Wmp

Windows Media Player (WMP) is a multimedia player and library management application from Microsoft. It is used to play audio and video files, organize media collections, create and manage playlists, and rip audio CDs or burn discs. The software also supports syncing content to portable devices and sharing media across a home network, commonly via DLNA or UPnP protocols.

History and versions: WMP has been bundled with Windows operating systems since the late 1990s. The product progressed through numerous versions, culminating in Windows Media Player 12, which ships with Windows 7 and remains in use in later Windows versions. It is designed to integrate with the Windows shell, media libraries, and the Windows Media Services framework.

Format support and codecs: WMP supports a broad range of audio and video formats, using built-in codecs and additional codecs installed on the system. Typical defaults include MP3, AAC, WMA, WMV, and MPEG-4 content. Some formats may require extra codecs or third-party packs. The player is tied to Windows’ DRM and licensing framework for protected content.

Availability: Windows Media Player is not officially released for macOS or Linux; Windows versions offer WMP as the primary built-in player, with alternative players available on other platforms. There are related Microsoft products, such as Groove Music, that have replaced some media-playback features in newer Windows releases.