Windows 10, Can I run multiple media files at the same time?

Now as I execute mp4 video file it opens with default windows media player, if I click on another file then the current video will stop playing. Can I run two or more media files at the same time? (without closing the current video)

Yes no problems if you use a different player right click on the file and choose open with

Not in Windows Media Player, it's strictly one video at a time (as are almost all players). But there's nothing to stop you running another player along side it. I've done side-by-side comparisons or two near-identical videos to spot edit differences, one in WMP and the other in VLC.

As both Films & TV (aka Movies & TV) and Photos can both play videos, I can run four videos simultaneously (and I have just tested doing exactly that - very confusing :)).

VLC can do that by default.
Also, there are some more, serious players which can do that, like KMPlayer, MPC-HC etc.
Windows players are not included in this category (serious).

werby said:

VLC can do that by default..

What? Play multiple videos simultaneously? I've seen the 'Open Multiple Files' option, but can only get VLC to play them consecutively.

You may open many instances and drop files in each one. You may also redirect sound and video to wherever you want.
Just do it!!!

werby said:

Just do it!!!

OK, to do it I first have to open multiple instances of VLC, then from the file menu on each VLC I can open and play a different video file. It works, but it's not as convenient as using 'File Open..' in Explorer (choosing a different player each time) to open multiple videos.

You may also drop the files in.
All good things have its cost...

werby said:

All good things have its cost...

Yes, and VLC is certainly a 'good thing'. But I think the OP just wants a convenient way to play two videos at once. The 'File Open..' way with a different player is probably easier to use.

So, go to VLC Preferences>>>Interface/Playlist and Instances and uncheck "Use only one instance when starting from file manager".
Then you'll be able to open multiple instances directly from WinExplorer by "Open with.." and/or if files are already associated with VLC you may open multiple selected files simultaneously.