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How to Open Windows Media Player on Windows 11

Richard Jan 13, 2024 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

How to Open Windows Media Player on Windows 11

Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional

Jan 13, 2024 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read Reviewed Mar 19, 2026

This guide shows you how to open the Windows Media Player app on Windows 11.

The Windows Media Player app is a built-in tool that lets you watch videos, listen to music, and view photos. It is the best way to organize and play your media collection on your computer. It handles many different file types and gives you simple buttons to play, pause, or skip through your files.

Why use Windows Media Player?

You use this app to enjoy your personal media collection. It keeps your files in one place so you can access them quickly.

What happens when you are done?

Once you open the app, you will have a central hub to play your audio and video files. You can also organize your folders and create playlists.

How to Open Windows Media Player

If you want to play your music or videos, follow these steps:

Click the Start button on your taskbar.
Select All apps from the menu.
Scroll through the list and click on Media Player to launch it.

If you cannot find the app, it might not be installed. You can get it from the Microsoft Store using this link: Install Windows Media Player.

Once the app opens, you will see the home page. From here, you can add your music and video folders so the app can find your files.

Handy Keyboard Shortcuts

You can use these keys to control the app quickly:

Ctrl + 1: Switch to library mode
Ctrl + 2: Switch to skin mode
Ctrl + 3: Switch to player mode
Ctrl + 7: Add to Play
Ctrl + 8: Add to Burn
Ctrl + 9: Add to Sync
Ctrl + A: Select everything in a list
Ctrl + J: Eject
Ctrl + N: Create a playlist
Ctrl + O: Show Open dialog
Ctrl + Shift + B: Rewind
Right Arrow: Skip forward
Left Arrow: Skip backward
Ctrl + Click: Resize player to image
Escape: Return to Now Playing

Summary

Windows Media Player is the default app for watching videos and listening to music on Windows 11. By opening it through the Start menu, you gain access to a simple interface that supports most common file formats. Use the keyboard shortcuts listed above to make navigating your media faster and easier.

How do I open Windows Media Player on Windows 11?

To open Windows Media Player on Windows 11, click the Start menu and select it from the All apps list. If you don't have it installed, you can download and install it from the Microsoft Store. Once it opens, it will display the home page where you can manage your media files.

What file formats does Windows Media Player support?

Windows Media Player supports various file formats for playing videos, music, and images. The app offers comprehensive compatibility with most common media formats, allowing you to manage and play your entire media collection seamlessly.

What are the basic playback controls in Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player includes basic playback controls such as play, pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward. These controls allow you to manage your media playback easily while watching videos or listening to music.

What keyboard shortcuts can I use in Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player includes several useful keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl+1 for library mode, Ctrl+3 for player mode, Ctrl+N to create a playlist, and the arrow keys to skip forward or backward. You can also use Ctrl+A to select all items and Escape to return to Now Playing.

How do I add media libraries to Windows Media Player on Windows 11?

When you open Windows Media Player, you can configure various settings from the home page, including adding music and video libraries to your media files. The app allows you to organize and manage your media collection by adding different library locations.

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Tags: #Windows 11