Applies ToWindows 10

Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.

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Designed by media lovers for media lovers. Windows Media Player 12, available as part of Windows 10, plays more music and video than ever. Organize your digital media collection, sync digital media files to a portable device, shop online for digital media content, and more with Windows Media Player 12.​​​​​​​

Operating system

Player version

How to get it

Windows 10

Windows Media Player 12

Included in clean installs of Windows 10.

In some editions of Windows 10, it's included as an optional feature that you can enable. To do that, select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Apps  > Apps & features > Manage optional features > Add a feature > Windows Media Player, and select Install.

Enable Windows Media Player

DVD playback isn't included.

Streamlined playback modes

The Now Playing mode is a study in minimalism: It shows only the controls you need, so nothing comes between you and your music or video. A new taskbar thumbnail with playback controls makes previewing easier and more fun.

Plays more media in more places

Windows Media Player 12 has built-in support for many popular audio and video formats. Sync music, videos, and photos, or stream media to your devices so you can enjoy your library anywhere, at home or on the road.

To manually troubleshoot or upgrade your installation of Windows Media Player, try the following: 

  1. Select Start  button, enter features in the search, and then select Turn Windows features on or off.

  2. Expand Media Features and see whether the Windows Media Player check box is selected. If it is, clear the check box.

  3. Select OK and then restart your PC. This will remove your current version of Windows Media Player.

  4. After your PC has restarted, repeat step 1.

  5. Expand Media Features and select the Windows Media Player check box.

  6. Select OK and then restart your PC. This will reinstall the latest version of Windows Media Player for your system (Windows Media Player 12, with a few exceptions).

Troubleshoot Windows Media Player

If Windows Media Player stopped working correctly after the latest updates from Windows Update, verify that the updates are the problem by using System Restore. To do this:

  1. Select Start  , and enter system restore in the search.

  2. Select Create a restore point, and then in the System Properties pane, select System Restore.

  3. Follow the prompts to select the restore point just before the round of updates that seemed to trigger the problem. Then run the system restore process. (This takes a while.)

  4. After your system is restored to the earlier configuration, check to see whether Windows Media Player runs correctly again.

For advanced video features like 4K, you might also want to try Microsoft Movies & TV. To download this for free from Microsoft Store, go to Movies & TV and select Get.

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