Program information
- Softonic rating:
- License:
- Free
- Added:
- August 18, 2005
- Publisher:
- Microsoft | More programs (122)
- File size:
- 24.6 MB
- Downloads:
- 1,479,122
“Microsoft's free Media Player sets a high standard”
about Windows Media Player
With Windows Media Player (WMP) 11 Microsoft aims to counter iTunes’ dominance. The interface has been beefed-up, usability has been enhanced and Microsoft has worked at turning its flagship media application into a full multimedia center, linked to online stores and compatible with mobile devices. We take a look at its new features.
The first thing that will strike you when you start up Windows Media Player 11, is the complete revamp of the interface. No more deep blue, the whole application is now dark and shiny and you can customize it by selecting a hue of your choice. Windows Media Player's left side is a drop down pane for your library, the center displays your lists and the right side is used to create playlists which you can rip, burn or sync with a mobile device.
Compared to Windows Media Player 10, we feel that Microsoft has actually made an effort to simplify the interface and give you more ways to browse through your media list, whether by using the drop down menu or the quick rollout line on the top left. The 'play' and 'previous' and 'next' buttons are now nested at the bottom of the interface and have a jazzy glow whenever you roll over them. Microsoft has finally succeeded in integrating a good search function into its Windows Media Player interface. As you type the name of an artist or title the application will bring up the results in the main window.
Windows Media Player 11 makes all your media more accessible. Double click the Media Library button to browse from your music to pictures, movie files and recorded TV. The thumbnail view is a great way to quickly scan through pictures and videos and to include the album image to audio tracks. By clicking the “Media information changes” option under the Library button you can also scan your PC to automatically find new media files. Creating a playlist is a case of drag and drop and oddly enough you can integrate audio, video and pictures. Burning and ripping in Windows Media Player is also very simple, yet disappointingly converting is limited to WMA, WAV or MP3.
The sync process is promising yet remains a bit unstable. While it’s very easy to create a list and sync media, Windows Media Player can occasionally crash or fail to load your mobile device, even if you press the refresh button. When we tested it with a Pocket PC, we had to restart Windows Media Player 11 so that it would recognize it and let us sync our music. As soon as the device became accessible though, it also became visible on the left sided menu, making it very easy to browse through it for music or pictures.
Windows Media Player 11 is a huge improvement from version 10. The whole interface is snazzier and makes browsing through your media simpler. Microsoft has also made creating playlists, syncing, burning or ripping just a case of drag-and-drop. Windows Media Player lets you check out music on dozens of online stores and is loaded with small features to customize your interface and change how you interact with your media.
While the syncing process still remains a bit unstable and we lament the lack of podcast feed support, Windows Media Player 11 is a solid competitor to Apple’s iTunes.
Languages:
English
OS requirements for Windows Media Player:
- OS: WinXP/Vista
- Quick burning and ripping
- Jazzy new interface
- Integrates all your media and makes it easy to browse
- Automatically adds new files
- Large choice of online stores
- Only rips to WMA, MP3 and WAV
- Weak portable device sync feature
- No podcast feed support
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From the publisher of Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP (WMP 11) offers great new ways to store and enjoy all your digital media. It's easier than ever to access all of your music, videos, pictures, and recorded TV on your computer. Play it, view it, organize it, or sync it to a portable device for enjoying on the go, or share with devices around your home—all from one place.
Windows Media Player 11 is designed to work with all versions of Windows XP with Service Pack 2, including Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional N.
Simplicity In Design
Bring a whole new look to your digital entertainment.
More of the Music You Love
Breathe new life into your digital music experience.
All Your Entertainment in One Place
Store and enjoy all of your music, video, pictures, and recorded TV.
Enjoy Everywhere
Stay connected with your music, video, and pictures no matter where you are. Check out the new Media Sharing feature.
Windows Media Player screenshots
Posts about Windows Media Player in our blog
- Today's downloads for Windows, Mac and Mobile by James Thornton
- Lyrics plug-ins for popular audio players by Elena Santos
- Spotify is updated with new social features by Elena Santos
- Flip4Mac WMV is unable to play DRM protected content by Nicholas Mead
- 5 great gadgets for Windows 7 by Elena Santos
User opinions about Windows Media Player (7)
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Reviews for Windows Media Player in other languages
- Windows Media Player (Opinião do editor em português)
- Windows Media Player (Testbericht auf Deutsch)
- Windows Media Player (Análisis en español)
- Windows Media Player (Le test en français)
- Windows Media Player (Recensione in italiano)
- Windows Media Player (Recensie in 't Nederlands)
- Windows Media Player 11 (Recenzja po polsku)
- Windows Media Player (中文的评测)
Windows Media Player in other platforms
- Windows Media Player (Mac)
- Windows Media Player (Pocket PC)
User Rating
242 ratings- Usability
- Stability
- Installation
- Functionality
- Appearance
A most Wanted Player
After Windows media player 10, Windows Media player 11 Released. This is a Amazing player.I like it's Skins.it is so Beautiful.WMP 11 Support many type of Formats. Now Released WMP12 In windows 7... read more
A Good All Around Media Player
Windows Media Player is an all around good Media Player being able to play both audio and video files. The main issue with Windows Media Player is it's lack of support for different types of video ... read more
It is a pain uknow where
about Windows Media Player - 30 Oct 2009I think very little of it, in fact I despise it. I much prefer RealPlayer, but Windows Mobile forces me to use Media Player on my PDA. I cannot get the thing to play an entire CD, let alone a com... read more
this program is good.
about Windows Media Player - 11 Feb 2009this is a good software but during installation it asks for windows validation but my friend's computer's windows is not valid so it does not work on his computer. is there a remedy for this problem?... read more
Just an Awesome Player!
Microsoft gives things freeware only sometimes.....and the player gotten Freeware!Windows Media Player11-12 has fully changed the minds of the users about it.It really rocks in playing rocking play... read more
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