Codecs allow you to play different formats of audio and video files. Media Player supports a wide variety of codecs. Most are included out of the box; some additional codecs can be installed from the Microsoft Store. Windows includes codecs that allow Media Player to play the following formats out of the box:

Windows Media Player is a built-in multimedia player that comes with Windows. While it is a reliable and widely used application, users may encounter errors and issues from time to time. This article aims to provide guidance on troubleshooting common Windows Media Player errors.

Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.

Use the information on this page to troubleshoot audio or video issues during game play on your Windows 10/11 device. Some games run in full-screen mode, so you can't see the taskbar. Here's how to check that your sound is not turned down low or muted:

There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. You can try to repair a program first, if it's just not running correctly.

To resolve this problem, perform the System File Checker scan in safe mode, and make sure that the PendingDeletes and PendingRenames folders exist under %WinDir% \WinSxS\Temp. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. Details are included in the CBS.Log %WinDir% \Logs\CBS\CBS.log.

Here’s how to install the Media Feature Pack: On Windows 10 N: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps and Features > Optional features > Add a feature. Find the Media Feature Pack in the list of available optional features. On Windows 11 N: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Optional features.

Find out how to submit a request for a refund for a purchase of digital Xbox content.

Use System restore to make restore points when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made. To go back to a restore point:

PC Health Check app brings you up to date info on your Windows device health, helping you take action to improve your device performance and troubleshoot performance problems. It is periodically updated based on customer feedback to help you make the most of your Windows PC. How to open PC Health Check.