Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a free multimedia player for Windows operating systems with support for multiple audio/video file formats. It is pre-installed software in multiple Windows versions, including Windows 10, to offer a smooth audio/video playback.

The WMP is the best solution to manage, organize, and play your multimedia files, rip audio discs, burn CDs, and perform multiple other tasks within a few clicks. The integration with multiple devices enables users to sync their audio/video content more reliably.

What is Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player is an officially built-in multimedia player developed by Microsoft. It was released in 1991 for Windows XP with the name Media Player, and became a part of every Windows including since Windows 98SE. The latest release with name Windows Media Player, includes all the latest Windows versions.

The software, embedded with a fresh look, works similarly to iTunes for Mac and allows Windows users to watch their favorite videos and listen to audio. It supports multiple audio/video file formats to enable users to organize, play, view, and sync their multimedia content. 

Windows Media Player Features

User-friendly Interface

The user interface with tabbed layout offers multiple options, including Playing, Library, Rip, Burn, and Sync. You can navigate to the “Guide” button for watching tutorials to seek help. Compared to other multimedia players, it also has major changes, such as new themes including Blue UI, Black Fascia theme, and so on. In addition, you can configure your online audio services as well, and the availability of graphical albums, instead of a monotonous database-like textual representation of files, to make your browsing through different categories quick and easy.

Customization Options

Multiple customization options are available to manage your app as you like, such as modifying the speed of playback. You have the option to finely tune the sound while using a 9-band equalizer. Moreover, you can change the layout while selecting your favorite skin, edit metadata, create a playlist, and sync files across multiple devices. 

Create Playlist

It is one of the key features that allows you to create your own audio/video playlist. It offers a drag-and-drop interface to enable users to export files to their device, external hard drive, iTunes, and so on, and add them to the playlist. In addition, you can use the five-star rating system for organizing your files according to your taste.

Multi-format Support

You will find a huge variety of audio/video file formats for different computer media such as MP3, WMV, WMA, AVI, WAV, MPEG, and so on. You can easily export/import your favorite audios/videos, no matter what device it is, such as a smartphone, an external hard drive, etc. 

Multilingual Support

The innovative software is available in multiple languages, so you can easily use the software without any hassle of understanding issues. You can select your preferred language and use it as the default to make everything simple and smooth.

Lightweight & Free

The lightweight utility offers quick services without using many storage resources, and you can use it in the background while working with other important apps. Moreover, it offers free of cost services without any demand of charges. 

Safe & Secure

Windows Media Player is one of the best products by Microsoft, and the relationship with Big Wizard makes it safe and secure. So, you can use it reliably, as there will not be any risk of any threat of malicious content such as malware, viruses, etc.

Burn CD

The CD burner is one of the key features to enables users to burn their CDs for creating perfect mixes according to their taste. You have the option to use Drag& Drop for adding their required files to “Burn List”, and burn CDs quickly and easily. It also enables you to select your required audio file format, bitrate, and other preferences before you start ripping audio discs. 

Manage Library & Playlist

The WMP is the alternative to Groove Music, but it is ensured by Microsoft ensures that all of your older audio libraries will be transferred to the new Media Player. So, you can continue without any bother of manual transfer or new downloads. In the new player, the library and playlist are managed more reliably, as new updates have made browsing, managing, and watching your favorite content. Effortless access to the Video Library and specifying additional video locations helps the users to organize their audio/video content in the way they like.

Regular Updates

The app is the official platform of Microsoft that is available as built-in software for all the latest Windows versions, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Microsoft offers quick updates for improving security and adding new features as well. 

Pros

• Simple, lightweight app with a familiar interface
• Compatible with all the latest Windows versions
• Multi-format integration
• Multiple languages are supported
• Manage your library and playlist more reliably
• Regularly updated
• Free to use

Cons

• The interface is outdated
• Codec and subtitle support is limited
• Occasionally displays incorrect and missing metadata
• Live streaming isn’t supported