How to Launch Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a simple way to play CDs on your computer.

Microsoft Windows Media Player is a simple application included with all copies of Windows. With it, you can play music and videos, as well as burn CDs and DVDs.

Things You'll Need

• Audio, video or other media file

Instructions

Launch the Player Directly

1. Click the "Start" button, select "All Programs" and then click on Windows Media Player.

2. Double-click on the program's desktop icon if there is one, for an alternative method of opening WMP.

3. Click on the player's button in the task bar if the Quick Launch feature has been enabled and a Windows Media Player shortcut is there, for a second alternative.

Launch from Media

1. Locate the media file you wish to open. If the file is represented by the Media Player logo, then launch it as the default player by opening the file.

2. If the icon is not that of Windows Media Player, then right-click the file and select "Open With...", and then select the player. If Windows Media Player is not one of the options available, click on "Choose Program..." and select it from the menu. Check the box next to "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file", and then click "OK". The icon will change to that of Windows Media Player, which will launch upon opening the file.

3. Alternatively, right-click the file and select either "Play with Windows Media Player" or "Add to Windows Media Player playlist".

References

• Getting Started with Windows Media Player (Windows 7)
• Getting Started with Windows Media Player (Vista)
• Windows Media Player 11 for XP: Get Around in the Player

Resources

• Microsoft Windows Media