If you’re still on Windows 7, you should start considering upgrading to Windows 10, no just because the extended lifecycle is coming to an end in January 2020, but also because is already starting to remove features from Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center.
Recently, the software giant published a new documentation page (via Neowin) announcing that starting January 25, 2019, Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center will no longer update metadata for music and videos. This means that using those experiences, you won’t be able to see information, such as title, artist name, genre, director, actors, and TV guide for songs and videos (if not available locally).
While the move may seem as another push from Microsoft to get users to a newer version, the company says that the decision has been made based on feedback and usage data.
The change will not only affect Windows 7 users, but also users on Windows 8.x. However, the feature to offer metadata information will continue to work for Windows Media Player users on Windows 10.
If you’re still running one of the older versions of the operating system, it’s now the time to upgrade, or look for an alternative media player or media center experience.
Of course, this move won’t affect the functionality of the applications, they will work normally, but without the metadata information.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].