- Microsoft made available the preview of the new Media Player app.
- The app is available for Windows 11 (Dev Channel).
- Media Player app supports audio and video playback and replaces the Groove Music app.
- The classic Windows Media Player will continue to be available.
A new Media Player app is now available for download as a preview on Windows 11 for all the devices enrolled in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program. The app includes a brand-new interface that follows the Windows 11 trend, and it’s been built to play videos and music files stored locally on your computer. (See also this hands-on video with the app at the Pureinfotech YouTube channel.)
The Media Player replaces the legacy Groove Music app, and it supports both audio and video playback. As part of the features, it’s pretty basic. You can create your playlists, and there’s support for album art and artist information. Also, the app will automatically scan and add all your folders containing music and videos stored locally on your computer.
The new interface features rounded corners, seme-transparent materials, and it supports the dark and light color system modes. However, the layout is similar to the Groove Music app with navigation on the left and content on the right and play controls at the bottom with an option to enable mini-player mode.
Although Windows 11 is getting a new Media Player app, the classic Windows Media Player will continue to be available through the Windows Tools settings.
The new Media Player app is rolling out slowly. If you are running the latest preview of Windows 11, but you don’t see the app, then open the Microsoft Store and check for updates on the Library page.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].