WMP Download 12: How to Get the Latest Version of Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player is a popular media player and manager that comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems. It allows you to play, organize, and stream your digital media files, such as music, videos, photos, and podcasts. But how can you get the latest version of Windows Media Player, which is WMP 12? In this article, we will show you how to download and install WMP 12 for different versions of Windows, as well as how to use its features and functions. We will also introduce some alternatives to WMP 12 that you might want to try.
wmp download 12
What is Windows Media Player?
Windows Media Player (WMP) is a software application developed by Microsoft that lets you play, store, and manage your digital media files. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, such as MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, FLAC, WMV, AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, and more. It also integrates with other Microsoft services and programs, such as OneDrive, Skype, Movies & TV, and Xbox Game Bar.
Features and Benefits of Windows Media Player
Some of the features and benefits of using WMP are:
It has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and control your media playback.
It has a built-in media library that automatically organizes your media files by categories, such as artist, album, genre, date added, etc.
It has a playlist feature that lets you create custom lists of songs or videos that you want to play in a specific order.
It has a metadata feature that provides information about your media files, such as title, artist, album art, genre, etc. You can also edit the metadata manually or use the Freedb service to add it automatically.
It has a CD ripper feature that lets you copy audio tracks from CDs to your computer in various formats.
It has a CD burner feature that lets you create audio CDs from your media files.
It has a sync feature that lets you transfer media files to portable devices, such as MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, etc.
It has a streaming feature that lets you play media files from online sources or share them with other devices on your network.
Supported Formats and Devices by Windows Media Player
WMP supports most common audio and video formats without the need for additional codecs or plug-ins. However, some formats may require you to install additional software from Microsoft or third-party sources. For example, DVD playback is not included in WMP and you need to install a separate DVD decoder. Similarly, some newer formats like VP9, HEVC, HEIF may require you to install extensions from the Microsoft Store.
WMP also supports most portable devices that use the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) or MSC (Mass Storage Class) protocols. However, some devices may not be compatible with WMP or may require additional drivers or software from the device manufacturer. For example, Apple devices like iPods and iPhones are not supported by WMP and you need to use iTunes instead.
Limitations and Drawbacks of Windows Media Player
Despite its popularity and functionality Despite its popularity and functionality, WMP also has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of. Some of them are:
It is not available for other operating systems, such as Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, etc. You can only use it on Windows devices.
It is not updated frequently and may not support the latest features and technologies. For example, it does not support 4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Atmos, etc.
It may not play some media files smoothly or correctly due to codec issues, DRM restrictions, or compatibility problems.
It may consume a lot of system resources and affect your computer's performance and battery life.
It may have security vulnerabilities and bugs that could expose your system to malware or hackers.
How to Download and Install Windows Media Player 12
If you want to get the latest version of WMP, which is WMP 12, you need to download and install it from the official Microsoft website. However, the process may vary depending on your Windows version. Here are the steps for different versions of Windows:
For Windows 10 Users
If you are using Windows 10, you may already have WMP 12 installed on your device by default. However, if you don't see it or you have uninstalled it before, you can follow these steps to reinstall it:
Go to the on your device and click on Apps.
Click on Optional features and then click on Add a feature.
Scroll down the list of features and find Windows Media Player. Click on it and then click on Install.
Wait for the installation to complete and then restart your device.
You should now see WMP 12 in your Start menu or search bar.
For Windows 8.1 Users
If you are using Windows 8.1, you may also have WMP 12 installed on your device by default. However, if you don't see it or you have uninstalled it before, you can follow these steps to reinstall it:
Go to the on your device and click on Programs.
Click on Turn Windows features on or off under Programs and Features.
In the Windows Features window, expand the Media Features category and check the box next to Windows Media Player.
Click on OK and wait for the installation to complete.
You should now see WMP 12 in your Start screen or search bar.
For Windows 7 Users
If you are using Windows 7, you may not have WMP 12 installed on your device by default. You need to download and install it from the official Microsoft website. Here are the steps:
windows media player 12 free download
download windows media player 12 for windows 10
windows media player 12 download for windows 7
how to install windows media player 12
windows media player 12 update
windows media player 12 offline installer
windows media player 12 for mac
windows media player 12 features
windows media player 12 codecs
windows media player 12 skins
windows media player 12 dvd playback
windows media player 12 not working
windows media player 12 troubleshooting
windows media player 12 equalizer
windows media player 12 rip cd
windows media player 12 burn cd
windows media player 12 sync
windows media player 12 stream
windows media player 12 playlist
windows media player 12 library
windows media player 12 subtitles
windows media player 12 visualizations
windows media player 12 plugins
windows media player 12 keyboard shortcuts
windows media player 12 system requirements
windows media player 12 alternatives
windows media player 12 vs vlc
windows media player 12 vs groove music
windows media player 12 vs itunes
windows media player 12 vs winamp
how to uninstall windows media player 12
how to reinstall windows media player 12
how to upgrade to windows media player 12
how to downgrade from windows media player 12
how to customize windows media player 12
how to fix windows media player 12 errors
how to play mkv files on windows media player 12
how to play flv files on windows media player 12
how to play mp4 files on windows media player 12
how to play mp3 files on windows media player 12
how to play dvd on windows media player 12 without codec pack
how to convert video files with windows media player 12
how to edit video files with windows media player 12
how to edit audio files with windows media player 12
how to add album art to windows media player 12
how to add lyrics to windows media player 12
how to change language in windows media player 12
how to change theme in windows media player 12
how to change playback speed in windows media player 12
Go to the and find the Windows Media Player 12 for Windows 7 N and KN editions. Make sure you choose the right version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
Click on Download and save the file to your device.
