where can I get Windows Media Legacy

Question

Windows Media Legacy has been deleted. Where can I get the media player legacy app?

Answer 1

Hello, I’m Quinn and here to help!

The earlier response is correct—Windows Media Player Legacy can be restored through Windows features and does not require a separate download.

1. In Windows search, type Optional features and open it
2. Select More Windows features
3. In the Windows Features window, expand Media Features
4. Check Windows Media Player Legacy (App)
5. Click OK and allow Windows to install it

Reference:
https://support.microsoft.com/windows/windows-media-player-legacy-e8f84f54-cd64-865c-2e83-1d8ec121b5b8

Answer 2

You should be able to enable it again via Control Panel > Programs and Features and select Turn windows features on or off.

Answer 3

Windows Media Legacy features have been superseded by newer technologies such as MediaPlayer, IMFMediaEngine, and Audio/Video Capture in Media Foundation. Microsoft recommends using these newer APIs instead of legacy features. If you are looking for a specific legacy app or functionality, it may not be available as Microsoft has moved towards supporting newer frameworks optimized for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

For background audio support, you can use the BackgroundMediaPlayer class, but note that it has been deprecated and may not be available in future versions of Windows. It's advisable to look into the current recommendations for background audio playback in UWP apps.

---

References:

• Using Windows Media in DirectShow
• Legacy background media playback