How To Find Windows Media Player In Windows 11/10 (Quick Guide)

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

5 min. read

Published on September 18, 2025

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Finding Windows Media Player in Windows 11 or Windows 10 might seem tricky at first, especially if you’re used to its more prominent placement in older versions of Windows. However, it’s still readily available; it just requires a slightly different approach depending on your Windows version. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to locate and launch Windows Media Player on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. We’ll cover various methods to ensure you find it quickly and easily, regardless of your computer’s setup.

Where is Windows Media Player Located?

Finding Windows Media Player in Windows 11

Use the Search Function: The easiest way to find Windows Media Player in Windows 11 is by using the search bar located on your taskbar. Simply click the search bar, type "Windows Media Player," and select the application from the search results.
Check the Start Menu: Alternatively, you can click on the Start button, and then start typing "Windows Media Player" in the search bar that appears within the Start Menu. Select the app when it shows up.
Browse the Apps List (if you can’t find it): If the search function doesn’t immediately reveal Windows Media Player, you can try browsing through your installed apps. Click the Start button, then click "All apps". Scroll through the alphabetical list of apps until you find "Windows Media Player."

Finding Windows Media Player in Windows 10

The process for finding Windows Media Player in Windows 10 is very similar to Windows 11.

Use the Search Function: Click the search bar on your taskbar (usually located next to the Start button), type "Windows Media Player," and select the application from the results.
Check the Start Menu: Click the Start button, and start typing "Windows Media Player". Select the app when it appears in the search results.
Explore All Apps: If you can’t locate it through search, click the Start button, then click "All apps". Scroll through the list to find "Windows Media Player".

Tips for Finding Windows Media Player

Keep your search terms simple: Just typing "Media Player" or even "WMP" often works just as well.
Check your Start Menu regularly: If you use Windows Media Player frequently, consider pinning it to your Start Menu or taskbar for quicker access.
Ensure Windows Media Player is installed: In rare cases, Windows Media Player might be uninstalled. If you can’t find it using any of the above methods, you may need to reinstall it through Windows Features.

If Windows Media Player is Missing

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still can’t locate Windows Media Player, it’s possible it’s not installed on your system. Here’s how you can check and reinstall it (Windows 10 and 11):

Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
Go to Apps > Optional features.
Click Add an optional feature.
Search for "Media Player" and select the Windows Media Player option.
Click Install.

Windows Media Player Comparison: Windows 10 vs. Windows 11

Feature	Windows 10	Windows 11
Location	Similar to Windows 11; usually accessible through search or the Start Menu.	Similar to Windows 10; primarily accessible through search or the Start Menu.
Functionality	Plays various audio and video formats.	Plays various audio and video formats.
Interface	Slightly different visual design than Windows 11.	Modernized interface compared to Windows 10.

This table highlights the key similarities and minor differences in accessing and using Windows Media Player across Windows 10 and Windows 11. While the core functionality remains consistent, the visual presentation and minor aspects of the user interface may vary slightly.

Finding Your Media

Once you’ve located Windows Media Player, you can easily access and manage your music, videos, and other media files. Enjoy!

FAQs

What if Windows Media Player isn’t showing up in my search results?

Try restarting your computer. If the problem persists, ensure Windows Media Player is actually installed (see the section above on reinstalling it). If it’s still not working, you might consider a system file check or a more in-depth troubleshooting process.

How do I add files to my Windows Media Player library?

You can add files to your Windows Media Player library by dragging and dropping files into the library window, or by using the "Add to Library" option in the File menu.

Can I use Windows Media Player to rip CDs?

Yes, Windows Media Player has built-in CD ripping capabilities. You’ll need a CD-ROM drive, and you can access the ripping options from the "Rip CD" menu.

Is Windows Media Player compatible with all video formats?

While Windows Media Player supports a wide range of audio and video formats, it might require codecs (small programs that help decode audio and video) for some less common formats. If a file doesn’t play, you might need to install additional codecs.