Dec 10, 2017 With Windows Media Player 12 in Windows 7, you already have a very powerful tool for playing, managing, synchronizing and copying of video and audio files. If you are using an earlier version of Windows such as Windows XP, we recommend that you install the current version of media player, to the benefit of all features and functionality. This article lists the multimedia file types that are supported by Windows Media Player 12. (How to determine your version of Windows Media Player).Note: Additional file formats might be supported if you install new codecs in Windows. Dec 13, 2004. If you do not have Windows Media Player 9 Series or later installed and cannot play content by using the Windows Media Video 9 or Windows Media Audio 9 Voice codecs from a Player embedded in a Web page, consider downloading the codec installation package for Windows Media Player 6.4 as well.
by Brian Fisher • Feb 28,2018 • Proven solutions
How Can I Play MP4 Files on Windows?
In some cases, you may try to play MP4 files on your device but to no avail. This means that the player on the device does not support MP4 format. There are several ways to solve this problem. You can install an MP4 codec. The codec is a program that when installed enables MP4 files to play on your device. The other method is to convert the files into a format that can be played by your existing media player. Various MP4 codec can be used to enable MP4 files to play on Windows.
Part 1. How to Install and Download Windows Media Codecs from Official Windows Site
With Windows Media player, you can face difficulties or errors when playing MP4 media player. You will notice that when you try to play the same video with other media players, it works well but with Windows Media player it will either fail to play, or the audio might not be good, or the audio and video may fail to synchronise. A workable solution to this issue is to download MP4 codec windows from Microsoft official website. We have made things easier for you by providing a step by step guide on how you install and download Windows Media Codecs from Official Windows Site
Step 1. Open your browser and paste this URL https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=507 that lands you to Microsoft official website codec download.
Step 2. Next, you will see a red button indicated, “Download” on Codec Installation package. Click on it, and the codec will be downloaded immediately. If it fails to download within 30 seconds, there is a link provided that allows you to download and install the codec manually.
Step 3. Once you have downloaded the codec, go to downloads and “Open” the codec. Alternatively, you opt to “Run the program from its original location.” You can also save the codec if you want to install it later on your computer.
Step 4. Complete the process by following the prompts on the screen.
Step 5. After installing the codec, you can re-launch the Windows Media player and play the MP4 file. By now the MP4 file should play smoothly.
The best way to get windows media codec is to download it from Microsoft’s official website. It is free to download and easy to install. With this codec on your computer, you will have fixed MP4 errors when playing them on Windows Media player.
Part 2. Other MP4 Codecs for Windows PC
#1. iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate
iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate is the ultimate tool for converting videos and audio to other formats. In this instance, it is the best program for converting MP4 videos to a format that can played on Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista. It can also be used for burning content to DVDs or converting video on DVD to other formats. Moreover, it can edit videos as well as download and record videos and audio. iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate converts video 90 times faster while retaining the original quality of images and audio.
Get the Best MP4 Codec for Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista:
- Convert MP4 videos into Windows compatible formats.
- Convert MP4 videos to any popular video or audio formats, like WMV, MKV, MOV, AVI, FLV, WMA, WAV, etc.
- Download online MP4 videos from various video sharing websites, such as YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, VEVO, Dailymotion, etc.
- Burn MP4 or any video files to DVD.
- Trim, crop or rotate your MP4 videos files with built-in video editor. In addition, you can add subtitles, watermarks and special effects to your MP4 videos before converting as well.
Step-by-step Guide to Convert MP4 Videos on Windows with iSkysoft
Step 1. Import MP4 Files
To import files to the program, click “Add Files” for adding videos. For importing DVD movies, folders and ISO or IFO files, click 'Load DVD'.
Step 2. Select Output Format
This program can convert videos and DVD to more than 150 formats. Go to the 'Convert all files to' option and select your desired format. In this case, you should select a format that can be played on Windows Media Player. You may also select an audio output format.
Step 3. Start Conversion
Click the 'Convert' button to start the process. The converting speed is fast, so it won't take you long to finish.
#2. Media Player Codec Pack
Media Player Codec Pack enables Windows Media Player to play videos on formats not previously supported such as MP4. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 2003, 2008, 2000, 7, 8 and 10. It supports Windows Media Player 10, 11 and 12. The coded pack is free.
Pros:
The codec pack can be used on different versions of Windows and Windows Media Player.
Instead of installing one codec at a time, the pack provides codecs that can be used on playback of different digital media.
Cons:
Installing the pack comes with third-party toolbars that may cause changes to the computer.
#3. VLC Codec Pack
With this VLC Codec Pack, Windows Media Player can play videos in previously unsupported format. It can decode files such as MP4, DivX, and h.264 and can enable the player to play some file types such as .mp4, .avi, .ape and .flv among others. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 2008, 2003, 7 and 8. It supports Windows media player from 9 to 12. It is a free download.
