Windows Media Player exists today in two distinct versions on Windows 11 and 10: the modern, redesigned Windows Media Player (which replaced Groove Music) and the classic Windows Media Player Legacy. Both versions are free, official Microsoft products and can be activated or updated directly through integrated system settings or the app store.
Below is the breakdown of how to install and use both versions depending on your preference. The Modern Windows Media Player
This version features a sleek, modern UI tailored for Windows 11, complete with an equalizer, automatic library scanning, and a mini-player mode.
Download: Open the Microsoft Store app on your PC, search for “Windows Media Player”, and click Get or Update. You can also access the listing page via the online Microsoft Store.
Initial Setup: Launch the app. It will automatically scan your default local Music and Video folders to populate your multimedia library.
Audio Tuning: Click on settings to use the built-in 9-band equalizer to customize your audio frequencies.
Mini Player Mode: Click the small square icon in the bottom-right corner (or press Ctrl + M) to shrink the player into a compact widget while you multitask.
Playlists: Navigate to the Playlists tab, click Create new playlist, and drag and drop your local audio tracks directly into the window. The Windows Media Player Legacy
If you prefer the original, classic look for ripping CDs, burning discs, or managing older media collections, the original player is hidden as a built-in optional feature. Windows Media Player – Free download and install on Windows
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