The apps differ in how you’d use them, however. That’s right, Windows 11 includes three apps (four if you count Groove before it gets replaced) that play video files and two that play audio. In the new scheme of things, if you type “Groove” into the Windows search box, the new Media Player pops up, and if you type “Windows Media Player,” the ancient one presents itself. The tired-looking Windows Media Player that came with Windows 7 has been hanging around in Windows for more than a decade. Groove-which is being replaced-plays music stored locally or in the cloud. The Movies & TV app, also available in Windows 11, lets you watch videos stored locally or online as well as shows you can buy or rent in the Microsoft Store. The basic Windows Media Player has been around in one form or another since 1991.

Media players included in Windows have taken many forms over the years. Introducing Windows' Three (or Four) Media Players Some sites have reported that you can get the new app by updating that store entry, but it appeared in my system as part of a standard Windows update. You won’t find Microsoft’s new Media Player listed among the apps in the Microsoft Store-it currently still appears as Groove there. It also means that some users receive the update before others, so if you’re still seeing Groove, give it some time. It’s a continuation of Microsoft’s one-time claim that Windows has become a service rather than a set version of software. The new Media Player app arrived between the big annual Windows “feature updates”-those with names like 22H2. How to Get the New Windows 11 Media Player Don't worry! We'll tell you here which apps you need for different purposes and then offer a deep look at the new Media Player app.

These two apps aren't your only options for media players in Windows, and quite frankly, knowing which one you need can be confusing. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to offer the Movies & TV app, which also plays video and services the movie and TV show content available in the Microsoft Store. If you're running Windows 11 and haven't seen the new Media Player app yet, hang tight. Windows 11's new Media Player plays both video and audio, and it replaces Groove entirely for the latter. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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