Windows Media Player

Spec sheet

Purpose

Windows Media Player is a built-in multimedia player that comes with Windows.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Supported platforms

WindowsRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Free plan

YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Headquarters

Redmond, Washington, USARead 28 Sep 2026 · apps.microsoft.com

Founded

1975Read 28 Sep 2026 · apps.microsoft.com

Codec dependency

Some formats, including AVI video, may require the appropriate codecs to be installed on the computer.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

DVD limitation

DVD playback is not included with Windows Media Player Legacy on Windows 10 or Windows 11.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Format support

MP3,MP2,AAC,M4A,FLAC,ALAC,WAV,WMA,3GP,3G2,AMR,MPEG-4/H.264,H.263,VC-1,WMV,DV,VP8,Motion JPEG,ASFRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Formats

Microsoft lists support for Windows Media formats, AVI, MPEG, MIDI, AIFF, AU, WAV, and CD audio, among other formats.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

License model

freeRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Media management

Its listed features include providing media metadata, including album art, creating audio CDs, and transferring music to a portable music player.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Modern video

Microsoft recommends the Media Player app for modern video features such as 4K.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Network playback

YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Platforms and availability

Windows Media Player Legacy is included in clean Windows 10 installs and is an optional feature in some Windows 10 and Windows 11 editions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Playback and library

It can play media files and audio CDs, manage a media library, create playlists, and play streaming content from a website.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Security and DRM

Microsoft describes Windows Media DRM as enabling secure delivery of protected content for playback on computers, portable devices, or network devices.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Sharing

Media sharing and Play To can share music, pictures, and videos with computers and devices on the same network.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Support status

Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, after which it no longer provides free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Troubleshooting

Microsoft's support guidance says users can repair or reset Windows Media Player; resetting removes custom settings and preferences but not media files or the library.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Windows N editions

Windows 10 and 11 N editions exclude Windows Media Player and related technologies; Microsoft says users can restore them by installing the Media Feature Pack.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Plans and prices

Every Windows Media Player plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Audio CD Ripping Software#6 of 297.5
• Media Player Software#27 of 768.1