Pros:
It supports other media players to play videos and audio other than Windows.
It comes with VLC media player in case you encounter a problem playing videos and audio with other players.
Cons:
The installation comes with an add-on program that can only be avoided by using expert install.
#4. K-Lite Codec Pack
K-Lite Codec Pack enables media players including Windows media player to play both popular and unpopular video and audio formats. It supports Windows XP to 10 and adapts to the version when installed. It is free.
Pros:
Experts have selected the codecs and you do not have to hassle selecting the ones you need.
It does not have unstable filters or codecs and even cleans the computer of the troublemakers.
Cons:
Installing the codec pack comes with codecs that you may not need.
#5. Combined Community Codec Pack
Combined Community Codec Pack is for enabling different videos formats to play on Windows media player. It plays popular and unpopular formats effortlessly. It supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and Windows 10. The container formats it supports include AVI, MP4, OGM, FLV, TS and 3GP. It supports H. 262, DivX, H.264 video codecs as well as various audio codecs such as MP3, AC3 and WavPack.
Pros:
It has many codecs to enable different videos formats to play.
Does not need configuration.
It installs easily even for non technical users.
Cons:
The codecs can conflict with other installed codecs.
Why Choose iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate for Mac/Windows
| Products | iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate |
|---|---|
| Convert Video/Audio | iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate converts DVD to popular video formats like MP4, M4V, AVI, WMV, MOV, etc. You can also convert video/audio files of various formats to/from any other popular format. The conversion is fast and secure. |
| Download/Record Videos | In order to download online videos, you need to click to download your favorite videos from websites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and much more. You can also record video or audio files, as well. |
| Customize Video | You are allowed to cut video into smaller parts and trim, crop or rotate them. Besides, adding watermark or subtitles to your videos can help you customize your unique videos. |
| Burn Videos to DVD | You are allowed to burn video files to DVD disc and play it on any DVD player or TV. This converter allows you to backup your DVD by burning from one DVD to another as so to avoid unnecessary information loss. |
Review
Developed by Microsoft, Windows Media Player is multimedia software developed to play media content. With this latest download version, this is a more coordinated platform. It allows for the reproduction and synchronization of pictures, movies and music to mobile devices through its Remote Media Streaming technology. All you have to do is plug your device in to your PC and choose the files from your media libraries to transfer.
Windows Media Player 12 is available for Windows 7 and Windows 8, introducing many Windows 8 innovations. For example, creating playlists is much easier with this application thanks to improvements to its search engine. When you find the lists you are searching for, drag-and-drop them into the Windows program and your music compilation will begin.
Advanced functions
This application offers tools to copy and record audio discs, so you only have to choose the data you want and place it on the CD. Burning your collection on your CD takes just a few moments. You can also extract music from CDs, while with its online connection, Windows Media Player has library updates providing you with new information about albums.
It offers a friendly environment and an improved system for connecting to external devices
Thumbnail taskbar. The latest version has added a simplified Windows player that offers a friendly and intuitive experience. Users can choose between the classic or new setup, where principal menu tools (play, previous and next, and the buttons to access to the library and insert media information) are rearranged, and it offers many themes and skins to customize its appearance.
There are also many add-ons to enhance your audio experience, such as listening to different Internet radio stations. Moreover, video and audio can be customized for decibels levels, brightness, rates, saturation, and contrast, among other options. This program doesn’t include natural codecs, but you need to get special codecs to play a file, you can get them for free online.
Windows Media Player 12 Features
New features of Windows Media Player 12 include:
- Burn, split and reproduce your own CDs
- It’s a simple program. Effortlessly play your audio or video files
- It includes options such as reverse, fast-forward or even the option to add bookmarks to a file
- Shortcuts. It offers the option to control actions through the keyboard
- Organize your library. Arrange your files based on the singer, style, album or release date
- Quick Access Panel. The main window includes a button to efficiently search your library
- Many visualization options, such as Battery, Alchemy, Waves and Bars
- Supports many video formats, such as MOV, MP4 or 3GP
- Modify its appearance. Customize the color interface and different skin modes
- Construct your own ActiveX button on the Internet
- Option to add additional programs such as effects, masks and views
If you require further information about this software before you download it, feel free to visit the author’s website
System Requirements
The minimum system requirements to download and install this program are:
- Operating System: Windows 7 or better
- Processor: Intel Pentium II 233 MHz
- RAM: 64 MB
- HDD Space: 200 MB of free space
Mp4 Codec For Windows Media Player 12 Download
Conclusion
Windows Media Player, also known by the acronym WMP, is evolving with the market. With this latest version, it offers a friendly, well organized and searchable environment with improved connectivity for external devices.
- It supports many digital file formats
- Improved internal search engine
- Integrates online functions
- Provides sync options
Mp4 Codecs For Windows 7
- It only works with the latest Windows versions