The new version of Windows Media Player, tested since November by Insiders, can be installed as of today in the stable version of Windows 11.
Last November, Microsoft offered members of its Insider program to preview the new version of Windows Media Player, its media player, within the Windows Insider developer channel.
At that time, Microsoft had made the decision to launch the new version of its media player alongside Groove Music, the other media player installed natively in Windows 11.
But it seems that the Mountain View firm has changed its plans. Insiders have indeed indicated on Reddit that Groove Music was no longer accessible and that it had been replaced by the new Windows Media Player.
Good news, this new version of Microsoft’s multimedia player can be installed from today on the stable version of Windows. Here’s how.
Also to discover in video:
1. Check your version of Windows 11
Start by checking the build number of Windows 11 installed on your PC. For the new Windows Media Player to work, your PC must be running Windows 11 21H1 build 22000.376.
To check your version of Windows, use the Windows + R keyboard shortcut, then in the Run window, type winver.
An About Windows window will open, allowing you to check the build number of Windows 11 installed on your PC.
If your version of Windows 11 is not up to date, click the Start button and go to Settings then Windows Update to search for and install the latest updates for your machine.
2. Download the update file
To install the new version of Windows Media Player, you must first get the Groove Music installation file which can be updated to switch to the new Windows Media Player.
To do this, go to https://store.rg-adguard.net from your web browser. It is an online platform capable of generating download links for applications offered on the Microsoft Store.
Then copy and paste the Groove Music download link (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/groove-music/9wzdncrfj3pt) in the text field displayed in the center.
Then click on the RP drop-down menu and change the value to Fast.
Finally, click on the check mark displayed on the right to generate the download link.
In the long list of files that appears, locate the file named Microsoft.ZuneMusic_11.2111.54.0_neutral_ ~ _8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle and click on it to download the associated file which weighs 35.74 MB.
3. Open the file
Now open the file you just downloaded by double-clicking. An Update Media Player window should appear on the screen.
Click the Update button to start downloading and installing Windows Media Player.
Once the installation is complete, the Preview of the new Windows Media Player should open on your machine.
Source: Ghacks