Windows Media Player Windows 10 64-bit 📢

Compared to VLC, MPC-HC, or even the default Windows 10 “Movies & TV” app:

If you cannot play modern iPhone videos (HEIC/HEVC) or MKV files, you need the official codec.

On Windows 10 64-bit, there are currently two different applications with similar names. It is important to distinguish between them:

This guide covers the Legacy Player (as requested), but instructions for the new app are included at the end. windows media player windows 10 64-bit

| Test | Result | |------|--------| | CPU usage (playing MP3) | 0.3% – 0.7% | | RAM usage (idle) | ~28 MB | | RAM usage (large playlist) | ~45 MB | | 4K video playback | Unsupported (stutters or missing codec) | | High-res audio (FLAC 192kHz/24bit) | Plays, but no exclusive mode or WASAPI support |

Verdict: Extremely efficient for standard definition content. For modern 4K HDR or HEVC video, look elsewhere.

Fix: Graphics driver conflict.

Verdict: A reliable, lightweight fossil. It works exactly as advertised, but feels like a time capsule from 2009.

A hidden trick: Even on Windows 10 64-bit, the version of Windows Media Player that launches by default is actually the 32-bit version. Why? Because 32-bit codecs are more common, and Microsoft prioritized compatibility over performance.

How to force the 64-bit version:

Benefits of 64-bit mode:

Downside: Some old ActiveX controls or visualizations (the "Alienware" visualizer) will not work in 64-bit mode.