How to Use Media Player in Windows 11

Windows 11’s Media Player app can play music and videos stored on your computer or connected storage, and it can organize music into a library and playlists. You’ll need the app installed and an audio or video file you can access; the steps below cover opening files, playback controls, playlists, and common fixes.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC with the Media Player app installed. Search for “Media Player” from Start; if it is missing, install or update it through Microsoft Store.
A supported audio or video file stored on the PC, USB drive, or another accessible location. Some formats may require an additional codec.
Speakers or headphones for audio. For a video, use the PC display or a connected screen.

Step-by-Step

Open Media Player. Select Start, type Media Player, then select the app in the results. If more than one player appears, choose the app named Media Player, not the older Windows Media Player. You can right-click its Start result and pin it for easier access.
Open a file directly. In Media Player, use the navigation panel and choose Open file if shown. Browse to the file, select it, and choose Open. Menu labels and layout can vary slightly with app updates. Alternatively, in File Explorer, right-click a media file, select Open with, and choose Media Player. If prompted, you can make it the default for that file type.
Start and control playback. Select the play button to begin or pause. Use the timeline to seek to another point; click or drag the position indicator. The previous and next controls move between items in a queue or playlist. Use the volume control in the app, or your Windows sound controls, to adjust audio. For video, select the full-screen control to expand playback and press Esc to leave full screen.
Browse the music library. Choose a music section, such as Artists, Albums, or Songs, from the navigation panel. The library may show only folders Media Player has been told to monitor. If your tracks do not appear, open the app’s settings and look for the music library or folder-management option. Add the folder that contains your music, then allow the library to update.
Make a playlist. Open the playlist area and choose the option to create a new playlist. Give it a name, then add tracks from your library using the available add-to-playlist command or by dragging them into the playlist. Select the playlist to play it, and rearrange tracks if the app provides drag-and-drop ordering. A playlist organizes references to songs; it does not necessarily copy the audio files.
Choose what happens to the next item. When a track or video is playing, check the queue or now-playing panel to see what will play next. Add items to the queue for a temporary listening or viewing order. Use shuffle to play items in a mixed order, or repeat to replay the current item or list, depending on the control selected. Turn these options off when you want the original order.
Set Media Player as the default, if desired. In Windows Settings, open Apps and then Default apps. Search for the relevant file extension, such as .mp3 or .mp4, select its current app, and choose Media Player if it is offered. Defaults are set by file type, so you may need to repeat this for other formats. You can still open a file with another app using Open with.

Common Mistakes

Looking in the wrong app: Windows 11 may show both Media Player and the older Windows Media Player. Confirm the name before following a menu instruction.
Assuming every folder is included: A file can be on the PC without appearing in the library. Open it directly, or add its containing folder through the app’s settings.
Confusing a playlist with a copy: Removing a track from a playlist usually does not delete the original file, but deleting a file from storage can make its library entry unavailable.
Changing a default for only one format: Selecting Media Player for .mp3 files does not automatically set it for video formats or every audio type.
Expecting every format to play: File extensions alone do not guarantee compatibility; a file may use an unsupported codec or be damaged.

Tips

Keep music and videos in clearly named folders. This makes them easier to add to the library and locate in File Explorer.
Use the search field or library categories to find tracks rather than repeatedly browsing folders.
If the sound seems missing, check the app’s volume, Windows volume mixer, and the selected output device, such as speakers or headphones.
For removable storage, connect the drive before opening its files. Eject it safely in Windows before unplugging it, especially if files are being copied or changed.
Update Media Player through Microsoft Store if its layout differs from these instructions or a playback issue persists.

Troubleshooting

The app will not open: Restart Windows and try again. Open Microsoft Store, check for Media Player updates, and install any available update. If the app still fails, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Media Player, select its additional options, and use Repair if available. Repair is intended to fix the app without removing its data; use Reset only if repair does not help, since resetting may clear app settings.

A file is missing from the library: Open it directly from File Explorer to confirm its location and access. Check that the correct music folder is included in the app’s library settings, then close and reopen the app. Verify that the drive is connected and that the file has not been moved or renamed.

A file will not play: Try another known-good file of the same type. If only one file fails, it may be incomplete or damaged. If files of that type consistently fail, update the app and Windows, and check whether the format or codec is supported. Do not download codecs from unfamiliar websites; use trusted, official sources.

There is no sound: Pause and resume playback, raise the app volume, and check Windows’ volume mixer. Confirm the correct output device is selected in Windows sound settings and that headphones or speakers are connected. Test sound in another app to narrow down whether the problem is Media Player or the audio device.

Playback stutters or stops: Copy a file from a slow or unreliable USB drive to the PC and try it there. Close other demanding apps, restart Media Player, and check the connection if the file is on network storage. If only one video has the problem, try a different copy or a supported format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Media Player included with Windows 11?
It is available as a Windows app, but it may need an update or installation through Microsoft Store. Search Start to see whether it is already installed.

Can Media Player play DVDs?
DVD playback is not guaranteed by the app. Support can depend on the disc and required components; use a compatible DVD playback app if the disc does not open.

Can I use Media Player for music and videos?
Yes. It can play supported audio and video files, though some formats or codecs may not be supported on your PC.

How do I add my own music?
Add the folder containing your tracks to the music library in Media Player settings, or open a track directly from File Explorer.

Will a playlist delete my original songs?
Removing a track from a playlist normally only removes it from that list. Deleting the original file from storage is a separate action.

How do I stop Media Player opening a file automatically?
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, find the file type, and select a different default app. You can also choose another app with Open with for an individual file.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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