Windows Media Player: How do I Play Ogg and FLAC Files in WMP?

Contributed by David Kirk

Tagged: Windows

Ogg and FLAC are two popular formats that are being used more and more. If you like WMP but need to listen to this file type, then you just need to convert the files or install the codecs.

Ogg is an mp3-like compression audio format except that it is open-source and patent free. Many audio users like this format over mp3s; however, WMP doesn’t play these files by default.

FLAC is a lossless audio format. This means that the audio is compressed (not as much as mp3 or ogg) but there is no loss in quality. WMP doesn’t play these files by default either.

To get WMP to work you have two options…

1. Install the codecs

http://www.illiminable.com/ogg/

This should allow you to open either of these two formats in WMP just as you would any other audio formats. As ogg and FLAC formats have changed, however, you may not be able to play every file.

2. Convert the formats

dBpowerAMP

76 Comments -

Presence said on October 22, 2008

Help Us All
hans said on October 31, 2008

That’s a rediculous advice you’re given.
Who in his right mind would want to transcode a lossless file to lossy.
Best advice would be to install a better player than WMP, something like foobar2000.
Minnor said on November 9, 2008

foobar2000!!!
why waste time converting to another format to play it on windows media player? i switched from WMP to foobar months ago, little tweeks here and there, works like a charm!
once you get used to it, you NEVER ever want to go back to WMP!
Will said on November 10, 2008

Codec works a treat!
VideoGeek said on November 19, 2008

There are reasons to use Windows Media, flawed as it may be. For example, my (now broken) mp3 player synced with WMP so I had to use it to put music on there. And if I have to have music on WMP for my mp3, what’s the point in having another program entirely wasting space on my hard drive?
wosscoe said on November 22, 2008

Installed the codecs as in first option and it all works well. had to change the file association so WMP was default player, but it decodes and plays great. thank mate, good advise.

dont worry about hans, he sounds abit different,,,, you advise worked……

seeya
kevin said on December 17, 2008

use mediamonkey, it plays al formats and is free too!!!!
Marc Gibson said on December 18, 2008

zoom player is also free and plays flac files effortlessly (and every other file too)
boattown said on February 7, 2009

You Can Decode Flac files to wave files using flac frontend or TLH(traders little helper). Wave files are decompressed and lossless.
Sanjay Shelat said on February 21, 2009

Thanks man – THIS WORKS just fine. Easy quick install, job done. Good work!
Matt said on February 26, 2009

Thanks!
IT Guy said on February 26, 2009

Well I must be out of my mind. I cant stand flamers and that is a ridiculous comment!

“Who in his right mind would want to transcode a lossless file to lossy.
Best advice would be to install a better player than WMP, something like foobar2000.”

Your MP3 player decodes FLAC? And WMP is an excellent player.
Anonymous said on March 22, 2009

Thanks works GR8, easy to install and does what it says on the tin.
unnamed said on April 18, 2009

Why waste time with windows media player when VLC media player can play all file formats and DVDs for free?

Download here: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
yoyo said on May 31, 2009

My mp4 player can’t handle FLAC-files, so I wanna convert them. But that dBpowerAMP doesn’t work, I can only convert .cda, mpg, mpeg, mpa, mpga, mpx, mp1, mp2, m2a, mp3 and wav. Could someone pleas help me :$ ?
Aleksandra said on June 5, 2009

Thank you, WMP with codecs you gave link to, opens .flac files now! Good advice.
Anonymous said on June 10, 2009

when i have a rest, I always enjoy listening to music. Thanks for two guidings. I try to do that. Any suggestions. Give us. Nice days
Andrew said on June 14, 2009

Both of my MP3 players decode FLAC and OGG (which sounds better at similar bitrates.) His comment was not ridiculous at all. There is no excuse for having a mp3 on your home machine when you could have a FLAC (even if you convert elsewhere), or for WMP for not supporting it.
Anonymous said on July 11, 2009

It worked for me. I can now play ogg & FLAC files with WMP. Many thanks!
shawnz said on August 4, 2009

