When a video arrives in an unfamiliar container or codec, MPlayer can often play it without a separate codec pack. MPlayer for Windows handles a broad mix of video and audio formats, including older files and disc media.
Open files in their original formats
MPlayer supports formats such as MPEG/VOB, AVI, Ogg/OGM, ASF/WMA/WMV, QuickTime, RealMedia, Matroska, NUT, FLI, and PVA. It also handles formats including NuppelVideo, YUV4MPEG, FILM, RoQ, 3ivx, and DivX. Because playback support is built into the player, these files generally do not require separately installed codec packs.
That makes it handy for old video archives that modern players reject.
Play video from discs
Use MPlayer for VideoCD, SVCD, and DVD media as well as files stored on the computer. Full-screen playback is available for watching video on a larger display.
Choose a playback output
MPlayer includes multiple output-driver options, covering different ways to send video to a display. MPlayer is primarily a command-line program; Windows builds come from community packagers, and front ends such as SMPlayer give it a friendly interface.
- Pick a driver that matches the display environment.
- Full-screen mode expands the picture for viewing.
Change the player’s appearance
MPlayer skins can change the look of its interface. Development has slowed in recent years, and much of the activity moved to mpv, a modern fork that SMPlayer can also use.
Pros
- Plays Matroska, AVI, QuickTime, RealMedia, and other formats
- Supports VideoCD, SVCD, and DVD playback
- Includes a wide range of built-in output drivers
Cons
- Mainly command-line without a front end
- Slow development; mpv is more active
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11
Does MPlayer need a separate codec pack?
No. Decoders are built in, so most files play without extra codecs.
Is there a graphical interface?
MPlayer itself is mostly command-line; SMPlayer and other front ends add a full graphical player on top.
What is the difference between MPlayer and mpv?
mpv is a fork of MPlayer with a modern code base and more active development.
