Windows 11 Disappoints with Media Player Performance
Windows 11’s new Media Player application lags behind the 17-year-old classic version in performance tests and draws attention with higher RAM consumption and slower startup times.
Microsoft updated the new Media Player application developed for the Windows 11 platform with the Insider Preview version, but the first performance tests disappointed the users. Although version 11.2605.14.0, published on June 12, brings infrastructure improvements and interface updates, it runs slower and consumes system resources more intensively compared to the 17-year-old classic Windows Media Player.
Although users’ expectations are to gain speed with a modern interface, the new application attracts significant criticism by falling behind its predecessor, especially in terms of memory usage and display startup times.
- The new Media Player consumes 377 MB of RAM when idle, tripling the classic version’s consumption of approximately 103 MB.
- Windows 11’s new media tool takes longer to launch local video files than the classic player.
- To play HEVC format images, a paid add-on must be purchased from the Microsoft Store.
Modern interface designs are evolving into a structure that consumes more system resources in the background than necessary.
New Version Offers Valuable Technical Improvements
The update package comes not only with performance problems, but also with some functional innovations aimed at improving the user experience. The software now includes improved subtitle reinforcement, clearer defect notifications and improved media document scanning algorithms. Subtitles and library indexing indicators, which are dynamically shaped according to system settings, prove that the technical infrastructure of the application has undergone a significant revision.
In addition, crashes and various visual errors that occurred while editing the playback queue were also resolved with this update.
Codec Supplement Leaves Users in a Difficult Situation
One of the most discussed aspects of the new Media Player is its approach to the HEVC (H.265) image format used as standard by contemporary smartphones. To play these files, Microsoft forces users to buy the “HEVC Video Extensions” plug-in, which costs $ 0.99.
This results in the fact that even daily images cannot be watched without paying an additional fee. This restriction imposes due to licensing costs, causes users to turn to alternative software such as VLC or MPV, which are lighter and cheaper.
Free alternatives continue to support all formats without any additional fees.
Windows 11’s Media Strategy is Changing
The removal of AC-3 support, which is the Dolby Digital audio format, with the 24H2 version of Windows 11 was another important development that directly affected media consumption habits.
While Microsoft is trying to modernize its built-in player, it is moving towards a structure that has difficulty meeting the basic needs of users.
Although the current Media Player is visually innovative, it has not yet achieved the lightness offered by the 17-year-old solution in terms of pure performance and technical efficiency. Users are eagerly waiting to see whether Microsoft will optimize this application in the future.
Why do you think Microsoft puts performance optimization on the back burner when designing a modern player? Are you happy with Windows 11’s built-in media player, or do you prefer third-party apps like VLC? You can share your experiences with us in the comments section.