WMA has a lossless mode.
Anonymous said on September 18, 2009

Thank you very much!
I was looking for this for some time=)

regards,
Anna
Name said on September 24, 2009

Thanks for the easy & quick instructions! Works great now in WMP.
Anonymous said on October 6, 2009

Thanks ! worked like a charm. (codecs that is)
Jason said on October 28, 2009

If you are using windows 7 64-bit or vista 64-bit you need the updated codecs from here: http://www.xiph.org/dshow/pmwiki.php/Main/Downloads
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on October 31, 2009

but WMA is proprietary and nobody uses it
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on October 31, 2009

WMP is awesome software – it is well laid out and syncs to almost all mediaplayers with the exception of iPods because they suck
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on October 31, 2009

I use VLC all the time for my video files because I don’t have TOO many video files, and because I use playlist, but it doesn’t support libraries and WMP has a nice layout and ways to find and enjoy your music more.
Shah said on November 9, 2009

vlc sux when it comes to audio quality, and the whole point of lookin for flac i assume is wanting higher quality.
Anonymous said on November 9, 2009

I downloaded vlc to play flac it worked for a while but no plays with no sound even though the volume level is up.

I have done a google search and I am not the only one with this problem although nobody offers a solution.
Anonymous said on November 9, 2009

What ‘little tweaks’. Sounds like hour wasted to me ….
Dex Luther said on November 10, 2009

The sad truth is that FLAC is a needless waste of space. Most people can’t even hear the difference between a FLAC and MP3 yet they insist on using bloated FLAC files just because people say it’s better.

Nothing but sheep.

I keep two files on my MP3 player just to prove this point whenever someone brings up the FLAC topic. Two copies of the same song. One FLAC the other MP3. I play them both for the ‘FLACists’, and most of them can’t even tell the difference. The ones that do just get lucky guessing.

The truth is that even with an expensive sound system (I have JM Labs speakers just to give you a little idea) there’s no real audible difference. If there is it’s because you’re an idiot listening to 192kbit MP3’s.

I only get FLAC when there’s no other choice. Otherwise it’s all 320kbit MP3 and there’s absolutely no audible difference at all.
Anonymous said on November 18, 2009

I’m sorry Dex,

But you are obviously frustrated by something, either youth or a lack of disk space, but I ask you this? Why would you even bother to bother what other people do? It is not your disk space, and not your time… True, most wont tell the difference, but many can and do… I am an audiophile and have audiophile quality equipment and I can hear the difference clear as day…

I’m not a sheep (remember, baa-aa-aa means no), I just like to hear the music, and ALL the music, not sound that mimics the music because of the lopped off highs and flooded lows…
Micky said on December 12, 2009

The problem with using a codec for flac files to play on WMP is that you still can’t add Flac files to your WMP Library.
Breakfast Cookies said on December 18, 2009

All these comments, and this is pretty much the first useful one.
CJ said on January 8, 2010

Just to clarify, since of course a file format can’t put in extra clarity all by itself: your FLAC file was mastered from an analog and non-CD source?

Since CD audio is only ‘average’ quality for certain types of music, playing a FLAC mastered from a CD vs a 320kbps MP3 from the same source really isn’t a fair test of the format.

But your point that people “insist on using bloated FLAC files just because people say it’s better” is still accurate, as there’s no disclaimer around FLAC saying it really only gets to shine when taken from a high-quality (non-CD) source, and otherwise 320kbps MP3 should do a similar job with less space, as you say.
CJ said on January 8, 2010

Sure you can, Micky. Have a look at http://www.softpointer.com/WMPTagSupport.htm.
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on February 10, 2010

If you like firefox, check out the player called SONGBIRD – it has addons like firefox, and is based on the mozilla engine!
Name said on April 7, 2010

Here is my problem, Ive got a movie, the audio is FLAC, video works, audio doesnt….
Dave Burton said on May 20, 2010