Run the file and follow the instructions to install WMP 12.
You should now see WMP 12 in your Start menu or search bar.
How to Use Windows Media Player 12
Once you have installed WMP 12 on your device, you can start using it to play, organize, and stream your media files. Here are some of the basic functions that you can do with WMP 12:
How to Play Audio and Video Files
To play audio and video files with WMP 12, you can use any of these methods:
Double-click: You can double-click on any media file that is associated with WMP 12 on your device. This will open WMP 12 and start playing the file automatically.
Drag-and-drop: You can drag-and-drop any media file from your device or an external source ( Seek slider or press Ctrl + Shift + Left/Right arrow to move to a specific point in your media file.
Repeat/Shuffle: You can click on the Repeat/Shuffle buttons or press Ctrl + T/H to repeat or shuffle the playback of your media files in your playlist.
Full Screen: You can click on the Full Screen button or press F11 to switch to full screen mode for your video file. You can press Esc to exit full screen mode.
Visualizations: You can click on the Visualizations button or press Ctrl + K to choose from various visual effects that accompany your audio file. You can also download more visualizations from the Microsoft website.
Captions and Subtitles: You can click on the Captions and Subtitles button or press Ctrl + Shift + C to turn on or off the captions and subtitles for your video file. You can also adjust the settings and preferences for the captions and subtitles from the Play menu.
Enhancements: You can click on the Enhancements button or press Ctrl + Shift + G to access various options that enhance your media playback, such as graphic equalizer, play speed settings, crossfading and auto volume leveling, etc.
How to Burn and Rip CDs
To burn and rip CDs with WMP 12, you can use any of these methods:
Burn a CD: You can create an audio CD from your media files that you can play on any CD player. To do this, you need a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc and a CD burner drive on your device. Here are the steps:
Open WMP 12 and insert a blank CD into your CD burner drive.
Select the Burn tab and choose the type of CD you want to create: Audio CD, Data CD or DVD, or Data DVD
Add the media files that you want to burn to the CD by dragging and dropping them from your library or playlist to the burn list. You can also use the search box or the browse button to find and add files.
Rearrange, remove, or edit the media files in the burn list as you wish. You can also change the disc title by clicking on it.
Click on the Start burn button and wait for the burning process to complete.
Eject the CD from your CD burner drive and enjoy your music.
Rip a CD: You can copy audio tracks from a CD to your computer in various formats. To do this, you need a CD-ROM drive on your device and a music CD. Here are the steps:
Open WMP 12 and insert a music CD into your CD-ROM drive.
Select the Rip CD tab and choose the format and quality that you want for your ripped files. You can choose from MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, etc. You can also adjust the settings and preferences for ripping from the Rip settings menu.
Select the tracks that you want to rip by checking or unchecking the boxes next to them. You can also edit the metadata of each track by clicking on it.
Click on the Rip CD button and wait for the ripping process to complete.
You can find your ripped files in your library under Ripped Music.
<h3 How to Organize and Manage Your Media Library
To organize and manage your media library with WMP 12, you can use any of these methods:
Add media files: You can add media files to your library from various sources, such as your device, an external drive, a network folder, a CD, or an online service. To do this, you can use any of these methods:
Open WMP 12 and click on the Organize menu and then choose Manage libraries. Select the type of media that you want to add: Music, Videos, Pictures, or Recorded TV. Click on the Add button and browse and select the folder that contains your media files. Click on Include folder and then click on OK.
Open WMP 12 and click on the File menu and then choose Add to library. Select the option that suits your source: By searching computer, By monitoring folders, or Advanced options. Follow the instructions to add your media files.
Open WMP 12 and drag and drop your media files from your device or an external source to the library pane. You can also use the search box or the browse button to find and add files.
Open WMP 12 and insert a CD into your CD-ROM drive. Select the Rip CD tab and choose the option to Add CD to library. Follow the steps to rip and add the CD tracks to your library.
Open WMP 12 and sign in to an online service, such as OneDrive, Groove Music, or Spotify. Select the service from the left pane and browse and select the media files that you want to add to your library.
Delete media files: You can delete media files from your library if you don't want them anymore. To do this, you can use any of these methods:
Select the media file that you want to delete from your library. Press Delete on your keyboard or right-click on it and choose Delete. Confirm your action by clicking on Yes.
