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Editors’ Review
Windows Media Player is the latest iteration of Microsoft's built-in audio and video application. This free multimedia application is enhanced to be the definitive local media hub for Windows users, making it enjoyable and seamless to access, organize, and consume digital content. It provides instant access to your entire library without a complex setup.
Windows Media Player offers a cleaner, more contemporary alternative to cluttered legacy players. While it is the standard Windows option, it faces stiff competition from dedicated powerhouses such as the versatile VLC Media Player, which offers superior codec support, and the customizable foobar2000.
Streamlined digital entertainment experience
At the core of Windows Media Player is its commitment to organization. The full-featured music library provides intuitive tools to quickly browse, search, and play your music collection. It boasts excellent playlist management, allowing users to effortlessly create, edit, and curate collections for any mood or task. For quick access, the application automatically integrates all files found in the system's designated Music and Video folders.
The visual presentation is where the application stands out, offering a dedicated playback view that emphasizes aesthetics. This view dynamically features rich album art and artist imagery, creating a visually engaging experience that looks fantastic in both full-screen and its miniature format. A clear improvement over its predecessors, this artistic focus enhances the simple act of listening to music or watching a favorite video clip.
Beyond music, the player delivers full support for browsing and managing local video collections. For multitaskers, the always-on-top mini player is a welcome addition, letting you watch or listen while keeping focus on other work. While it can handle common file types, the player often requires external codec packs to natively support popular, less common formats, such as the MKV video container or high-fidelity FLAC audio files.
Pros
- Sleek, modern, and aesthetic design
- Seamlessly manages local music and video libraries
- Automatic artist imagery and album art display
- Convenient always-on-top mini player
Cons
- Limited support for niche video codecs
Bottom Line
Revitalized default option
Windows Media Player is a visually appealing and highly functional media consumption tool that breathes new life into the classic Windows experience. It’s an ideal choice for the casual user who keeps their music and video files organized and needs a reliable, attractive player that works right out of the box. Its superior looks, smooth integration, and helpful mini-player feature make it the best default option on the Windows platform.
What’s new in version 11.2509.7.0
- Replaces Groove Music
- Full video support
- Enhanced blayback biew
- Optimized for accessibility
- Codec installation help
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