How to Update Windows Media Player on Windows 10 & 11 for Optimal Media Playback

Updating Windows Media Player on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is more crucial today than many users realize—streaming habits and codec advancements make an up-to-date media player essential for error-free playback. This step-by-step guide offers clear, actionable instructions to ensure your PC’s media experience is both current and reliable, whether you’re managing classic Windows Media Player 12 or the new Media Player app introduced in Windows 11.

Why Updating Windows Media Player Matters​

Windows Media Player (WMP) continues to be a household name in the Windows ecosystem, even as Microsoft encourages users toward modern alternatives. While some may see it as a legacy tool, WMP remains a default for many users, especially in professional and educational contexts where backward compatibility with older media files is critical. Keeping the player updated addresses numerous playback issues, delivers security fixes, and improves compatibility with modern file formats.
The new Windows 11 Media Player app—distinct from WMP 12—represents Microsoft’s effort to modernize local media playback. However, both variants require different update methods, making it essential to identify which one you’re using before proceeding.

Identifying Your Windows Media Player Version​

Before initiating any updates, you need to determine the version of Media Player installed. This step helps ensure you follow the correct procedure and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.
Check Your Player:

• Press the Start button and type “Media Player.”
• Open the resulting app. A modern, sleek interface signifies the new Windows 11 Media Player app, while a more basic, classic interface indicates the legacy Windows Media Player 12.
• If the app appears missing, consult our guide on how to find Windows Media Player on Windows 10 or 11.

The version also determines where updates are sourced—either from the Microsoft Store or via Windows Update.

How to Update Windows Media Player 12 (Classic)​

Windows Media Player 12 is integrated with Windows 10 and some Windows 11 builds as an optional feature. It does not receive new features, but bug fixes and security updates are still delivered via Windows Update. This process is straightforward:

Step-by-Step: Update Through Windows Update​

• Open Settings:
• Press Windows + I simultaneously.
• Navigate to Windows Update:
• Select “Update & Security,” then “Windows Update.”
• Check for Updates:
• Click “Check for updates.”
• Install Updates:
• If updates are found, follow prompts to install them.
• Restart:
• Restart your PC to finalize any changes.

Tip: If you experience problems with format support or playback errors, updating the entire system often resolves these issues. For format-specific fixes, refer to troubleshooting guides on playback errors with Windows Media Player.

Reinstall Windows Media Player 12 via Optional Features​

If you find WMP 12 malfunctioning, missing, or unresponsive, a fresh reinstall via Windows Features can resolve persistent bugs.

• Press Windows + R and type optionalfeatures, then press Enter.
• In the “Windows Features” panel, expand “Media Features.”
• To Remove WMP: Uncheck “Windows Media Player,” press OK, and restart your computer.
• To Reinstall WMP: Repeat the steps above, re-check “Windows Media Player,” press OK, and restart again.

This approach essentially gives you a clean slate, resolving corruption or misconfiguration in the player files.

Caveats for Windows 10 and 11 Users​

WMP 12 is no longer under active feature development and may not support certain new codecs or streaming protocols. For modern media requirements, consider using Microsoft’s new Media Player app or a third-party alternative (see further below).

How to Update the New Windows 11 Media Player App​

With Windows 11, Microsoft debuted a redesigned Media Player app, meant to eventually replace Groove Music and eventually retire legacy WMP for most everyday use. This app is regularly updated via the Microsoft Store—not Windows Update.

Step-by-Step: Update via Microsoft Store​

• Open Microsoft Store:
• Click the Start button, type “Microsoft Store,” and launch the app.
• Access Library:
• At the lower-left corner of the Store window, select “Library.”
• Check for App Updates:
• Click “Get updates.”
• If “Media Player” appears on the list, select “Update.”
• Verify Update:
• After updating, relaunch Media Player and check its functionality.

This process ensures you always have the latest bug fixes, interface improvements, and format support offered by Microsoft.

Troubleshooting Update Issues​

Some users have reported instances where their Media Player app does not update, due to Store problems or system restrictions. If the update doesn’t show or fails, try:

• Logging out and back into your Microsoft Store account.
• Running the Store troubleshooter in Windows Settings.
• Ensuring your device meets Windows 11 Media Player hardware requirements (especially for legacy device configurations).

Switching Between Media Player Versions or Changing Defaults​

Windows 11 ships with both the new Media Player app and legacy WMP 12 (as an optional install). You can easily switch the default player for your audio and video files.

• Open Settings > “Apps” > “Default apps.”
• Scroll to the file type (e.g., .mp3, .mp4) you want to change.
• Select your preferred media player.

Alternatively, reinstalling WMP via Optional Features (as described earlier) makes it available if you’ve previously removed it.

What If Windows Media Player Is Missing or Broken?​

It’s not uncommon to find Windows Media Player entirely missing, especially on corporate or privacy-centric Windows deployments. The steps below will help restore it:

• Launch “Windows Features” by pressing Windows + R, typing optionalfeatures, and pressing Enter.
• Expand “Media Features.”
• Check “Windows Media Player,” click OK, and restart your PC.

