These specific versions, sold primarily in Europe and South Korea, are legally required to ship without pre-installed media technologies, including Windows Media Player and Skype.
This is a nuanced question. Windows 10 64-bit is a 64-bit operating system. It handles memory and processes differently than 32-bit systems. Legacy Windows Media Player was designed as a 32-bit application to ensure maximum compatibility, but it can run on 64-bit Windows using the Windows-on-Windows (WOW64) subsystem. It is located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player .
If the application does not appear in your search results, it may be disabled under your system's optional features. This is common in Windows 10 "N" or "KN" editions, which ship without media functionalities due to regional regulations. Step-by-Step Activation Open by pressing Windows Key + I . Click on Apps , then select Apps & features . Click the Optional features link. Scan the list for Windows Media Player .
Tip: Right-click the application icon in the search results and select for faster access in the future. How to Enable or Reinstall Windows Media Player
If you prefer not to use Windows Media Player, Windows 10 comes with two default media players:
This is the classic application known for years. It is still available as an optional feature for those who prefer its specific interface and functions like CD burning and ripping. The New Media Player:
A "codec" is a small piece of software that encodes or decodes a digital data stream. Windows Media Player 12 comes pre-loaded with support for the most common file formats, but it has limitations.
If it is missing, click at the top of the page.
If you cannot play modern iPhone videos (HEIC/HEVC) or MKV files, you need the official codec.
You can use the built-in "Stream" menu to turn your Windows 10 PC into a local media server. This allows you to cast music, pictures, and videos directly to smart TVs, Xbox consoles, or Playstation systems on your home network.