The best Windows Media Player skins

You have here a collection of the best Windows Media Player skins for Windows Media Player 9, 10, 11 and XP. 25 top notch skins waiting for you to download for free.

Man, I remember when I first discovered them – it was like opening up a whole new world of personalization!

You know, it’s like, one day you’re just

listening to your tunes on this basic player,
not thinking much of it,
and then BAM! Skins enter the scene.

And these skins aren’t just for show. They

let you express your style,
give you a sense of ownership, and
totally amp up the user experience.

In this article, we’re gonna take a wild ride through the realm of Windows Media Player skins. We’ll explore everything from the classics that’ll take you down memory lane, to the newest designs that’ll blow your mind. By the end, you might just stumble upon your next go-to skin.

How to install Windows Media Player skins

Extract the skin in \Storage\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Player and then select it from the skins menu in the player or simply double click the .wmz file.

Awesome Windows Media Player skins to check out

Satin for WMP 10

Stalker for WMP 11

Author’s comment: “The Official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. – Shadow of Chernobyl Windows Media Player 11 Skin

THQ, is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

In 2005, THQ joined forces with The Skins Factory to create the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. – Shadow of Chernobyl Windows Media Player 10 skin. Now in 2007, the Windows Media Player skin is issued to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s worldwide. Featuring a start-up animation with sound FX, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. WMP 11 is a “must have” for those entering the “zone”.”

BluEye for WMP 9

Author’s comment: “This skin is a fully functional WMP9 skin with several special effects and extra content. It includes:

-Equalizer
-Playlist
-Visualisations Mode
-Video Mode
-Info Mode, which contains contact information and a making-of slide show.”

Skinister media center for WMP 10

iTunesSnow for WMP XP

3 Colorshemes :blue/black/graphite

Lost Planet for WMP 11

Author’s comment: “Capcom® is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Viewtiful Joe, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series.

Capcom + The Skins Factory deliver the sub-zero, hyper-cool Windows Media Player 10 skin for Lost Planet. Lost Planet is a riveting sci-fi action shooter for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and mobile phone platforms. This exciting Windows Media Player 10 skin includes features like dual shutters, a retractable button compartment, sound FX, animations, a searchable playlist and many exciting stills and information from the upcoming game release of — Lost Planet.”

iMac G4 styled for WMP 10

Orion for WMP 10

Author’s comment: “Making use of most new features of Windows Media Player 10, Orion provides a tranquil and interesting skin experience. Envisioned as an evolution of BluEye, one of my Windows Media Player 9 skins, Orion fullfills all requierements to be both easy-to-use and interesting to explore. Not only that all functions of BluEye are customized in Orion, there is a plenty of new ones like the enhanced video and playlist mode. And for the curious among you, there is an extra info mode providing interesting information about making of Orion.

Here is a short list of its most important features:

-Enhanced playlist mode with access to the media library, CD ripping and an enhanced interface for better orientation.
-Visualisations mode providing info about the current track.
-Enhanced video mode with volume and seek controls directly on the window frame, so you can control the video even if the main console is hidden. Featuring DVD controls and zoom, too.
-Enhanced info mode with more information about the making of Orion
-Customized Equalizer
-Animations and other extra content”

wmpTunes for WMP 11

wmpTunes_by_avenger3871 All the good Windows Media Player skins

Author’s comment: “wmpTunes was inspired by the iTunes’ mini skin’s compact design and Windows Media Player 11’s sleek and shiny eye candy. With the combined look of two delicious designs, wmpTunes is sure to appeal to everyone.

Features:
-Skinned equalizer
-Transparency (on mouseout)
-Hidable volume control
-AlbumArt display
-Artist, Song title, and Album name display

Note: wmpTunes has been tested using Windows Media Player 11 in Windows XP. Although no errors have been found in testing, some features may not work in older versions of Windows Media Player.”

Transformers for WMP 10

PDC ’03 for WMP 11

Author’s comment: “A PDC ’03 inspired Windows Media Player style.

This is for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 x86.

Install:
Take ownership of
C:\Windows\System32\wmploc.DLL
rename it to
wmploc.old
extract the one here into C:\Windows\System32\”

iPod Clear for WMP 10

Knight Deck Media for WMP 10

Knight_Deck_Media_skin_by_m All the good Windows Media Player skins

Alienware Darkstar for WMP 11

X-FHL for WMP 10

Author’s comment: “My first animated Windows Media Player skin. Every time I’m using The Skins Factory’s WMP skins I want to create skin like theirs! Their skins have rich 3D animations and perfect lighting effects. Few days ago, I started to make this skin with 3Ds MAX. Because of the animations, SkinStudio is not useable for creating it. I have to directly edit the wms file by notepad. And in fact, I really really suffered from switching programs between PhotoShop, 3Ds MAX, GIF Movie Gear, notepad and some folders. But at last, I made it and I think it’s good enough for me, a beginner, to show you and sharing with you!”

Zippo for WMP XP

Author’s comment: “Zippo Manufacturing, the world famous maker of the Zippo Windproof lighter with the famous Lifetime Guarantee, has licensed Stardock’s Theme Manager software as part of Zippo’s marketing efforts. The suite was created by Pixtudio and includes WindowBlinds, IconPackage, wallpaper and WinAmp and Windows Media Player skins.”

