What codecs are included with Windows Media Player?
There are hundreds of audio and video codecs in use today. Some have been created by Microsoft, but the vast majority of codecs have been created by other companies, organizations, or individuals. By default, a number of the most popular codecs are installed in the operating system and with Windows Media Player, such as the Windows Media Audio, Windows Media Video, and MP3 codecs. Review the list of codecs that are installed by default. If you play a music or video file that requires a codec that isn’t included by default, the Player searches your computer to see if it can use any of the codecs installed by other digital media playback and creation programs. If a codec isn’t already installed, you might be able to download the necessary codec from the Web at no cost or for a fee. Learn more about finding codecs. If the necessary codec is not available from the Web or is not compatible with Windows Media Player, you won’t be able to play, burn, or synchronize the file.