Review of Windows Media Player: Is it Safe to Use

Jun 12, 2025Posted by Selena Thomas to Media Player

Do you remember spending hours ripping CDs and arranging your digital music library in Windows Media Player? That iconic green-and-orange player was once the heart of PC media playback, but is it still relevant in 2024? While Microsoft has shifted its focus to the sleeker Media Player for Windows 11, the classic Windows Media Player still lingers in older systems, raising the question: Does it hold up today, or should you switch to a modern alternative? In this article, we provide a comprehensive and unbiased review of Windows Media Player. We will outline its capabilities and compare them with those of other media players available. With that, you can decide for yourself if WMP is still worth operating or not. Thus, read this detailed review and learn more about the discussion.

• Part 1. Windows Media Player: Everything You Need to Know
• Part 2. The New Media Player in Windows 11
• Part 3. Is Windows Media Player Still Relevant
• Part 4. Windows Media Player FAQs
• Part 5. The Best Alternative to Windows Media Player
• Part 6. The Future of Media Playback on Windows

Part 1. Windows Media Player: Everything You Need to Know

Windows Media Player: A Trip Down Memory Lane

A Brief History of Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player, or WMP, is the best media player since its introduction in 1991. It can offer a simple yet functional way to play music, rip CDs, and organize libraries. During its heyday, it was the go-to software for organizing tracks by metadata, burning custom discs, and handling basic video playback for formats such as WMV and AVI. However, in 2024, WMP will be a lot older. Its user interface has become outdated compared to newer media players, such as VLC, Plex, 5KPlayer, and others. It also lacks a dark mode feature, streaming integration, or touch optimization. The worst part here is that the software struggles with playing media files with newer codecs. With that, we can say that Windows Media Player has already established its reputation as an excellent media player in its time.

Key Features of Windows Media Player

If you are interested in learning more about the program's capabilities, please see the details below.

• The software is capable of playing various video formats, including WMV, AVI, MPEG, and others.

• It can organize music by metadata, including genre, album, and artist.

• It can rip and burn CDs. It is perfect if you want to digitize your disc into your desired format.

• The program is capable of creating a playlist perfect for organizing and customizing files.

Where Windows Media Player Falls Short in 2024

Outdated User Interface

The software falls short due to its outdated user interface. Compared with other modern media players, its UI is not that appealing. Some users might choose another program with an excellent and engaging user interface for video playback.

Limited Codec Support

The program can only support a limited number of codecs. It struggles with MKV, HEVC (H.265), 4K videos, and FLAC. It even requires users to install a codec pack, like K-Lite, for broader compatibility.

Lack of Streaming Integration

It lacks streaming support. In this modern day, we all know that programs that can be integrated with other platforms are better. Unlike Windows Media Player (WMP), some media players can be integrated with services like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube. Some of them are Kodi Media Player and Plex.

Part 2. The New Media Player in Windows 11: A True Successor?

The Media Player in Windows 11 was designed and created to replace the classic Windows Media Player. It offers a modern interface and enhanced functionality. However, does it really surpass its predecessor, or is it still lacking something? Come to this section to find out.

Windows 11 Media Player: A Modern Refresh

The new Media Player is considered an improved version of the classic Windows Media Player. It can offer an engaging, clean, and fluent design, making it perfect for Windows 11. It also features smooth animation and supports both dark and light modes. Additionally, the software features improved organization and enhanced album art display.

Moreover, Media Player can provide you with smoother video playback. It can now handle newer codecs and modern video formats. It can even play various video formats, including AVI, MP4, and MKV. It can also offer basic playback controls, such as mini player mode. You can also change the playback speed in Windows Media Player(WMP). With that, we can conclude that the new Media Player is far better than the older and classic Windows Media Player.

What's Still Missing?

Although it has been upgraded, the new Media Player still falls short of perfection. Some of its key limitations include:

Limited Advanced Customization

Unlike the classic Windows Media Player, the new Media Player does not offer skin or layout adjustments. It also has minimal playback tweaks. It even has a limited subtitle option.

No Comprehensive Codec Support

Unlike the classic Windows Media Player, the new Media Player does not offer skin or layout adjustments. It also has minimal playback tweaks. It even has a limited subtitle option.

Lacks Advanced Audio Equalization

The new Media Player can only support a basic equalizer. There are no audio effects or any advanced enhancements for audiophiles.

Is There A Difference Between Windows Media Player and Media Player?

The Windows Media Player is a program included with Windows 10 and earlier versions. On the other hand, the new Media Player is only available in Windows 11. The new Media Player is better since it is a better version of WMP. It can offer an appealing UI, support more formats and codecs, and offer more features.