This link (for the codecs) is obsolete:
http://www.illiminable.com/ogg/

The current link is:
http://www.xiph.org/dshow/

Dave Burton
Bağlama Büyüsü said on May 28, 2010

Thanks man – THIS WORKS just fine. Easy quick install, job done. Good work!
Gary said on June 6, 2010

I tried to download the OGG and FLac codecs, but was sent to a page that is blocked.
London SEO said on June 14, 2010

yeah cracking! thanks!!!
ProfessorKelp said on June 29, 2010

Well said. There is a big difference between FLAC and MP3. Especially with classical music.
Nick said on July 21, 2010

Im listening to Fire On High by ELO. Right now Im listening to a .mp3 version.
Earlier I was listening to my CD copy .flac Version, And the difference is Really clear.
The high end sounds clearer and the cymbal crashes dont ring at all.
And 320kbit mp3 is stupid. Same as 192kbit on my koss lv 20 headphones.
Chunky Hunk said on August 21, 2010

What advice can anyone give around the best media player to have on my system?

I just want a player that will play what WMP won’t
razzz42 said on August 22, 2010

FLV (video and audio)

Foobar (audio)

Windows Media Classic [download via K-Lite Codec website( video and audio)]
Ray said on August 24, 2010

Agreed. Plus WMP12 (or Media Connect) is an excellent streaming server (foobar2000 can also do streaming but does not run as a windows service, so you need to have it open all the time). Library functionality of WMP is also first rate. The only problem with WMP is it’s lack of support for formats like FLAC, having said that, there really isn’t any need for FLAC when there is WMA Lossless (lol)..
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on August 24, 2010

Yeah, microsoft’s been putting a lot of effort into their streaming and network sharing technologies! I’m loving all of the new features, but I’m finding that to take advantage of ALL of them, i’ll probably have to upgrade a few of my computers to windows 7, but that’s ok.

I hope ubuntu implements something like that in the future!
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on August 24, 2010

How can something suck when it comes to audio quality???
Either it plays or it doesn’t!

I’m pretty sure that audio quality depends completely on hardware, as all the other parts like decoding are digital, so there can’t really be any degradation there.

But prove me wrong. How could one player have better sound quality that the other???
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on August 24, 2010

If you’re not using wmp for the library/sharing features, and you are having trouble installing these codecs, then try VLC just as a temporary solution.
iPodmAster said on August 27, 2010

I believe you can do it in rock box
CB said on August 30, 2010

“I’m pretty sure that audio quality depends completely on hardware, as all the other parts like decoding are digital, so there can’t really be any degradation there.”

Aaaaiiiiiiiii
Hardware only?
Ever thought about compression and codec(s) ?
Guys you anything you want, just download ffshow and k-lite codecs extra: all works.
WMP is THE shittiest player around and yes I’m a pro in this area.
Use Wmp classic + VLC player and you play: with the named codecs packs: everything.
If you want it on cd for the car: just wave it, that goes pretty lossless to carspeakers.
But yeah my studio headset says different………
CB said on August 30, 2010

stupid me: typo’s

“Guys play anything you want, just download ffdshow and k-lite codecs extra: all works, audio+video”
CB said on August 30, 2010

As said above: 100% correct.
But I dont use windows audio progs so in win its just a vid prog to me.
Thanks and agreed.
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on August 30, 2010

yeah, but this is all dependent in where the file COMES from or is created with.

I use VLC player mainly now and for most of my media library stuff I use Rythmbox (for Ubuntu) or Songbird (based on firefox).
Travis Harding said on September 1, 2010

Honestly i would recommend installing VLC or media player classic, also installing K-lite codec pack http://www.codecguide.com/download_kl.htm. This should help.
Iokjjkjjk said on September 12, 2010

thnks
Matrixmayhem said on October 16, 2010

the most simple solution is download k light mega codec and its smooth sailing from there.
James Zace said on November 8, 2010

