How to Vary Windows Media Player 12 Playback Speed

Changing the playback speed of music, a song, or video can be useful. For instance, if you are learning to play a musical instrument, then using Windows Media Player to slow down music without changing the pitch is a great educational aid. WMP can also vary the playback speed visually too which can be useful for following educational videos for example where slow motion is needed to better understand a concept.

To find out how to vary the playback speed of audio and video in Windows Media Player 12, be sure to follow this step-by-step tutorial.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 Mins Max.

Here's How:

1. If you are currently viewing Windows Media Player 12 (WMP 12) in Library, Skin mode, etc., then switch to the Now Playing mode by clicking the View menu tab and selecting the Now Playing option. If you can't see the menu bar at the top of WMP 12's screen because it has been turned off, then hold the [CTRL] key and press [M] to turn it on again.

   Alternatively, if you want to use a keyboard shortcut for this task, hold down [CTRL] and press [3].

2. Right-click the main part of the screen and then choose Enhancements > Play Speed Settings.

3. On the playback speed pop-up window that appears, use the slider bar to vary the speed that the audio or video is played. A value of 1 is for normal playback speed, while a lower or higher figure either slows or speeds up the playback. There are also presets that you can use by clicking on the Slow, Normal, or Fast links near the top of the pop-up window.

1. For more granular control, clear the check box next to the Snap Slider to Common Speeds option. This will enable you to fine tune the speed of the song or video being played back.

What You Need:

• Windows Media Player 12
• Digital audio or video files