player

Windows Media Player is more than just a basic media player. As such, it supports playback of audio, video, and pictures, and comes with a wide array of advanced playback settings.

The tool also supports local playback, or streaming playback with multicast streams, and progressive downloads. Visualizations can be added during playback, from the app’s library.

For those still interested, Windows Media Player can be used for CD burning and ripping in WMA or WMA 10 Pro formats.

The tool doesn’t include DVD playback, but you can add it separately using the Add features function. On the other hand, it allows the listening to Internet radio.

If you want to make Media Player the default tool for certain audio and video files, just type default in the Search bar and then go to Default Programs. From there, you will know what you have to do.


If you are interested in alternatives, we recommend CyberLink PowerDVD. It’s a modern software compatible with Windows 7 and later that will allow you to make the best of your multimedia experience on just about any device.

The centralized dashboard helps you keep all your media files organized. Once you’ve got your library up to date, you can stream 8K, 4K, Ultra HD Blu-ray content, and more.

The exclusive TrueTheater audio and video enhancements will surely keep you glued to your device and wanting more of that rich audio and video content.

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High-quality audio and video options can really make a difference when it comes to multimedia content. Use this powerful app and you’ll never go back to regular media players.
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How do I fix Windows Media Player issues on Windows 10?

Like with any other software, Windows Media Player isn’t short of bugs. On that note, you might have trouble opening MP3 or WAV formats or AVI files.

On some occasions, Windows Media Player won’t play or display videos.

Last, but not least, if the CD ripping process won’t finish, here are a few useful troubleshooting steps.

Let us know in the comment section if you’re still using the tool and if you encountered any problem with it on your Windows 10 device.

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