Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstalliTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows Media Professional Exhibitor was Microsoft’s legacy utility for playing Windows Media video full-screen on one display while keeping transport controls and playlists on a second display. It was built for theatrical presentations, exhibitions, demonstrations, and other operator-controlled playback—not for modern streaming, video editing, or combining two monitors into one wide desktop.
What Windows Media Professional Exhibitor was
Microsoft presented Windows Media Professional Exhibitor at NAB 2005 as a professional monitoring and playback tool within the Windows Media Video 9 and VC-1 high-definition ecosystem. Its defining feature was the separation of the audience picture from the operator interface: the presentation display showed uninterrupted full-screen video, while the technician used another monitor for play, pause, seeking, playlist management, and other transport controls.
Microsoft’s historical announcement describes the product as a “powerful monitoring tool” for Windows Media playback. See the Microsoft announcement for that original context.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What problem it solved
In an exhibition or presentation, the audience should see only the program image. The operator, however, needs controls and status information. Using one screen for both can expose menus, mouse movement, or playback interruptions to viewers. Exhibitor treated the second monitor as a private operator console.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
This is different from monitor spanning. The application was not intended to merge two displays into one very wide Windows desktop such as a 2,560×1,024 workspace. Historical discussions show that users sometimes confused its second-monitor workflow with desktop-span features; those are separate functions. A historical monitor-spanning discussion illustrates the distinction.
How the historical two-monitor workflow worked
- Connect two displays to the Windows computer and configure an extended desktop rather than mirrored output.
- Start the Exhibitor application and load a Windows Media file or playlist.
- Place the control and playlist window on the monitor used by the technician.
- Put the audience-facing display into full-screen playback.
- Before an event, test resolution, aspect ratio, audio routing, seeking, looping, and recovery after stopping or restarting playback.
The surviving documentation does not establish the exact menu labels or display-selection procedure, so a modern setup should not assume that a particular Windows dialog or application option will match the original.
Version and historical timeline
| Detail | What the surviving record shows |
|---|---|
| Historical introduction | Announced by Microsoft at NAB in April 2005. |
| Commonly listed version | 2.0.1.3, according to a third-party archive. |
| Archive listing date | March 7, 2007, in that archive’s metadata. |
| Listed file | WM ProEx v2.zip.ZIP. |
| Listed download size | Approximately 26.1 MB. |
| Listed license | Freeware in the third-party listing. |
These version, date, filename, size, and license details are archive metadata from Softpedia’s historical listing, not a current Microsoft support statement. “2.0.1.3” should therefore be described as the commonly listed historical version, not as a currently supported latest release.
Requirements and playback assumptions
Two displays and a suitable graphics configuration
Third-party listings identify dual monitors as a requirement. The computer also needed Windows Media playback components, a graphics adapter capable of driving the displays, and a Windows configuration that exposed both screens to the application.
HD performance in its original era
Microsoft associated the utility with Windows Media 9/VC-1 high-definition playback. Contemporary descriptions mention PCI Express graphics hardware and DirectX Video Acceleration (DXVA) as ways to improve HD playback performance. They do not establish PCI Express or DXVA as absolute installation requirements for every file or configuration. Hardware acceleration that worked with an era-appropriate driver should not be assumed to work on a current GPU or Windows release.
Rank #2
- Fits 13" to 30" Screens - Dual monitor mount fitting two screens 13” to 30” in size and up to 22 lbs in weight each with VESA 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes. Cable management clips are provided along the arms and center pole.
- Articulation & Height Adjustment - Adjustable arm offers +90° to -90° tilt, 180° swivel, 360° rotation, and height adjustment along the center pole. Monitors can be placed in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Heavy Duty C-Clamp - Mounts to the back of your desk (up to 3.25” thick) via a heavy-duty C-clamp or optional grommet mount.
- Easy Installation - Mounting your monitors is a simple process with detachable VESA bracket plates. We provide the hardware and easy-to-follow instructions for assembly.
- We've Got You Covered - Sturdy steel design is backed with a 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty and friendly tech support to help with any questions or concerns.
