media player · Microsoft

Media Player (Windows)

Microsoft's free Media Player app for Windows 11, with a music and video library and a 9-band equalizer.

20/100

#12 of 12 media players
Facts checked 8 Oct 2026

In short

The Microsoft Store lists Media Player as free, with no in-app purchases¹.
It builds a library from the Music and Video folders on the PC¹.
It includes a 9-band equalizer and adjustable playback speed¹.
Microsoft says files that need an extra codec prompt an install from the Microsoft Store¹.
Microsoft lists HEVC, VP9, AV1 and MPEG-2 video as separate Store codec extensions².

Media Player suits Windows users who want a free player that organises local music and video without extra setup¹. Its Store page names a library, an equalizer and playlists, but not streaming, subtitles, HDR or disc playback¹. The catch: some common video formats need a separate Store codec extension^1,2.

Best for: Windows users who want a free, built-in player for local music and video.

Where the points come from

Systems0 of 12

Video0 of 31

Streams, audio and library8 of 25

Ads and privacy0 of 20

Price12 of 12

Systems 0 of 12 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Other systems	NoneThe Store listing offers the app for Windows and names no other system¹.	0 / 12

Video 0 of 31 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Disc playback	Not publishedNot named on the Store listing¹. Microsoft's DVD note covers Windows Media Player Legacy, not this app².	0 / 5
No codec pack needed	NoMicrosoft says files needing an extra codec prompt a Store install¹; its support page lists separate Store codec extensions for HEVC, VP9, AV1 and MPEG-2 video, and names codec packs for Windows 10².	0 / 6
Hardware video decoding	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page^1,2.	0 / 7
HDR playback	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page^1,2.	0 / 5
Subtitle features	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page^1,2.	0 / 8

Streams, audio and library 8 of 25 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Network streams	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page^1,2.	0 / 8
Audio features	EqualiserThe Store listing describes a 9-band equalizer. Gapless, ReplayGain and WASAPI are not named¹.	2 / 8
Media library	YesMusic and Video folder content appears automatically in the library, with playlists¹.	6 / 6
Plugins or add-ons	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing¹.	0 / 3

Ads and privacy 0 of 20 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Open-source apps	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing¹.	0 / 8
No ads or bundled offers	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing, which shows no in-app purchases but makes no ad statement¹.	0 / 8
States no tracking	Not publishedNot published on the Store listing, which links a general Microsoft privacy statement¹.	0 / 4

Price 12 of 12 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Price of the player	$0The Store lists the app as free¹.	12 / 12

The rule behind each line: how we score media players.

Plans and prices

As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.

Plan	Price as listed	Per month	Notes
Media Player1 person	Free¹	$0	Free from the Microsoft Store; no in-app purchases

Strengths

Free, with no in-app purchases¹.
Builds a music and video library from the PC's folders automatically¹.
Has a 9-band equalizer and adjustable playback speed¹.
Offers drag-and-drop playback and an always-on-top mini player¹.

Limits

The Store listing names no macOS, Linux, Android or iOS version¹.
HEVC, VP9, AV1 and MPEG-2 video need separate Store codec extensions².
The Store listing does not name DVD or Blu-ray disc playback¹.
Subtitles, HDR, hardware decoding and network streams are not named on the Store listing¹.

Other media players

1
VLC media playerPeople who want one free player for any file, with no ads
86/100
$0price of the player
2
KodiPeople who want a free, open-source player with a library and add-ons
76/100
$0price of the player
3
mpvPeople who want a free, scriptable player and are fine without a built-in library
67/100
$0price of the player
4
PotPlayerWindows users who want many playback settings in a free player
60/100
$0price of the player

All 12 media players

Sources

Windows Media Player - Free download and install on Windows, Microsoft Store. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Troubleshoot Windows Media Player Errors, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.

Website: apps.microsoft.com/detail/9wzdncrfj3pt · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Microsoft.