How to Play Video Files on Windows Media Player: The Ultimate Guide

Windows Media Player is a pre-installed multimedia software on most Windows operating systems, offering a convenient way to play various media files including video and audio content. However, not all video formats are supported by default. This guide will help you play video files on Windows Media Player, explore supported formats, and recommend compatible third-party players.

Understanding Supported Video Formats in Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player supports a wide range of video and audio formats, but some newer or more obscure formats may not be compatible. To check the full list of supported formats, visit the official Microsoft Wiki.

Supported Video Formats: This includes AVI, WMV, MOV, MP4, and many more. Supported Audio Formats: Such as MP3, WMA, WAV, and more.

If you need to play a video format that is not natively supported by Windows Media Player, consider downloading and installing VLC. VLC is a free and open-source media player that supports over 200 different formats and codecs, making it a versatile choice for multimedia playback.

How to Play Video Files with Windows Media Player

For users who have only Windows Media Player installed or prefer to stick with the default player, here are a couple of methods to play video files:

Double-clicking the file: Simply double-click on the video file to launch Windows Media Player and play the video. Right-click contextual menu: If double-clicking does not work, right-click the video file and choose Open with Windows Media Player from the drop-down menu.

These steps should make playing video files a breeze, eliminating any frustration or headaches related to unsupported formats.

Alternative Video Players: VLC and KMPlayer

While Windows Media Player is sufficient for most users, there are alternative video players that offer enhanced features and support for a wider range of media formats. Two popular choices include VLC and KMPlayer.

VLC (VideoLAN) Media Player: Known for its stability and extensive support of video and audio formats, VLC is a versatile media player free for download. It can handle high-quality and complex multimedia files, making it a go-to choice for users with specific audio and video needs. KMPlayer: Another powerful option, KMPlayer is designed specifically for playback of multimedia content, including video and audio files. It is particularly popular among users looking for high-quality video playback and support for a wide range of formats.

These alternatives to Windows Media Player can be used when you are unable to play certain video files with the default player. Both VLC and KMPlayer are free and can be easily downloaded from their official websites.

Drag and Drop for Convenience

To play video files using Windows Media Player, you can use a simple drag-and-drop method:

Select the video file you want to play. Drag it to the Windows Media Player window.

Alternatively, if you have the video file open, you can change the default software to Windows Media Player by following these steps:

Right-click the file in Windows Explorer. Select Properties. In the General tab, under Open with, click the Change button. Select Windows Media Player from the list and click OK.

These settings will ensure that when you double-click on a video file, Windows Media Player automatically opens and plays it without any manual intervention.

In Conclusion

Windows Media Player is a valuable tool for playing video and audio files on your Windows device. However, it's important to be aware of the supported video formats. If you encounter issues with unsupported formats, consider using VLC or KMPlayer, which offer greater flexibility and support for a wide range of media files. Happy playing!