Windows 10, the most popular operating system from Microsoft, has been the go-to choice for millions of users worldwide. With its robust features, user-friendly interface, and seamless performance, it’s no wonder that it’s the preferred OS for many. However, when it comes to playing videos, many users often find themselves wondering – what is the default video player for Windows 10?
The Evolution of Video Players in Windows
Before we dive into the default video player for Windows 10, let’s take a brief look at the evolution of video players in Windows. In the early days of Windows, the default video player was Windows Media Player (WMP).Introduced in 1991, WMP was a simple yet effective media player that could play audio and video files. As technology advanced, so did WMP, with new features and capabilities being added with each iteration.
With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft introduced Windows Media Center, which included a more advanced media player called Windows Media Center Video Player. This player was capable of playing more file formats, including H.264 and DivX.
The Rise of Windows 10 and the Fall of Windows Media Player
With the release of Windows 10 in 2015, Microsoft decided to phase out Windows Media Player and introduce a new, more modern video player – the Movies & TV app. This app was designed to provide a more streamlined and intuitive video playback experience, with features like touch-friendly controls, improved video quality, and the ability to play more file formats.
However, with the rise of Windows 10, Windows Media Player was relegated to the background, and many users began to wonder if it was still available on their system. The answer is yes – Windows Media Player is still present in Windows 10, albeit hidden from plain sight.
So, What is the Default Video Player for Windows 10?
As mentioned earlier, the default video player for Windows 10 is the Movies & TV app. This app comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and is designed to provide a seamless video playback experience. Here are some key features of the Movies & TV app:
- Support for multiple file formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, and more
- Touch-friendly controls for easy navigation
- Improved video quality with support for 4K and HDR
- Ability to purchase or rent movies and TV shows from the Windows Store
- Integration with Cortana, allowing for voice commands
How to Access the Movies & TV App
Accessing the Movies & TV app is relatively straightforward:
- Click on the Start button and type “Movies & TV” in the search bar
- Click on the Movies & TV app icon to open it
- Browse through your video files or purchase/rent content from the Windows Store
Other Video Players for Windows 10
While the Movies & TV app is the default video player for Windows 10, there are other video players available for download. Here are a few popular alternatives:
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular, free, and open-source video player that is available for Windows 10. VLC is known for its ability to play a wide range of file formats, including those that are not supported by the Movies & TV app.
KMPlayer
KMPlayer is another popular video player that is available for Windows 10. It offers a range of features, including support for 3D video, audio and video filters, and the ability to play incomplete or damaged files.
PotPlayer
PotPlayer is a free video player that is known for its fast performance and advanced features, including support for 3D video, audio and video filters, and the ability to play damaged or incomplete files.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the default video player for Windows 10 is the Movies & TV app. While it offers a range of features and capabilities, there are other video players available for download that may provide a more comprehensive video playback experience. Whether you choose to stick with the Movies & TV app or explore alternative options, one thing is certain – Windows 10 provides a range of video playback options to suit every user’s needs.
Remember, the Movies & TV app is the default video player for Windows 10, and it’s designed to provide a seamless video playback experience. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised by its capabilities!
What is the default video player for Windows 10?
The default video player for Windows 10 is Movies & TV, which was previously known as Windows Media Center. This app is pre-installed on Windows 10 devices and allows users to play video files, as well as purchase and rent movies and TV shows from the Microsoft Store. Movies & TV is a universal app that can be used on both desktop and mobile devices.
While Movies & TV is the default video player, users can still choose to use other video players like VLC, KMPlayer, or MPC-HC. These third-party apps may offer additional features and customization options that are not available in Movies & TV. However, for most users, Movies & TV provides a convenient and easy-to-use video playback experience.
Can I change the default video player in Windows 10?
Yes, you can change the default video player in Windows 10. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, and then click on the “Video player” option. From here, you can select a different video player from the list of installed apps. You can also go to the “Choose default apps by file type” section and specify which app you want to use to open specific file types, such as .mp4 or .avi.
Keep in mind that changing the default video player will only affect the app that is launched when you open a video file from File Explorer or another app. It will not affect the video playback experience within other apps, such as web browsers or social media apps. Additionally, you can always revert back to the default video player by resetting the default apps in Settings.
What file formats are supported by Movies & TV?
Movies & TV supports a wide range of video file formats, including .mp4, .mkv, .avi, .mov, and .wmv. It also supports audio file formats like .mp3, .wav, and .m4a. In addition, Movies & TV can play DVD and Blu-ray discs, as well as streaming content from the internet.
However, it’s worth noting that Movies & TV may not support all video codecs or formats, especially those that are less common or proprietary. In such cases, you may need to use a third-party video player or codec pack to play the file. You can also try converting the file to a supported format using a video conversion software.
Can I use Movies & TV to play DVDs and Blu-ray discs?
Yes, Movies & TV can play DVDs and Blu-ray discs on Windows 10 devices with an optical drive. To play a DVD or Blu-ray disc, simply insert the disc into the drive, and Movies & TV will automatically launch and start playing the content. You can also use the app to browse the disc’s menu and access special features.
However, keep in mind that Movies & TV may not support all DVD and Blu-ray discs, especially those with copyright protection or region restrictions. In such cases, you may need to use a third-party media player or DVD/Blu-ray software to play the disc.
Can I use Movies & TV to stream video content?
Yes, Movies & TV allows you to stream video content from the internet. You can use the app to access streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as purchase and rent movies and TV shows from the Microsoft Store. Movies & TV also supports streaming from DLNA-enabled devices on your network.
To stream content from the internet, simply launch Movies & TV, navigate to the “Store” tab, and select the streaming service or movie/TV show you want to watch. You will need to sign in to your account or purchase/rent the content before you can start streaming.
Is Movies & TV available on all Windows 10 devices?
Movies & TV is pre-installed on most Windows 10 devices, including desktops, laptops, and tablets. However, it may not be available on certain devices, such as Windows 10 Mobile phones or devices with a specific configuration. Additionally, Movies & TV may not be installed on devices that have been customized or modified by the manufacturer.
If you don’t have Movies & TV on your Windows 10 device, you can download it from the Microsoft Store. Alternatively, you can use a third-party video player or media app to play video content on your device.
Can I uninstall Movies & TV from my Windows 10 device?
Yes, you can uninstall Movies & TV from your Windows 10 device. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Movies & TV in the list of installed apps, and click the “Uninstall” button. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to uninstall the app.
Keep in mind that uninstalling Movies & TV will not affect the video playback experience on your device. You can still use other video players or media apps to play video content. However, if you uninstall Movies & TV, you will no longer be able to use its features, such as purchasing and renting movies and TV shows from the Microsoft Store.