A new update to the Windows 10 Insider Build points to a worrisome situation. The change introduced via Update KB4046355 silently removes Windows Media Player. Yes, Insiders testing the new operating system will find Windows Media Player being completely disabled on their system.
Windows Insider Build 16299.15 removes Windows Media Player
The move from Microsoft assumes importance since Build 16299 is the last version of the OS i.e., Fall Creators Update, scheduled to make the debut on 18th of this month. As such, one wonders if the removal of Windows Media Player was a deliberate attempt on the company’s part or a simply an error to be dismissed as a minor bug. Whatever the case is, it appears insiders aren’t quite happy with missing Windows Media Player.
Microsoft has said that they are aware of the issue and investigating it. They confirmed that they have no plans to remove the Windows Media Player from Windows 10.
if you would like to reinstall Windows Media Player, access the Settings app and do the following,
- Go to Apps > Apps & features.
- On the right, click on the link Manage optional features.
- Find the optional feature named Windows Media Player and install it.
Although there are many better apps available, many Windows users still prefer Windows Media Player as the first choice for playing their local media content. Having said that, the change may not affect Windows users who run third-party media players like VLC Media Player.
