It is indeed possible to add external subtitles to a picture that you're watching using Windows Media Histrion. If you take wrung your hair over it for a long time, hither's the solution that solves the problem.

The classic Windows Media Player 12 is Microsoft'south default audio and video player. Only it hasn't been updated since 2009. Maybe, you enjoy the simplicity of using the media player that came with your PC.

So far you are fine with it... except when it comes to subtitles. Here we're going to go through the procedure of calculation subtitles to Windows Media Player in two main steps.

  1. Download your movie and subtitle file.
  2. Install a third political party codec called Advanced Codecs.

But first, let'southward see if you accept Windows Media Thespian installed on your Windows 10 PC.

Windows Media Player 12 Interface

Don't worry if you can't run across Windows Media Actor 12 in your Programs list. Windows Media Role player used to be the default media player on Windows 7, Windows eight, or Windows 8.1. Notwithstanding, things changed with Windows x where it became an optional feature.

Now, yous demand to download and install Windows Media Role player if it's not there in your version of Windows 10. Microsoft Support has a list of the Windows Media Player versions which volition help you find the right version of the Role player for your organization.

Set Your Pic File and Subtitle File

Many torrent downloads include subtitles. Simply permit's assume you have downloaded or ripped a video file that doesn't have subtitles.

There are many websites that offer subtitles for download in multiple languages. Pick any from the three listed below. There are many more than you lot tin find with a Google Search.

I prefer Subscene.com because information technology lists all the pop subtitles in an uncluttered interface that makes search a breeze.

Discover and download the exact matching subtitle file that has been synced with that particular video file. Choose a subtitle that has the same up-loader name every bit the movie file. Or friction match the name to the ripped type.

Download the files and excerpt them if they come in a Zilch format.

For a demo, I have an episode of Doom Patrol and some subtitles that I've put in one mutual folder called "Subtitled Doom Patrol TV Series". Notice that both don't accept matching names yet.

Windows Media Player Subtitles

Rename Both Files to Match Each Other

At present, just put both of the files in the same folder and brand sure they take the same name (aside from the extension). In this case, the video is "Doom Patrol" and the subtitle file is "Doom Patrol.srt".

Match name of video to subtitle file

Right-click on the video and choose "Play with Windows Media Histrion". Hopefully, your video now plays with subtitles. Just if it withal isn't working, you lot accept a few more options.

Play-With-Windows-Media-Play

Next upward, try setting up Windows Media Player to display captions. From the default domicile screen, you can right-click on the bar nigh the top and select Play > Lyrics, captions, and subtitles > On if available.

Enable subtitles in WMP

If the video is already playing, right-click anywhere on the player and select Lyrics, captions, and subtitles > On if available.

Switch on subtitles in WMP when video is playing

How to Download a Third Political party Codec

I of the big failings of Windows Media Player is that information technology doesn't recognize downloaded subtitle files that employ the SRT and SUB extensions. In that case, you have to seek the help of 3rd-party codecs.

The codec of choice used to be DirectVobSub. Only in all my attempts, I couldn't brand information technology play the subtitles with the latest version of the app.

The Solution:

An alternative codec for Windows Media Player 12 that worked for me is called Avant-garde Codec (version 11.5.i) by a programmer named Shark007. Information technology is an audio and video codec packet for Windows 7, 8, and ten. The release contains a full suite of decoders for both 32 bit and 64 flake systems.

Also included in the package is the DirectVobSub/VSFilter (the addition for Microsoft Windows that is able to read external subtitle files) with a GUI controller for the installed codecs.

The codec is available from MajorGeeks and a few alternative download mirrors. MajorGeeks is a trusted website and has been in the download business since 2002. Yes, the site's design yet harks back to the skillful old days!

Run the ADVANCED Codec executable. The installer will download the codecs to your figurer earlier finalizing the install.

Advanced Codec Installer

Avant-garde Codec also installs a Settings application in your Program carte or desktop. This gives you lot a GUI to tweak a few settings in case your subtitles are not displayed.

Windows Media Thespian 12 can be quite moody with a few specific file types. I have run into bug with MP4 video formats.

You lot can try a few tweaks suggested by Shark007.

  • For an AVI file, choose to disable the DMO codecs on the Swap Tab of the ADVANCED Codec Settings application.
  • If it is an MP4 file, choose to disable the Microsoft Audio decoder on the Swap TAB. You may besides need to disable the Microsoft Video decoder.
Advanced Codec Settings Application

If you still tin't encounter whatsoever subtitles, however, in that location is ane final thing yous can attempt. Rename the subtitle file and change the ".srt" to a ".sub". For me, the subtitles played regardless of whether it was called SRT or SUB, simply some users report one working more often than the other.

The archetype Windows Media Player has seen amend days. While you tin still practice bones tasks, like rotate videos in Windows Media Actor, it'south non sufficient for many in the modern era.

Thus, there'due south no need to go to such lengths to play your favorite subtitled videos as there are enough alternatives for the outmoded Windows Media Player. The popular VideoLAN (VLC) player is the most favored as it tin play everything correct out of the box. It is costless, there'due south an active open source community behind it, and it is cross-platform too.