Find out why the latest version of Media Player is worth the upgrade.

Upgrading software to the latest version isn't always good advice. So what about Microsoft's Windows Media Player 9? Get it. Get it now. Here's why.

  1. In Windows XP, it'll minimize to the Taskbar with full player control. Convenient, huh?
    1. Right-click your Taskbar and select Toolbars.
    2. Make sure you have the "Windows Media Player" option enabled.


  2. Don't like default blue? Click the paintbrush icon in the lower left corner of the default window to change the player's color.

  3. Versions 7 and 8 of the Media Player were disappointments. I still run 6.4 on my system. (Run it by launching "MPLAYER2" from the Run command line, or get to the older player by entering "MPLAY32" in the same field.)

  4. The playlist functionality is unbridled. It'll scan folders of your choosing and watch for new media files to be added, creating new playlists on the fly. Impressive. Most impressive.

  5. The Advanced Tag Editor is another genius addition to this package. Right-click a file name in the Media Library to access its power. You can even embed a picture (!) into a file. Darn sweet, if you ask me.

  6. Internal support for some VCD files. There's no need to install another player if you want basic functionality. Which, for most people, is ample.

  7. It's faster than 7 or 8, and it takes less memory to run. Yes, even on a slower system it's not as piggy. Oink!

  8. The Favorites rating system. Like a song a lot? Give it five stars. Like a song a little? Give it one star. In the end, you'll have automatically generated playlists according to your likes and dislikes. Go, M.C. Hawking!

  9. Better privacy options. C'mon, I don't want the world to know that I listen to Moxy Fruvous. Oh great. Now you know. Just don't tell anybody else, OK? If they found out I was listening to an awesome little Canadian band, I'd lose my license.

  10. Better plug-in management. You can expand the player's functionality with the click of a button. Video, audio, and so on. If you buy the (very recommended) Plus! Digital Media Edition, you can even add a sleep timer and alarm clock to WMP9.

  11. Okay, so I can't count. Microsoft just launched WMPlugins.com as well as a special 'Call for Help' skin for the Party Mode player that comes with the new (very worthwhile) Plus! Digital Media Edition. It was designed by The Skins Factory based on wallpaper created by one of our most rabid fans, Paul Boyer. Thanks again, everyone!


Windows Media Player is no longer a "wimp." This thing is as strong as a bull instead of being full of it.