Vlc Rocks!!
James Zace said on November 8, 2010

Ya know… to the people talking about quality. If you have a decent pair of headphones (earbuds suck imo) and a powerful player .flac is much better while VERY close to 320 mp3 using Sony sound forge I could not only hear the difference, I could see the difference. Mp3 and other compressions chop the top and bottom so to speak. But… if im away from my computer and i want to listen to it in my car i just convert it and put it on cd or mp3 player cause lets face it, when im driving im paying more attention to the road than wether or not my music is flawless.
retsamhsif said on November 11, 2010

Thank you Dave Burton, my flacs work with WMP on Windows 7 now!
Rico said on November 17, 2010

A user might just not have the physical space on their Hddrive, FLAC’s are larger files after all….
Arro said on December 11, 2010

Jeez Hans, take a deep breath pal!
It is possible to obtain an audio file and want to play it on a system that isn’t FLAC compatible. And very few audio systems offer sufficient fidelity that you would even be able to tell the difference anyway. And then there is the little issue of file size too. Lossless IS just bigger. There are many reasons someone “in their right mind” would want to do this. Unclench a little, man. People need options sometimes without needing others to take it personally. Y’know?
Info said on December 25, 2010

Thankk you Dave, my WMP is also workin on Win 7 just fine
Umeed said on December 27, 2010

i installed a codec for windows to play a flac file, i ahve excellent speakers, and i also felt these songs using a flac player without decoding, there is a hell of a difference mate…
Mimi said on January 5, 2011

Just use K-lite codec pack. It is much better.
VVN said on February 9, 2011

WMA lossless ISN’T LOSSLESS. IT’S COMPRESSED AND BOOSTED> WHY DOES EVERYBODY THINK IT’S LOSSLESS????????
VVN said on February 9, 2011

Why—-The—-HELL—-does everyone think WMA lossless is lossless?
It isn’t. Neither is Apple Lossless…
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on February 9, 2011

it’s called lossless, it sounds lossless (aka. great), and it has a huge bitrate. Sounds pretty lossless to me.

Why does everyone think it’s lossless? BECAUSE IT IS. Also it has lossless in it’s name.
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on February 9, 2011

what does “boosted” mean?
Connor McBrine-Ellis said on February 9, 2011

BOTH of those are lossless audio files. HECK they have LOSSLESS in their names! SO STOP SAYING THEY AREN’T! What’s next, are you gunna say FLAC’s not lossless? Grow up.
Wellsp said on February 15, 2011

I think the main thrust was why won’t Window’s Media Player support the
FLAC codec natively.
Mr Knowitall said on March 8, 2011

Windows Media Player: How do I Play Ogg and FLAC Files in WMP?
The answer: Who cares.
There is a ridiculous amount of alternatives to WMP that are infinitely better.
For audio try: J River Jukebox, Media Monkey, XBMC, Songbird.
For Video try: VLC, J River Media Center, XBMC, TMT.
Hellbilly Hillraiser said on March 11, 2011

The point of FLAC is so that when files are traded multiple times they don’t get degraded. Anyone can incode a 96kbit MP3 file as 320kbit but the audio quality is still 96kbit. The FLAC format preserves original adio quality for music traders.
Dj_jammer said on August 15, 2011

Let’s get this clear. FLAC is Free Lossless (not entirely) Audio Codec. It has ome loss. Not as much as mp3. FLAC is a compression technique.
Compression techniques take large files such as wave (.wav) files and reduce the data bits while preserving as much of the audio landscape as possible. It is NOT 100 percent lossless. It is taking a .wav file and compressing it into a container. Notice “as possible” being a key phrase. NOTHING is 100 percent lossless!!!!
Dj_jammer said on August 15, 2011

one thing to add….linear pcm is also .wav. linear pcm is standard wave format. In which goes into FLAC container.

Everyone has different sets of ears. Taste is all that matters. No sense in flaming.

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Windows Media Player: How do I Play Ogg and FLAC Files in WMP?

Ogg and FLAC are two popular formats that are being used more and more. If you like WMP but need to listen to this file type, then you just need to convert the files or install the codecs.

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