how do I go back to the older version of windows media player

Question

how do I go back to the older version of windows media player

betty skinner 0

I want to go back to the old windows media player I hate and I mean hate the new on I can't put my songs on a stick I liked the sit-up for the old version simple ans easy to use and I hate the new e-mail sit also

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Answer 1

Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,525 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello betty skinner,

To revert to the classic Windows Media Player (Legacy) in Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can follow these steps depending on your version of Windows:

For Windows 11 and Windows 10 (Restoring Windows Media Player Legacy)

Open Settings:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Optional Features:
- Navigate to Apps > Optional Features.
- Click Add a feature.
Search for Windows Media Player:
- Type Windows Media Player Legacy in the search box.
- Select it and click Next, then Install.
Launch the Classic Player:
- After installation, press Windows key, type Windows Media Player, and select it.
- The legacy version should open (usually located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe).
Set as Default (Optional):
- Right-click a media file > Open with > Choose another app.
- Select Windows Media Player, check Always use this app, and click OK

Alternative Methods (Advanced Users)

You can also enable it via Windows Features:
Type “Windows Features” in the Start menu.
- Scroll to Media Features, check Windows Media Player, and click OK.
Or use PowerShell: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "WindowsMediaPlayer" -Al

Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,525 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-22T10:39:42.27+00:00

Hello, feel free to comment below if you have any question.
Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,525 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-11T09:49:57.08+00:00

Hello betty skinner,

Just following up to make sure everything is going well on your side. I know how quickly things can change, so no pressure at all. If you still need help or have any updates to share, I’m always available and happy to assist whenever you’re ready. Wishing you continued success and looking forward to hearing from you when the time is right!
wp5.1 0 Reputation points

2025-12-15T18:09:27.1666667+00:00

The problem now is that in the last update Microsoft changed Windows Legacy Media Player. It is no longer possible to rip a CD to your laptop. I buy CDs and like to listen to them when I'm not home, without connecting to the internet. Maybe I'm the last one on the planet? If not, maybe someone knows how to get back to the version of the Legacy Player that still worked just fine a month or so ago?
R Wade 45 Reputation points

2025-12-17T21:21:16.7933333+00:00

What I want is the older Windows Media Player that still downloaded info, including art, or else gives us another source. I can't imagine why they took that away. The new Media Player has a link to check for it online, but when I click it it is says it can't connect to the service and I should check my internet connection (which obviously isn't a problem since I got here to register this complaint).
Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,525 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-23T04:06:08.4133333+00:00

Hello,

For more targeted assistance with your issue, I recommend posting a new question under the Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video tag on Microsoft Q&A. This will help ensure your question reaches the most relevant experts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi To enable the legacy version of Windows Media Player on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open Settings (Windows + I).

Go to Apps > Optional Features.

Click on Add a feature.

Search for Windows Media Player Legacy in the list.

Select it, click Next, then Install.

Once installed, you can launch it by typing Windows Media Player in the Start menu search — the legacy version will open.

🛠️ The executable is usually located at: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe

If you don't see it listed, it may be deactivated by default. In that case, I can walk you through enabling it using the Control Panel or PowerShell.

If not good for you, try VLC here: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

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how do I go back to the older version of windows media player

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