PDC ’03 for WMP 11 (Windows XP)

M-Pad for WMP XP

M_Pad All the good Windows Media Player skins

Author’s comment: “This big green button completes my trio of simple WMP skins – one Triangular (Tierce), one round (Orbit), and this square one. Slide out Viz and Equaliser, with resizable playlist and video window. Now – what does the ‘M’ stand for? Media? Music? Mucus? You decide.”

zimanium for WMP 10

Batman Begins for WMP 10

Author’s comment: “Contracted by Microsoft Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Skins Factory delivers a Windows Media Player skin fit for a hero.

Works with Windows Media Player 11.”

Longhorn Slate media player for WMP 10

TinyMachine for WMP 10

Author’s comment: “TinyMachine – Color Pack

This skin is a port from geektechnu’s “TinyRedMachine” for Avetunes.
The Zip file includes 10 Colors.[8 Colors, 1 Black & 1 Gray]. It Features User Rating and AlbumArt.

List Of Colors:
-Red
-Orange
-Yellow
-Green
-Aqua
-Blue
-Purple
-Fusia
-Black
-Gray”

NVIDIA Reactor for WMP 10

Author’s comment: “NVIDIA contracted TSF to create a companion skin to our XFire application UI.

An advanced Windows Media Player 10 skin that pushes the boundaries of skin functionality and design. Forget a moment the exciting intro and runtime animations laced with sound effects that are sure to please even the most casual user, but now we’ve created an advanced Playlist module that will let you search you library, rate your songs, access playlists with a quick click of your mouse and even RIP your cds right from the skin.

Works with Windows Media Player 11.”

Glassy for WMP 10

main_kopiera All the good Windows Media Player skins

Ipod Touch for WMP XP

FAQ about Windows media player skins

What are Windows Media Player skins?

Oh, I got this! Windows Media Player skins are customized graphical interfaces that you can apply to Windows Media Player to change its appearance. They are created using XML and JScript, and can offer a fresh look or even additional features. Some popular skins include different themes, colors, or even ones based on popular movies or video games. It’s a cool way to personalize your media player!

How do I install a skin?

Easy peasy! To install a Windows Media Player skin, first, you need to download a skin file, which typically has a .wmz or .wms extension. Then, open Windows Media Player, click “View” in the toolbar, and choose “Skin Chooser.” Simply drag and drop the downloaded skin file into the Skin Chooser window, and it should appear in the list of available skins. Select it, and you’re good to go!

Are they safe to download?

No worries! Generally, downloading Windows Media Player skins is safe as long as you get them from reputable sources like the official Microsoft website or other well-known skin repositories. It’s always a good idea to use an antivirus program to scan any downloaded files just in case. So, stay cautious, and you’ll be enjoying those fresh skins in no time!

How do I create my own skin?

You got this! To create your own Windows Media Player skin, you’ll need some basic knowledge of XML and JScript. Microsoft provides a Windows Media Player Skin Importer utility that you can use to create your skin project. You’ll design your skin layout, create the necessary XML and JScript files, and package them into a .wmz or .wms file. The sky’s the limit with your creativity!

Can I use skins with other media players?

Hmm, let me think. While Windows Media Player skins are designed specifically for Windows Media Player, some other media players might support importing or converting these skins. However, compatibility isn’t guaranteed. You may have better luck looking for skins made specifically for your preferred media player, as many popular ones have their own skinning systems.

Can I share my custom skins?

Share the love! Absolutely, you can share your custom Windows Media Player skins with others. You might want to create a readme file with installation instructions and any necessary credits. Then, compress your skin file and readme into a zip archive and share it on forums, social media, or skin repositories. Remember to respect copyright laws and any guidelines set by the platforms you share on.

How do I uninstall a skin?

Piece of cake! To uninstall a Windows Media Player skin, open the Skin Chooser by clicking “View” and then “Skin Chooser” in Windows Media Player. Find the skin you want to uninstall, right-click on it, and choose “Delete.” The skin will be removed from the list, and you can switch back to another skin or the default interface.

Can skins affect player performance?

Good question! While most Windows Media Player skins shouldn’t cause any performance issues, some complex or resource-intensive skins might slow down the player or make it less responsive. If you notice performance issues after applying a new skin, try switching back to the default interface or a simpler skin to see if that resolves the problem.

Are skins compatible with all Windows Media Player versions?

Let’s see. Windows Media Player skins are generally compatible with Windows Media Player versions 7 and up. However, some skins might require specific features or APIs that are only available in newer versions of the player. Be sure to check the skin’s documentation or the creator’s notes for any version requirements before installing.

How do I find cool skins to download?

Oh, the world of possibilities! To find cool Windows Media Player skins to download, start by visiting the official Microsoft website, which has a collection of skins available. Additionally, you can explore other popular skin repositories, forums, or even social media platforms where users share their custom creations. Just remember to always download from reputable sources and scan files with an antivirus program to ensure you’re getting safe and high-quality skins.

Ending thoughts on these Windows Media Player skins

So, wrapping up this trip down memory lane, we’ve gotta talk about Windows Media Player skins.

No kidding, these were the real deal! It was like walking into a car dealership and being told, “Pick any model, any color, it’s all yours.”
The power to customize, the thrill of making your player look just the way you wanted, it was something else!

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Are Windows Media Player skins really that big a deal?”

You bet they were.

From the sleek and professional, to the wild and crazy, these skins were the spice that kept our music experience flavorful and exciting. They were about adding a bit of personality to the otherwise standard, cookie-cutter music players.

So let’s raise a toast to Windows Media Player skins. They made sure our music never looked or felt the same, and for that, we’re forever thankful.

Author
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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.