Since 1991, Windows Media Player classic has been an inseparable part of the operating system. The bundle kept changing with the OS updates, managing to stay the staple player for most.
A straightforward media player
- Download the latest version of VLC Media Player for Mac. Excellent multimedia player supporting next to all formats.
- VLC provides another classic media player for Windows but lacks the ready-made curated audio books, podcasts, store and more of iTunes. Spotify is much closer in terms of media variety but, of course, doesn’t support video and offers much less customization.
Windows Media Player has been the standard media file player on Windows PCs. Today, it features many new, sleek functions.
This media player boasts a simple file directory, which branches into sections, helping you find the files you want. Alternatively, it enables you to search by title.
Download Windows Media Player 12 for Windows to plays more music and video than ever, including Flip Video and unprotected songs from your iTunes library!
The interface enjoys a professional-looking, clean, black outline. The buttons for quick access to the library, currently played files, burning, and syncing are all readily available.
If you feel like creating a playlist, a function exists under that name with a drag-and-drop approach.
You can also have the media player organize your music by itself by your ratings, titles, metadata, and more. Note, however, that the metadata often lacks entirely, and sometimes, it can be wrong, making you change them by hand.
While not as useful a feature today, this program also enables you to burn disks, reasonably quickly, and in several file types.
A WMA music store also exists, allowing you to access online music through the player. However, the selection there is scarce.
Where can you run this program?
All versions of Microsoft Windows support this program, from Windows XP all the way to Windows 10.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes, if you’re willing to use a third-party player. The best Windows Media Player alternatives include the famous VLC Player and MPC-HC, as well as titles such as Clementine and AIMP if you want something slightly different.
Our take
With the changes it’s undergone recently, this player is a decent choice for your viewing and listening experience, but lacks many features that would make it superb.
Should you download it?
Download Media Player
No, as you already have it if you’re a Windows user. You should download Windows Media Player updates, though, since they tremendously improve the experience.
Download Vlc Media Player
12