Part 3. Is Windows Media Player Still Relevant

If you want to know if the Windows Media Player is still worth using, then we can say yes! Windows Media Player can still be helpful for playing your video files. It can even provide a neat user interface, allowing you to navigate all the necessary functions. It can even let you organize your files in the library. However, it is essential to acknowledge that this software also has some drawbacks. It might be appealing enough, considering its interface looks outdated. Some limitations can hinder your enjoyment of your media files. Plus, you cannot play Blu-ray on Windows Media Player , including DVD.

So, if your main goal is just to watch and organize your files, then you can still operate the Windows Media Player. However, if you want a better media player that can handle newer codecs and video formats, it would be best to use an alternative media player. You can also use the new Media Player on your computer. We also recommend using other media players, such as Plex, Kodi, and 5KPlayer, if you prefer watching high-quality videos.

Part 4. Windows Media Player FAQs

• Does Windows Media Player play DVDs?

  Sad to say, but no. Windows Media Player is unable to play DVDs. With that, it is recommended to use another media player that supports DVDs. You can also use VLC as an excellent DVD player on your Windows.

• Do I have Windows Media Player on my computer?

  If you are using the Windows operating system on your computer, then you have the Windows Media Player. It is because the WMP is a pre-built program for Windows. Thus, you don't have to install it from Google or the Microsoft Store.

• Does Windows 10 come with Windows Media Player?

  Definitely, yes. Windows 10 includes Windows Media Player. However, please note that Windows Media Player (WMP) is no longer the default media player. Thus, if you can't see the program, it may be disabled on your compute

• Does Windows Media Player play MP4?

  Absolutely, yes. Windows Media Player can play MP4 files. However, it can only play MP4 with a certain codec. You can also install a codec pack for Windows Media Player for better compatibility.

• Is Windows Media Player safe?

  The software is safe to use. It won't infect you with any harmful viruses or damage your media files. With that, you can use it to organize and play your media files.

Part 5. The Best Alternative to Windows Media Player

In this review of Windows Media Player, you have discovered that it can be an amazing media player for playing video and organizing files. However, since it is old enough, it may give you an outdated-looking UI. It also lacks advanced features and is unable to play DVDs. In that case, if you are looking for an exceptional alternative to Windows Media Player (WMP), we recommend using Blu-ray Master Free Blu-ray Player. This software is better since it can handle numerous audio and video codecs and various file formats on WIndows and Mac. It can play MP4, MKV, WMV, AVI, FLV, M4V, MOV, and more. Also, it can provide you with a high-quality video for a more engaging visual experience. Additionally, the program can run smoothly in various configurations. It includes older and less powerful systems. It is also capable of providing a comprehensive UI and better UX.

Furthermore, Blu-ray Master Free Blu-ray Player allows you to personalize the user interface, playback settings, and other options. It can even support subtitles and features advanced playback controls, including screen and audio track selection. Lastly, the software is free and accessible on both Mac and Windows, making it an excellent media player.

You can refer to the comparison table below for more insights into the differences between these media players.

Part 6. The Future of Media Playback on Windows

Trends in Media Consumption

There will be a decline in local files, as most users will depend on various streaming platforms, such as YouTube and Spotify, rather than downloaded media. To remain relevant in this modern era, the media player would be best served by integrating with various streaming platforms. In addition to that, future media players must support HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Spatial Audio, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With this, they can give users an excellent viewing and listening experience.

The Part of AI and Machine Learning in Media Players

Media players must have AI-powered technology built into them. It is better if they want to stay in this growing era. They must offer various AI capabilities, such as Smart Playback Enhancements, Content Recognition, Voice and Gesture Controls, Organization, and more.

Wrapping up

In this Windows Media Player review, you have learned a lot of things. You have learned that Windows Media Player (WMP) is an excellent media player that can provide a better experience. However, we can't hide the fact that it is no longer your go-to media player, as there are more modern software options that offer a better user interface and features. You also discovered that the classic Windows Media Player has been transformed into the new Media Player, which is now available exclusively on Windows 11. This Media Player is a better version of the classic Windows Media Player, offering more features. Now, if you are curious about the capabilities of these players, it would be best for you to experience it yourself. If you prefer an alternative to WMP and the new Media Player, we recommend using Blu-ray Master Free Blu-ray Player. This software is perfect if you want to have an appealing and neat user interface. It can even play Blu-ray (BD) and DVD discs, and offers additional features, making it an outstanding media player for both Mac and Windows.