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

betty skinner 5 Reputation points
2025-06-19T17:30:04.31+00:00

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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Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video

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  1. destry walker 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-08T00:18:03.12+00:00

    can i get this back

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  3. Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 2,220 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-07-18T08:51:46.51+00:00

    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)

    1. Open Settings:
      • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
    2. Go to Optional Features:
      • Navigate to Apps > Optional Features.
      • Click Add a feature.
    3. Search for Windows Media Player:
      • Type Windows Media Player Legacy in the search box.
      • Select it and click Next, then Install.
    4. 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).
    5. 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

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  4. G225 - MVP 2009-2020 26,590 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-06-24T06:35:26.6566667+00:00

    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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