If the classic Windows Media Player has disappeared, you can add it again as an optional feature on Windows 10 or Windows 11 editions where Microsoft offers it. On Windows N, install the Media Feature Pack first and restart. These steps restore Windows Media Player Legacy, not the newer Media Player app.
Restore Windows Media Player Legacy
Microsoft says Windows Media Player Legacy is an optional feature on Windows 10 and Windows 11, though availability depends on the Windows edition. Windows 10 and 11 use different Settings paths.
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Windows 11
- Open Settings and go to System > Optional features.
- Select View features next to the option to add a feature.
- Search for Windows Media Player Legacy, select it, then choose Next and Add.
- When installation finishes, search for Windows Media Player from Start.
Windows 10
- Open Settings and go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Open Manage optional features, then select Add a feature.
- Select Windows Media Player and choose Install.
- When installation finishes, search for Windows Media Player from Start.
If the player does not appear in the feature list, check which Windows edition is installed and whether it is an N edition. Microsoft notes that the optional-feature route is not available in every edition. See Microsoft’s Windows Media Player troubleshooting instructions.
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If you have Windows N
Windows 10 and Windows 11 N editions omit Windows Media Player and related media technologies. Install the Media Feature Pack from Optional features, then restart the PC.
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- Windows 11: Open Settings > Apps > Optional features > View features.
- Windows 10: Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Optional features > Add a feature.
- Search for and add Media Feature Pack.
- Restart the computer after installation.
The pack restores media-related components, but some functions may still require additional Microsoft Store apps or codecs. Microsoft’s edition-specific instructions are at Media Feature Pack for Windows 10/11 N.
What Legacy supports—and what it does not
Microsoft lists these Windows Media Player Legacy capabilities:
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- Playing media files and audio CDs
- Managing a media library, playlists, metadata and album art
- Creating audio CDs
- Transferring music to portable music players
- Streaming content from a website
DVD playback is not included. Installing Legacy alone will not add it. For audio-CD creation, you also need compatible CD-burning hardware and blank media.
Choose Legacy or the newer Media Player
These are separate apps. Legacy is the one to restore for its familiar library and audio-CD workflows. For modern video features such as 4K, Microsoft recommends the newer Media Player app. The available Microsoft guidance does not establish a complete feature-by-feature comparison, so do not assume the newer app includes every Legacy function.
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If a file still will not play
A missing or unsupported codec can prevent playback even after the player is installed. Check whether the file’s required codec is installed and supported. Microsoft discusses codec problems and other playback errors in its Windows Media Player troubleshooting guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance or security fixes for Windows 10. Restoring Windows Media Player does not change the operating system’s support status. See Microsoft’s Windows 10/11 N Media Feature Pack page.
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