In a subtle shift, Microsoft has removed the ‘find album information’ and ‘update album info online’ functionalities from the Media Player applications included with Windows 11. A recent examination of both the Windows Media Player Legacy and the latest Media Player app revealed that neither could connect to retrieve essential data such as album artwork, track names, and details like genre or composer when an audio CD was inserted.
Disconnection from Services
Multiple music CDs were tested, but the built-in ‘Find Album Information’ service, which relies on musicmatch-ssl.xboxlive.com, was unreachable. This absence of connectivity was echoed in the Legacy app, which The Register confirmed had lost this feature earlier this week. Microsoft’s public relations team has yet to respond to inquiries regarding whether this service was intentionally retired.
When attempting to update album information within the latest Media Player app, users encountered an error message stating, “We couldn’t connect to the service. Check your internet connection, then try again.” This occurred despite a stable internet connection, indicating a broader issue with the service’s availability.
While alternative CD audio players and ripping software are available, the removal of these features from the built-in applications of Windows 11 is disappointing for users who still appreciate physical media. In an era where optical drives are becoming increasingly rare in new computers, only a few PC models released in 2025 have included optical drive hardware capable of handling CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
Despite the dominance of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Spotify, there remains a dedicated community of movie and music enthusiasts who cherish the quality and tangibility of physical media. This demographic continues to value the experience offered by CDs and DVDs, even as the digital landscape evolves around them.