This operation re-adds all the necessary components for WMP 12. If the app still fails to launch, perform a Windows System File Checker scan (sfc /scannow in Command Prompt) to fix corrupted system files.

Should You Use a Different Media Player?​

While Windows Media Player remains popular due to familiarity and integration, its limitations become apparent regarding modern format support, advanced subtitle handling, and streaming.
Common alternative media players include:

• VLC Media Player: Open-source, supports nearly every format, cross-platform, and free.
• PotPlayer and KMPlayer: Popular in tech circles for advanced configuration and format coverage.
• MPC-HC: Lightweight, customizable, with a strong community.

These alternatives are all regularly updated and often handle new codecs and high-definition content more reliably than legacy WMP.

Risks and Troubleshooting: Known Issues in Windows Media Player Updates​

Common Problems​

• Update Not Appearing: This is usually due to regional restrictions or Store misconfigurations. Use Windows Store Troubleshooter or switch Microsoft Store regions if the update still does not appear.
• Playback Errors After Update: Occur when system codecs become mismatched during updates. Reinstall codecs or try a system restore to before the update.
• Missing Features: As Microsoft winds down feature development on WMP 12, expect certain streaming, DRM, or modern codec features to lag behind, unlikely to change in future Windows Updates.

Security Considerations​

Updating is vital for security. Older Windows Media Player builds have been targets of exploits, particularly those that rely on outdated ActiveX components or DirectShow filters. Ensuring you’re using the latest supported version—at least for the core engine—protects against most known vulnerabilities.
Important: Avoid installing Windows Media Player updates from unofficial sources. Only use Windows Update, Optional Features, or the Microsoft Store method above.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Question	Answer
How do I know if WMP 12 is up-to-date?	If Windows Update says your system is current, WMP 12 is also current for your OS build.
Is WMP 12 still supported?	Yes, but only with security and bug fixes—no new features are planned.
Can I run both WMP 12 and the new Media Player?	Yes, on Windows 11 they can coexist; you can select either as your default per filetype.
Why is my Media Player missing after an update?	Sometimes Windows Updates reset optional features—reinstall via the Optional Features panel.
What formats are unsupported in WMP 12?	Latest codecs (HEVC/H.265, VP9, some AAC variants) may require third-party codecs or another app.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Update Process​

Notable Strengths​

• Simplicity for Average Users: Both classic and modern player updates, when functioning as intended, require minimal user intervention.
• OS Integration: Ties with Windows Update and Microsoft Store ensure updates are secure and tested across a wide user base.
• Legacy Support: Windows Media Player 12 remains available, preserving compatibility for businesses and users with legacy media libraries.

Risks and Limitations​

• Fragmented Experience: The presence of two distinct “Media Player” solutions (classic WMP and new Media Player app) is confusing for many, especially as Microsoft’s branding and update mechanisms differ.
• Slower Feature Adoption: WMP 12 falls behind in supporting the latest audio and video formats, putting users at risk of persistent compatibility issues.
• Store Dependency: The new Media Player’s reliance on Microsoft Store means those with restricted Store access (e.g., enterprise, offline, or highly locked-down devices) may lag behind on updates.

Further, some update problems may require in-depth OS troubleshooting—not ideal for beginner users. Store app updates occasionally fail silently, necessitating manual checks that not all users remember to perform.

Expert Recommendations for Power Users​

• Consider Portable Players: For advanced format needs or maximum reliability, keep a portable app like VLC Media Player on hand.
• Codec Maintenance: If you frequently handle unusual or professional-level media formats, maintain an updated codec pack (such as K-Lite), but only download from trusted origins to avoid malware.
• Backup Your Library: Occasionally, updates may reset or lose your media library metadata. Export library data or maintain regular backups if external metadata is important for your workflow.

Looking Forward: The Future of Windows Media Playback​

Microsoft’s focus is clearly shifting to the modern Media Player experience. Telemetry indicates gradual deprecation of legacy WMP, with Windows 11 builds emphasizing updates and improvements to the new Store-based player. Enterprise environments will likely retain WMP for compatibility, but casual users should expect new features, support for emerging codecs, and integration with Microsoft’s cloud tools to appear first (and perhaps only) in the Windows 11 Media Player app.
For now, however, both classic and modern players coexist. The best approach is to keep both pathways updated following the guides above, periodically review your playback needs, and—if critical—maintain a reputable third-party player for formats outside Microsoft’s official coverage.

Conclusion​

Updating Windows Media Player on Windows 10 and Windows 11 ensures optimal performance, better security, and compatibility with new file formats. The right method depends on your version—WMP 12 updates through Windows Update or can be reinstalled from Optional Features, while the new Media Player app is updated through the Microsoft Store. Identifying your version is the most important first step. For those whose needs go beyond what the built-in solutions provide, a third-party media player may be the best path forward. As Windows evolves, regular maintenance of your media playback tools remains essential for a smooth and secure user experience.

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Source: Windows Report How to Update Windows Media Player on Windows 10 & 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)