9 Windows Media Player 12 is not available for download as a standalone application. The only way to try it out is by downloading. It's not that different from – except for some slight changes in design – but if, like me, you haven't used Windows Media Player for a while, you'll be surprised to find a full multimedia suite with which you can not only listen to your favorite bands, but also,,, sync with mobile devices and even buy music online.

Windows Media Player 12 maintains the same design of the previous version, featuring only small changes in color (now it's clearer and brighter) and toolbar layout. Windows Media Player now makes a clear difference between the Library mode – which shows the Library contents and tools - and the Now Playing mode, where you can see the currently active song, video or playlist, along with visualization effects. Menus in Windows Media Player 12 have been reduced to the minimum, meaning that some commands are hidden and you'll have to hit the Alt key to show them. You can use the left pane to browse the different categories in your media library (music, video, pictures and playlists) and the center area displays whatever item is currently selected or playing.

Find out how to get Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP and Windows Vista and Windows Media Player 12 for Windows 7 and Windows 8. (If you've got a Mac, you can download Windows Media Components for QuickTime to play Windows Media files.) Which version of Windows am I running? Designed by media lovers, for media lovers. Windows Media Player 12—available as part of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10*—plays more music and video than ever, including Flip Video and unprotected songs from your iTunes library! Organize your digital media collection, sync digital media.

On the right side, three buttons placed in the upper area ( Play, Burn, Sync) enable you to create lists for playing, burning and syncing respectively. The Media Guide in Windows Media Player 12 is Microsoft's equivalent to the Apple Store. This feature leads you to a variety of online store to buy music, but bear in mind that the number of available stores depends on your country.

The Media Guide button also gives you access to dozens of online radio stations. One thing that Windows Media Player 12 is still missing though, is support for podcasts. If there's one outstanding characteristic in Windows Media Player 12, however, it's ease of use. Almost anything can be done by dragging and dropping elements around the interface.

Menus are nicely integrated into the interface's design and give you immediate access to the Windows Media Player's main functions. You can preview songs by simply hovering your mouse on them, and make the program automatically download any missing codes that might prevent you from playing certain video files. Generally speaking, everything in Windows Media Player 12 is simply more accessible, and easier to do. Windows Media Player 12 brings small yet handy improvements which have turned it into a powerful multimedia center for music, video and photos.

Generally, a download manager enables downloading of large files or multiples files in one session. Many web browsers, such as Internet Explorer 9, include a download manager. Stand-alone download managers also are available, including the Microsoft Download Manager. If you do not have a download manager installed, and still want to download the file(s) you've chosen, please note: • You may not be able to download multiple files at the same time. In this case, you will have to download the files individually.

(You would have the opportunity to download individual files on the 'Thank you for downloading' page after completing your download.) • Files larger than 1 GB may take much longer to download and might not download correctly. • You might not be able to pause the active downloads or resume downloads that have failed. The Microsoft Download Manager solves these potential problems. It gives you the ability to download multiple files at one time and download large files quickly and reliably.

It also allows you to suspend active downloads and resume downloads that have failed. Microsoft Download Manager is free and available for download now. • Windows Media Player 11 offers great new ways to store and enjoy all of your digital media. It's easier than ever to access all of your music, video, pictures, and recorded TV on your computer.

Play it, view it, organize it, and sync it to a portable device for enjoying on the go, or share with devices around your home - all from one place. Windows Media Player 11 is designed to work with all editions of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), and can also be used to restore Windows Media Player and related technologies to N and KN editions of Windows Vista.

PLEASE NOTE: Many of the great stores you know in Windows Media Player 10 are available in this version of the Player. Check out a list of online stores at the. For more information, see the.