A codec compresses or decompresses media files such as songs or videos. Windows Media Player and other apps use codecs to play and create media files. A codec can consist of two parts: an encoder that compresses the media file (encoding) and a decoder that decompresses the file (decoding).

Check the file compatibility: Ensure that the media file you are trying to play is compatible with Windows Media Player. Note: Commonly supported formats include MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, and WMV. Check for outdated or corrupted codecs: You may have a missing or outdated codec.

This update provides support for media features in Windows 10/11 N. These include media-related technologies (Windows Media Player) and certain pre-installed media apps, such as Movies & TV, Voice Recorder, and Skype.

To properly play video (and even music files), Windows Media Player required an appropriate codec. Codecs are small programs that encode digital signals in a file or data and decode. Only in this way, the player can interpret the streams as a music or film and play correctly.

Windows Media Player is available for Windows-based devices. Use this table to find the right version of the Player for your system. (If you've got a Mac, you can download Windows Media Components for QuickTime to play Windows Media files.)

However, if the codec is not available on the server (for example, because the codec was not created by Microsoft), the Windows Media Player displays a message that your computer is missing a codec. In some cases, the file that you want to play uses a codec that is not available or compatible with the Windows Media Player.

Plug-ins or add-ons add functionality—such as audio effects or DVD capability—to Windows Media Player. You can download plug-ins or add-ons for your version of the Player using the links below.

Windows Media Player is available for Windows-based devices. Use this table to find the right version of the Player for your system. (If you've got a Mac, you can download Windows Media Components for QuickTime to play Windows Media files.)

Learn how to download and customize Windows Media Player. Get troubleshooting help and how-to information for Windows Media Player 12.

Sync music, videos, and photos, or stream media to your devices so you can enjoy your library anywhere, at home or on the road. For info about the latest version for your system, see Get Windows Media Player. To manually troubleshoot or upgrade your installation of the Player, try the following: