Getting started with Windows Media Player - Microsoft Windows Help Windows Media Player provides an intuitive, easy-to-use interface to play digital media files, organize your digital media collection, burn CDs of your favorite music, rip music from CDs, sync digital media files to a portable device, and shop for digital media content from online stores. Start Windows Media Player To start Windows Media Player, click the Start button , click All Programs , and then click Windows Media Player . Top of page Two ways to enjoy your media: the Player Library and Now Playing mode Windows Media Player allows you to toggle between two modes: the Player Library, which gives you comprehensive control over the Player's many features; and Now Playing mode, which gives you a simplified view of your media that's ideal for playback. From the Player Library, you can go to Now Playing mode by clicking the Switch to Now Playing