Windows 11 Media Player Uses 3.5x More RAM Than Classic Version, Hides Codecs Behind Paywall
By
Devesh Beri
Summary
Microsoft's new Media Player for Windows 11 faces criticism for using approximately 377MB of RAM when idle—about 3.5 times more than the classic Windows Media Player's 103MB. The new player also takes roughly 50% longer to open local video files (3 seconds vs. 2 seconds), and hides some popular video codecs behind paywalls. The app replaces both Groove Music and the legacy Windows Media Player.
Source

Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe modern Media Player is said to use around 377MB of RAM when idle, compared to roughly 103MB for the old player—about 3.5x as much memory while doing absolutely nothing.
The program takes longer to open local video files, with startup time increasing roughly 50% from about two seconds on the legacy player to three seconds on the new one.
Microsoft's new Media Player for Windows 11 is drawing criticism now that tests have found it to use far more memory than the classic Windows Media Player.
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