Windows Media Player has been a staple of the Windows operating system for decades, providing users with a convenient way to play back music and video files. However, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to retire Windows Media Player and replace it with a new media player app. In this article, we’ll explore what replaces Windows Media Player in Windows 11 and what features you can expect from the new app.
A Brief History Of Windows Media Player
Before we dive into the replacement for Windows Media Player, let’s take a brief look at the history of the app. Windows Media Player was first introduced in 1997 as a part of Windows 98. At the time, it was a revolutionary app that allowed users to play back audio and video files with ease. Over the years, Windows Media Player has undergone several updates and revisions, adding new features and improving performance.
However, in recent years, Windows Media Player has started to show its age. The app has become bloated and slow, and it lacks many of the features that modern media players take for granted. As a result, Microsoft has decided to retire Windows Media Player and replace it with a new app that is better suited to the needs of modern users.
What Replaces Windows Media Player In Windows 11?
So, what replaces Windows Media Player in Windows 11? The answer is the new Media Player app. The new Media Player app is a modern, streamlined app that is designed to provide users with a fast and efficient way to play back music and video files.
The new Media Player app is built on top of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), which means that it is designed to work seamlessly across all Windows devices, from desktops and laptops to tablets and smartphones. The app is also highly customizable, allowing users to personalize the look and feel to suit their preferences.
Key Features Of The New Media Player App
So, what features can you expect from the new Media Player app? Here are some of the key features:
- Support for a wide range of file formats: The new Media Player app supports a wide range of file formats, including MP3, MP4, AVI, and more.
- Fast and efficient playback: The app is designed to provide fast and efficient playback, even on low-end hardware.
- Customizable interface: The app allows users to customize the look and feel to suit their preferences.
- Support for playlists: The app allows users to create and manage playlists, making it easy to organize your music and video files.
- Integration with OneDrive: The app integrates seamlessly with OneDrive, allowing users to access their music and video files from anywhere.
How To Use The New Media Player App
Using the new Media Player app is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Launch The App
To launch the new Media Player app, simply click on the Start button and type “Media Player” in the search bar. The app should appear in the search results.
Step 2: Add Music And Video Files
To add music and video files to the app, simply click on the “Add” button and select the files you want to add. You can also drag and drop files into the app.
Step 3: Create Playlists
To create playlists, simply click on the “Playlists” tab and click on the “New Playlist” button. You can then add music and video files to the playlist by dragging and dropping them into the playlist.
Comparison With Other Media Players
So, how does the new Media Player app compare to other media players on the market? Here’s a comparison with some of the most popular media players:
| Media Player | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Media Player | Support for a wide range of file formats, customizable interface, support for playlists | Free, easy to use | Bloated, slow, lacks modern features |
| VLC Media Player | Support for a wide range of file formats, customizable interface, support for playlists, streaming capabilities | Free, highly customizable, supports streaming | Complex interface, can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Media Player App (Windows 11) | Support for a wide range of file formats, customizable interface, support for playlists, integration with OneDrive | Fast and efficient, highly customizable, integrates with OneDrive | Limited features compared to other media players |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new Media Player app in Windows 11 is a significant improvement over Windows Media Player. The app is fast, efficient, and highly customizable, making it a great choice for users who want a simple and easy-to-use media player. While it may lack some of the features of other media players, it is a great option for users who want a streamlined media player that integrates seamlessly with OneDrive.
Final Thoughts
The retirement of Windows Media Player is a significant milestone in the history of Windows. While it may be sad to see an old friend go, the new Media Player app is a worthy replacement. With its fast and efficient playback, customizable interface, and integration with OneDrive, it is a great choice for users who want a modern media player that meets their needs.
As Windows continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Media Player app develops. Will it add new features and functionality? Only time will tell. But for now, it is a great option for users who want a simple and easy-to-use media player.
What Is The Replacement For Windows Media Player In Windows 11?
The replacement for Windows Media Player in Windows 11 is the Media Player app. This new app is designed to provide a more modern and streamlined media playback experience. It offers many of the same features as Windows Media Player, including support for playing audio and video files, as well as managing music and video libraries.
The Media Player app also includes some new features, such as improved support for high-definition video playback and a more intuitive user interface. Additionally, the app is designed to work seamlessly with other Windows 11 features, such as the operating system’s built-in search functionality and the Microsoft Store.
What Features Does The Media Player App Offer?
The Media Player app offers a range of features for playing and managing media files. These include support for playing audio and video files in a variety of formats, as well as the ability to create and manage playlists. The app also includes features for managing music and video libraries, such as the ability to browse and search for files, and to create custom folders and playlists.
In addition to these core features, the Media Player app also includes some more advanced features, such as support for high-definition video playback and the ability to stream media content to other devices on a network. The app also includes a range of customization options, such as the ability to change the app’s theme and layout.
Is The Media Player App Available For All Windows 11 Users?
The Media Player app is available for all Windows 11 users, although it may not be installed by default on all systems. If the app is not already installed on your system, you can download and install it from the Microsoft Store. The app is free to download and use, and it does not require any additional software or hardware to function.
To install the Media Player app, simply open the Microsoft Store and search for “Media Player”. Click on the app’s icon to open its store page, and then click the “Install” button to begin the installation process. Once the app is installed, you can launch it from the Start menu or by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
Can I Still Use Windows Media Player In Windows 11?
Although the Media Player app is the recommended media playback solution for Windows 11, it is still possible to use Windows Media Player on the operating system. Windows Media Player is still included with Windows 11, and it can be launched from the Start menu or by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
However, it’s worth noting that Windows Media Player is no longer actively developed or supported by Microsoft, and it may not receive any future updates or security patches. In contrast, the Media Player app is actively maintained and updated by Microsoft, and it is likely to receive new features and improvements over time.
How Does The Media Player App Handle Media File Formats?
The Media Player app supports a wide range of media file formats, including popular formats such as MP3, MP4, and AVI. The app can also play back files in less common formats, such as FLAC and MKV. In addition, the app includes support for playing back files with subtitles and closed captions.
If you try to play back a file in a format that is not supported by the Media Player app, you may be prompted to install additional codecs or software to enable playback. Alternatively, you can try converting the file to a supported format using a third-party conversion tool.
Can I Customize The Media Player App’s Appearance And Behavior?
Yes, the Media Player app includes a range of customization options that allow you to personalize its appearance and behavior. For example, you can change the app’s theme and layout, and you can also customize the app’s playback settings, such as the default playback speed and volume.
In addition, the Media Player app includes a range of accessibility features, such as support for high contrast themes and screen reader software. You can access these customization options by clicking on the app’s settings icon, which is located in the top-right corner of the app’s window.
Is The Media Player App Available For Other Versions Of Windows?
The Media Player app is currently only available for Windows 11, although it may be made available for other versions of Windows in the future. If you are running an earlier version of Windows, such as Windows 10, you can continue to use Windows Media Player or other third-party media playback apps.
However, it’s worth noting that the Media Player app is designed to take advantage of the latest features and technologies in Windows 11, and it may not be compatible with earlier versions of the operating system. If you want to use the Media Player app, you may need to upgrade to Windows 11.