Select multiple media files that you want to delete from your library by holding down <
[assistant](#message) Ctrl or Shift while clicking on them. Press Delete on your keyboard or right-click on them and choose Delete. Confirm your action by clicking on Yes.
Select all the media files that you want to delete from your library by pressing Ctrl + A. Press Delete on your keyboard or right-click on them and choose Delete. Confirm your action by clicking on Yes.
Edit media files: You can edit the metadata of your media files, such as title, artist, album, genre, etc. To do this, you can use any of these methods:
Select the media file that you want to edit from your library. Click on the information that you want to change and type in the new value. Press Enter to save your changes.
Select multiple media files that you want to edit from your library by holding down <
[assistant](#message) Ctrl or Shift while clicking on them. Right-click on them and choose Edit. In the pop-up window, enter the new values for the metadata that you want to change. Click on Apply to save your changes.
Select all the media files that you want to edit from your library by pressing Ctrl + A. Right-click on them and choose Edit. In the pop-up window, enter the new values for the metadata that you want to change. Click on Apply to save your changes.
Sort and filter media files: You can sort and filter your media files by various criteria, such as name, date, genre, rating, etc. To do this, you can use any of these methods:
Select the type of media that you want to sort or filter from the left pane, such as Music, Videos, Pictures, or Recorded TV.
Click on the Sort by menu and choose the criterion that you want to sort by. You can also click on the column headers to sort by them.
Click on the Filter by menu and choose the criterion that you want to filter by. You can also use the search box to filter by keywords.
You can also create custom views for your media files by clicking on the Create playlist button and choosing Create auto playlist. In the pop-up window, enter a name for your playlist and set the rules and conditions for your media files. Click on OK to save your playlist.
How to Stream Media to Other Devices
To stream media to other devices with WMP 12, you can use any of these methods:
Stream to a device on your network: You can stream your media files to another device that is connected to the same network as your device, such as a smart TV, a game console, or a media receiver. To do this, you need to enable the streaming feature on WMP 12 and allow access to your device. Here are the steps:
Open WMP 12 and click on the Stream menu and then choose Turn on media streaming. In the pop-up window, click on Turn on media streaming.
In the next window, you will see a list of devices that are detected on your network. You can change the name of your device by clicking on it and typing in a new name. You can also change the access permissions for each device by clicking on the drop-down menu next to it and choosing Allowed, Blocked, or Custom.
To stream your media files to a device, select the media file from your library and right-click on it. Choose Play to and then select the device that you want to stream to. You can also use the button on the playback controls to choose the device that you want to stream to.
You can control the streaming playback from your device or from WMP 12. You can also use the Play to menu to access more options, such as volume, subtitles, etc.
Stream to a device over the internet: You can stream your media files to another device that is not on the same network as your device, such as a remote computer, a smartphone, or a tablet. To do this, you need to sign in to your Microsoft account on both devices and enable the streaming feature on WMP 12. Here are the steps:
Open WMP 12 and click on the Stream menu and then choose Allow Internet access to home media. In the pop-up window, click on Link an online ID.
In the next window, click on Add an online ID provider. This will take you to the Microsoft website where you can download and install the Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant.
After installing the Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant, go back to WMP 12 and click on Add an online ID. Enter your Microsoft account credentials and sign in.
Repeat the same steps on the device that you want to stream to. Make sure you use the same Microsoft account on both devices.
To stream your media files to a device, select the media file from your library and right-click on it. Choose Play to and then select the device that you want to stream to. You can also use the A: You can update WMP 12 by using Windows Update or by downloading the latest version from the Microsoft website. However, Microsoft does not release updates for WMP 12 very often and the latest version may not be compatible with your Windows version. Therefore, you may want to consider using an alternative media player that is more up-to-date and supports more features and formats.
Q: How do I uninstall WMP 12?
A: You can uninstall WMP 12 by using the Windows Features or the Programs and Features options in your Control Panel. However, uninstalling WMP 12 may affect some of the other Windows features and programs that depend on it, such as Movies & TV, Skype, Xbox Game Bar, etc. Therefore, you may want to keep WMP 12 on your device even if you don't use it very often.
Q: How do I fix WMP 12 errors and issues?
A: You can fix WMP 12 errors and issues by using the Troubleshooters or the Reset options in your Settings app. However, these options may not resolve all the problems that you may encounter with WMP 12, such as codec issues, DRM restrictions, compatibility problems, etc. Therefore, you may want to try using a different media player that is more reliable and stable.
Q: How do I customize WMP 12?
A: You can customize WMP 12 by using the Options or the Enhancements menus in your WMP 12 window. However, these options may not offer enough flexibility and variety for your personal preferences and needs. Therefore, you may want to try using a different media player that is more customizable and adaptable.
Q: How do I download more visualizations for WMP 12?
A: You can download more visualizations for WMP 12 by visiting the Microsoft website and choosing from various categories and styles of visual effects. However, these visualizations may not be compatible with your Windows version or your media files. Therefore, you may want to try using a different media player that has more built-in or downloadable visualizations. 44f88ac181