---
title: Media Player (Windows)
canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/microsoft-media-player/
category: Media Player Software
points: 20
rank: 12 of 12
facts_checked: 2026-10-08
---

# Media Player (Windows)

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

20 points out of 100. #12 of 12 media players. Vendor: Microsoft. Website: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9wzdncrfj3pt

- The Microsoft Store lists Media Player as free, with no in-app purchases [1].
- It builds a library from the Music and Video folders on the PC [1].
- It includes a 9-band equalizer and adjustable playback speed [1].
- Microsoft says files that need an extra codec prompt an install from the Microsoft Store [1].
- Microsoft lists HEVC, VP9, AV1 and MPEG-2 video as separate Store codec extensions [2].

Verdict: Media Player suits Windows users who want a free player that organises local music and video without extra setup [1]. Its Store page names a library, an equalizer and playlists, but not streaming, subtitles, HDR or disc playback [1]. 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.

## Points

| Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systems | Other systems | None | 0/12 | The Store listing offers the app for Windows and names no other system [1]. |
| Video | Disc playback | Not published | 0/5 | Not named on the Store listing [1]. Microsoft's DVD note covers Windows Media Player Legacy, not this app [2]. |
| Video | No codec pack needed | No | 0/6 | Microsoft says files needing an extra codec prompt a Store install [1]; its support page lists separate Store codec extensions for HEVC, VP9, AV1 and MPEG-2 video, and names codec packs for Windows 10 [2]. |
| Video | Hardware video decoding | Not published | 0/7 | Not published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page [1][2]. |
| Video | HDR playback | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page [1][2]. |
| Video | Subtitle features | Not published | 0/8 | Not published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page [1][2]. |
| Streams, audio and library | Network streams | Not published | 0/8 | Not published on the Store listing or Microsoft's support page [1][2]. |
| Streams, audio and library | Audio features | Equaliser | 2/8 | The Store listing describes a 9-band equalizer. Gapless, ReplayGain and WASAPI are not named [1]. |
| Streams, audio and library | Media library | Yes | 6/6 | Music and Video folder content appears automatically in the library, with playlists [1]. |
| Streams, audio and library | Plugins or add-ons | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the Store listing [1]. |
| Ads and privacy | Open-source apps | Not published | 0/8 | Not published on the Store listing [1]. |
| Ads and privacy | No ads or bundled offers | Not published | 0/8 | Not published on the Store listing, which shows no in-app purchases but makes no ad statement [1]. |
| Ads and privacy | States no tracking | Not published | 0/4 | Not published on the Store listing, which links a general Microsoft privacy statement [1]. |
| Price | Price of the player | $0 | 12/12 | The Store lists the app as free [1]. |

## Plans

| Plan | Price | Per month (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Media Player | Free [1] | $0 |

## Strengths

- Free, with no in-app purchases [1].
- Builds a music and video library from the PC's folders automatically [1].
- Has a 9-band equalizer and adjustable playback speed [1].
- Offers drag-and-drop playback and an always-on-top mini player [1].

## Limits

- The Store listing names no macOS, Linux, Android or iOS version [1].
- HEVC, VP9, AV1 and MPEG-2 video need separate Store codec extensions [2].
- The Store listing does not name DVD or Blu-ray disc playback [1].
- Subtitles, HDR, hardware decoding and network streams are not named on the Store listing [1].

## Sources

1. [Windows Media Player - Free download and install on Windows](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9WZDNCRFJ3PT?hl=en-us&gl=US), Microsoft Store, accessed 2026-10-08
2. [Troubleshoot Windows Media Player Errors](https://support.microsoft.com/help/15067), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08