Windows Media Player Archives

Winsage

August 20, 2026

Microsoft is slowly breaking Windows Media Player Legacy to force people over to the new app

Windows Media Player Legacy will soon lose its "Lyrics, captions, and subtitles" feature, with users being directed to the newer version of Windows Media Player for access. In Windows 11 Build 29648, users receive an error message when trying to activate this feature in the Legacy app. The new user interface simplifies the feature toggle but results in the error message, indicating Microsoft's intention to phase out the Legacy app. Microsoft must address feature gaps to compete with VLC Player, which offers functionalities that the new Windows player lacks.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is breaking Legacy Media Player features to push you to a modern app that uses 3x more RAM

Microsoft is reducing the functionality of Windows Media Player Legacy in the latest update, Windows 11 Experimental Build 29648.1000, by restricting caption controls. Users can no longer enable captions in the legacy player and are prompted to switch to the modern Media Player instead. This change was first noted by Windows enthusiast Xeno Panther and indicates a deliberate move by Microsoft to encourage users to adopt the newer application. In the previous Experimental Build 26340.9212, captions were still operational, but the latest build has removed options for Off and Defaults, leaving only "On if available." When attempting to activate captions, users receive a message stating that captions cannot be enabled in Windows Media Player Legacy. The modern Media Player does offer enhanced caption customization features, such as font size and color adjustments, but it has been criticized for its performance issues. The modern app takes longer to open videos and consumes significantly more RAM while idle compared to the legacy version. Additionally, the modern Media Player requires users to purchase HEVC Video Extensions to play HEVC files, which the legacy player supports without additional costs. Despite these changes, the Legacy Media Player still retains features like library view and CD burning, and it remains an optional feature in Windows 11. Microsoft has previously removed other functionalities from the legacy player, such as the Sync tab in 2023. As users look for alternatives, third-party open-source media players like VLC and mpv are becoming more popular, with mpv recommended for its performance and minimal interface.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Is VLC taking an agonizingly long time to start up on Windows 11? Microsoft Defender is to blame

Users of VLC on Windows 11 have experienced delays of up to 33 seconds for MP3 playback due to a bug in Microsoft Defender that interferes with VLC's plugin cache. VideoLAN has clarified that this issue is not a reflection of VLC's reliability. Affected users can resolve the problem by adding the VLC folder as an exception in Windows Defender or by regenerating the plugin cache. Jonathan Blow, a game developer, highlighted the issue in a tweet, prompting discussions about the state of open-source software. Other users have reported similar delays, even on Windows 10. VideoLAN emphasized that the problem lies with Microsoft Defender, not with VLC itself.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

The new Windows Media Player still can’t beat the old version

Members of the Windows Insider program have access to a revamped version of Windows Media Player, which includes enhancements in stability and subtitle management. However, the updated media player is less favored than the classic Legacy version, which has a quicker launch time and lower resource consumption (103.4 MB vs. 377 MB). The Legacy player also supports HEVC format playback, while this feature is behind a paywall in the new version. VLC media player is suggested as a free alternative for users seeking compatibility across various formats.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper

On October 22, 2009, Japan launched Windows 7, accompanied by a unique promotional item: a roll of toilet paper featuring Windows 7 branding and details about its enhancements. This marketing strategy was similar to the previous promotion for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. The toilet paper included messages about Windows 7's speed, security, and compatibility improvements, with sections detailing faster startup times, enhanced memory management, a streamlined user interface, and security features like the Action Center and BitLocker To Go. Networking capabilities were improved with HomeGroup, and Windows Media Center expanded its functionality. The design of the promotional toilet paper allowed users to revisit key points easily, and some versions mimicked Windows software boxes. This initiative was driven by local retailers, reflecting Japan's trend of quirky promotions in the electronics retail sector.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Windows Server 2025 Update KB5082063: Error 0x80073712 due to Media Player; and Error 0x800F0983

Cumulative update KB508206, released on April 14, 2024, for Windows Server 2025, is causing installation failures for some administrators. Error code 0x800F0983 has been acknowledged by Microsoft as an issue related to the update process, while error code 0x80073712 has been linked to the legacy Windows Media Player application. Reports indicate that the installation of KB5082063 is problematic, particularly on systems configured in German, with users experiencing persistent failures despite attempts to use repair commands. The installation issues may be related to missing files associated with the Media Player language packs, affecting various language configurations.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Windows Media Player’s ‘find album information’ functionality has been removed — you’ll have to find other software for playing and ripping CDs with relevant track information

Microsoft has removed the 'find album information' and 'update album info online' functionalities from the Media Player applications in Windows 11. Neither the Windows Media Player Legacy nor the latest Media Player app can connect to retrieve data such as album artwork, track names, and details when an audio CD is inserted. The built-in 'Find Album Information' service, which relies on musicmatch-ssl.xboxlive.com, is unreachable. Users attempting to update album information in the latest Media Player app receive an error message indicating a connection issue, despite having a stable internet connection. The removal of these features is disappointing for users who still appreciate physical media, especially as optical drives are becoming rare in new computers.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

6 classic Windows XP apps I miss

Windows XP was a pivotal moment in personal computing, characterized by a unique charm and user-friendly built-in tools. Six notable applications from this era include: - Windows Movie Maker: A user-friendly video editing tool with drag-and-drop functionality that introduced many to video editing. - Windows Media Player: Known for its clean interface and swift performance, it featured iconic visualizations and a library view that many modern media applications struggle to replicate. - MSN Messenger: A popular messaging tool that allowed for self-expression through custom emoticons and personalized screen names, influencing modern messaging platforms. - Space Cadet Pinball: A built-in game that became a cultural touchstone for Windows XP users, evoking fond memories associated with the operating system. - Winamp: A lightweight music playback application known for its customizable interface and robust performance, creating a personal experience for users. - Microsoft Plus!: A premium customization pack that offered wallpapers, themes, and updates for core applications, adding charm to the operating system. These applications marked a groundbreaking moment in software development, shaping user interactions with technology.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Windows 11 now lets you remove unwanted Microsoft apps natively

Microsoft is preparing to release a significant update for Windows 11, designated as 25H2, which will include a new feature that allows users to easily remove unwanted Microsoft applications through a group policy. This update aims to enhance system performance by reducing clutter. Users will be able to remove applications such as Feedback Hub, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Teams, and others without needing external tools or complex commands. The feature is expected to debut with the Windows 11 25H2 update, and currently, select users can test it in preview builds. It will allow the removal of standard Microsoft Store packages but will not extend to third-party software. There is uncertainty about whether this feature will be available to Windows 11 Home users or limited to the Pro version.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 adds tool to debloat the OS and remove built-in apps

Windows 11 version 25H2 introduces a feature called Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, allowing users, particularly IT administrators, to remove preinstalled Microsoft applications such as Camera, Sound Recorder, Windows Media Player, Xbox, Windows Terminal, and Notepad. This feature is accessible under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment and simplifies the uninstallation process compared to previous methods like PowerShell. Users may still see non-functional shortcuts in the Start menu after removal. The first preview build of version 25H2 was released recently, and a public release is expected later this year. Similar uninstall features will also be available in version 24H2, though disabled by default. Windows 11 has recently surpassed Windows 10 in user base, partly due to the upcoming end of Windows 10 support.