How to Add Video Folders in Windows Media Player

This guide explains how to add folders to your Video library in the Windows Media Player app on Windows 11.

The Windows Media Player app is a built-in app that plays your videos, music, and images. It is a great way to keep your media organized. Windows automatically looks for videos in your Videos folder of your home directory folder. If you keep your videos in a different place, you need to tell the app where to look.

Why do this? Adding a folder lets you see all your videos in one place. You will not have to search your computer every time you want to watch something.

What happens when done? The app will scan your folder. It will add your videos to its library automatically so they are ready to watch whenever you want.

Add a folder from the Home screen

You can add a folder quickly from the main screen.

1. open the Windows Media Player app.
2. Click the Open file(s) button.
3. Select Open folder from the list.
4. Alternatively, press CTRL + SHIFT + O on your keyboard.

When the file window opens, pick the folder that holds your videos.

Add a folder from the Play queue

You can also add folders while looking at your queue.

1. Click the Play queue button on the left side.
2. Click the Add file(s) button.
3. Select Add folder to play queue.

Find and select the folder you want to use.

Add a folder to the Video library

This is the best way to keep your library organized.

1. Open the app and click Video library on the left.

1. Click the Add folder button.

1. Find your folder in the window that pops up.
2. Click Add this folder to Videos.

Add a folder via Settings

You can also manage your folders in the settings menu.

1. Click the Settings button on the left sidebar.
2. Look for the Video library locations box.
3. Click Add folder.

1. Pick your folder and click Add this folder to Videos.

The app will now scan your files. Your videos will appear in your library shortly.

Summary

Adding your video folders to Windows Media Player saves time by keeping all your files in one library. You can add folders using the Home screen, the Play queue, or the Settings menu. Once added, the app will index your files automatically, making it easy to manage your entire collection.