I spent the morning trying to install Windows Media Player Classic on Windows 11 22H2 with no luck. I tried everything I could possibly find on-line, with no luck.
I can't get it to show up under optional features, or under media features, in 'Turn Windows features on or off'. When I try installing the numerous methods from the command line using DISM I come up with the same errors everyone else with the same problem is experiencing.
The only solution I was able to run across was to reinstall windows, which is ridiculous considering there are hundreds of media players out there that install just fine, incluing the media player that came with Windows 11.
I've not had any trouble installing any of their various codec packages. The codecs just work.
I've had those installed for quite a while.
I can click on the WMA files from File Explorer, and they play find. The problem is for some reason Band In A Box needs the legacy media player to play the WMA Style demos according to the popup message I get when I click on the Demo Button in the Style Picker.
What version of BIAB are you running? I have Windows 11 and I have no issue playing demos. My Windows was a new install just 12 months ago. An option that might help is to activate "allow internet to play demos". For version 2025, this option is found under the "Demo" menu... click on the "+" sign and then select it from the dropdown list.
Band-in-a-Box uses standard tools and media functionality included with Windows. If your system does not include a media player etc., you probably have an "N" version without the media feature pack installed. There are some "N" editions of Windows distributed in the EU that do not include a media player, to comply with EU regulations. You can still download the complete set of missing features to restore all functionality of Windows. Search for and download Media Feature Pack
I've tried adding it using the "Optional Features" function, I've tried installing it from the command line, I've tried downloading several difference versions of Media Feature Pack with no luck.
Judging by the Windows support forums, I'm not alone. Some people seem to get it to work, others keep getting the same cryptic errors I have seen while trying to install it. If I click on the WMA files outside of Band in a Box the media player that came with Windows 11 plays the WMA file no problem.
To get it partially working in Linux under Wine, I had to add these files from my Windows 10 into the Wine System32. Just check what you have there now.
Can you describe the problem you are trying to solve in more detail? Maybe it isn't what you think it is. E.G. are you pressing the Demo button in the StylePicker, and do you see an error message? If so, you can see a log of the errors in Help | Utilities | Display Log
Do you actually *have* an N version of Windows? Open the Windows Event Viewer after trying to add the optional feature - I suspect you will find more details about the error there. May still be cryptic but it might give you a specific error message to search for.
I'm not positive if I have the N version, but I do not have any of the games or 3rd party applications loaded, so I'm guessing it is the N version This is what comes up in the System About page
Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2 Installed on 8/31/2023 OS build 22621.4317 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22700.1041.0
The event log claims there is not enough memory resources are available to process this command. I guess it needs more than 16GB of ram and 300GB of free hard disk space to load the old media player.
The error I get in Event Log is Log Name: Application Source: WindowsMedia Date: 1/4/2025 11:02:36 AM Event ID: 4373 Task Category: None Level: Error Keywords: Classic User: N/A Computer: DeskPC Description: The description for Event ID 4373 from source WindowsMedia cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.
If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event. The following information was included with the event: Windows
Not enough memory resources are available to process this command.
The message resource is present but the message was not found in the message table.
When I try installing it from the command line I get
Windows update could not be installed because of error 2149842967 "" (Command line: ""C:\Windows\system32\wusa.exe" "C:\Users\DeskPC\Downloads\Windows_MediaFeaturePack_x64_1903_V1.msu" ")
I've pretty much given up. Aside from clicking on Style Demos I have no need for the old Windows Media Player. If I want to listen to the demo of a style I'll just open up Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin Standalone.exe and use the demo button there which works.
I'm not positive if I have the N version, but I do not have any of the games or 3rd party applications loaded, so I'm guessing it is the N version This is what comes up in the System About page
Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2 Installed on 8/31/2023 OS build 22621.4317 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22700.1041.0
This does NOT appear to be an N version.
Quote
When I try installing it from the command line I get
Windows update could not be installed because of error 2149842967 "" (Command line: ""C:\Windows\system32\wusa.exe" "C:\Users\DeskPC\Downloads\Windows_MediaFeaturePack_x64_1903_V1.msu" ")
1903 is for Windows 10, and the error indicates a version mismatch, so this makes sense. It appears that there is no longer a stand-alone download for the feature pack for Windows 11, as you've found out.
I don't think there would be a memory problem on your system, but you could monitor the Task manager while attempting to add the feature and see if anything unusual is happening.
In Settings | System | Optional Features | Scroll to bottom | More Windows Features, are Media Features and Windows Media Player (legacy) fully unchecked, partially checked, or fully checked? If it is checked or partially checked, you could try unchecking to remove, then reboot, and then check to re-add. On the other hand if most things are working properly for you maybe best to leave it alone and not risk making it worse.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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