What Is Media Player Classic: A Full Review & Its Alternative

Back then, Media Player Classic was one of the most popular video players for Windows. Almost everyone used it because it was small, fast, and super easy to use. People liked how it worked even on slow computers.

But that was years ago. How about now? Is it still good to use? Is it still safe? Or should you try something else?

In this Media Player Classic review, we will provide you with everything you need to know about it, including how to use it effectively and its powerful alternative that you can switch to. Keep reading; we have got all the information you need right here!

Part 1: What Is Media Player Classic

It is for sure that something in your mind now is "What is Media Player Classic?"

It is a free video player made for Windows computers. It first came out in 2003. Some people call it Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC), and others call it Media Player Classic - Black Edition (MPC-BE). The original idea was to replicate the appearance and functionality of Windows Media Player 6.4. It made it easy for users to learn how to use it.

Even today, the player retains a simple design that enables users to find what they want quickly. The original Media Player Classic stopped receiving updates in 2007, but some developers continue to work on it. They make new versions that you can find in things like the Combined Community Codec Pack and the K-Lite Codec Pack. These versions help keep the player free and useful for Windows users.

Here are some good things about Media Player Classic:

• It plays videos smoothly without stopping.

• It supports numerous video and sound formats.

• You can change how it looks and how it plays videos.

• Works well on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems.

• It can be used as an ISO player, provided the ISO file is mounted first.

• It comes with built-in codecs, so you do not need to download additional ones.

But there are some downsides, too:

• Some newer versions or forks show ads before playing videos.

• Sometimes, it takes a long time to find files again if they get lost.

• The software is quite old and gets very few updates from the developers.

Part 2: Full Review of Media Player Classic

If you want to know what is good and what is not about Media Player Classic, here is a clear review. This player has some strong points but also some weaknesses that you should be aware of.

1. Lightweight & Fast

Media Player Classic is a lightweight and fast media player. It was created when computers were slower than they are today. Because of that, it works well even on old computers. It requires minimal space for installation and runs smoothly without slowing down your system. If your computer is outdated, this player is a good choice.

2. Simple to Use

The player is very simple. It does not have too many buttons or complicated menus. You can just open it and start watching videos or listening to music. If you only want to play media without fuss, MPC is a straightforward and reliable option.

3. Free to Download

Of course, you also want to know, "Is Media Player Classic free?" Yes, it is 100% free. You do not have to pay to use it. You can download it from the primary website. It is safer to download only the last official version from the MPC-HC site.

4. Windows Only

This media player is compatible only with Windows computers. It does not support Mac or Linux. Because it focuses only on Windows, it runs very well on all Windows versions. If you want to play Blu-ray on a Mac, rely on this post.

5. No More Updates

The biggest problem is that Media Player Classic is no longer updated. Since 2017, there have been no new fixes or improvements. It may not be safe or compatible with new computers. Even the people who made it say you should try other players today.

6. Safety

Many people ask, "Is Media Player Classic safe?" Since Media Player Classic is no longer updated, it does not get new security fixes. It means bad files or viruses might find ways to hurt your system. If you are still using it, ensure you have good antivirus software in place, just in case. Avoid downloading it from random websites. Always stick to the official version to lower your risks.

Part 3: How to Use Media Player Classic

If you want to use Media Player Classic as your main video or music player, you have to set it as the default player on your Windows computer. But setting MPC-HC as the default app is a bit tricky. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to use Media Player Classic:

Step 1First, find a video or music file on your computer. Right-click on the file, then choose Open with and click Choose another app.

Step 2A small window will open. Click More apps to see more choices. Scroll down and click Look for another app on this PC.

Step 3A file manager window will open. Find the folder where you saved Media Player Classic and select its program file (usually named mpc-hc.exe). Then, click Open.

Step 4Now, go back to the file you want to open and right-click it again. Choose Open with and click Choose another app once more.

Step 5This time, Media Player Classic will appear in the list. Click on it and ensure that you check the option labeled 'Always use this app to open' (file type). Then, click OK.

Repeat this for all the different file types you want MPC-HC to open by default, like .mp4, .avi, or .mp3. This way, your videos and music will open with Media Player Classic every time. It takes a few steps, but once it is set, using MPC-HC becomes easier. That is just how to make Media Player Classic the default in Windows 10!

Part 4: Powerful Alternative to Media Player Classic

Media Player Classic was once a great player. But now, it is outdated. It has no updates, no new features, and no more support from developers. That makes it risky to use, especially on modern computers.

Now, the AVAide Blu-ray Player is the better option. It is powerful, modern, and user-friendly. You can play all kinds of Blu-ray and DVDs, ISO files, folders, videos, and audio with no problem. It keeps the original video resolution, so your movies always look clear and sharp.

You can also customize your playlist, adjust video settings, or tweak how the audio sounds. The player also gives you flexible playback controls. That means you can pause, fast-forward, fast-backward, and control your viewing experience the way you want.

Best of all, it supports almost all media formats. So, no matter what kind of file you have, this player can handle it.

By Bryan Simmonds on Jun 27, 2025