“Windows All” is not a Windows 10 or 11 guarantee
Archive pages may use broad labels such as “Windows All.” That is an archival compatibility label, not evidence that the program runs correctly on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Current operating-system compatibility has not been verified, and Microsoft no longer presents the utility as a maintained product.
What files it was meant to play
Exhibitor targeted Windows Media files, particularly content from the WMV9/VC-1 generation used for HD distribution and playback. “Windows Media” describes a family of containers, codecs, profiles, audio formats, and related technologies rather than one universal format.
Whether a particular file opens depends on its container, video and audio codecs, profile, DRM or licensing requirements, and the Windows Media components available in the test environment. A historical Exhibitor installation should not be presumed to support MP4, H.264, HEVC/H.265, AV1, modern streaming protocols, or current DRM systems.
What it was—and was not
| Use case | Was Exhibitor designed for it? |
|---|---|
| Full-screen Windows Media playback | Yes |
| Operator controls on another display | Yes |
| Theatrical, exhibition, or presentation playback | Yes |
| Video encoding | No |
| Video editing | No |
| Codec-pack installation | No |
| Combining monitors into one desktop | No |
| Modern streaming client | No |
| Universal current-codec player | No assumption should be made |
Can it still be used?
Possibly, but only as controlled legacy software. As of August 18, 2026, there is no verified current Microsoft product page or supported download channel for Exhibitor. Historical forum references point to former Microsoft Windows Media utilities resources, but an old URL does not prove that the page or file remains available. A historical discussion of Microsoft’s former utilities page should be treated as evidence of past distribution only.
Do not claim that an archive download is safe merely because it has a download button, and do not label the program malware without evidence. The defensible description is unsupported legacy software with uncertain file provenance.
Rank #3
- Computer Compatibility - To ensure compatibility of the dual monitor mount, each of your monitors must meet three conditions: Firstly, screen size range: 13 to 32 inches. Secondly, screen weight limit: 17.6lbs. Thirdly, there must be VESA mounting holes on the back of the monitor screen that are spaced 75x75 mm or 100x100 mm apart. Please make sure that your monitor meets all of the above conditions before purchasing, if you are still unsure, you can seek help from customer service.
- Two Installation Options - With a detailed instruction manual and labeled hardware, the ErGear monitor mount is a breeze to set up. For the sake of using experience, please check if your table meets the following three conditions: Material first, we only recommend wooden table. Secondly, The bottom of the table should preferably be free of any beams or panels that may interfere with installation. Table thickness thirdly,'C' clamp fits 0.39"-3" while grommet mount fits 0.39"-2.36".
- Versatile Compatibility - With a 31.22“ wide arm span and 16” high bar, this dual monitor arm accommodates two 32” monitors, providing a very large amount of adjustability for your work use and allowing you to enjoy an immersive viewing experience.
- Flexible Screen Positioning - Experience ultimate flexibility with our dual monitor stand that features +/-90° swivel, +/-45° tilt, and 360° rotation. Easily adjust monitor angle for ergonomic viewing to avoid neck and eye strain. Achieve optimal comfort with customizable screen positioning, perfect for your office desk, gaming setup, or multitasking workspace.
- Free Up Desk Space - Elevate your monitors closer to eye level with our dual monitor desk mount, freeing up valuable desk space for laptops, keyboards, speakers, or other devices. Integrated cable management clips allow you to route cables for a clean look that maximizes efficiency and focus.
Safe archival testing procedure
- Preserve the original media and installer archives unchanged; work from copies.
- Scan every downloaded archive and installer with current security tools.
- Verify a cryptographic hash when a trustworthy reference hash is available.
- Test in an isolated virtual machine or offline, dedicated archival computer rather than a production workstation.
- Do not disable security protections simply to force installation, and avoid cracked or modified packages.
- Record the operating-system version, 32-bit or 64-bit state, graphics adapter, driver, display arrangement, audio device, and test results.
- Use a short, non-critical WMV sample first. Confirm full-screen output, operator controls, seeking, looping, audio, and recovery after a failure.
- Keep a maintained player or a verified transcoded copy as a fallback, while retaining the original file untouched.
Common failure modes
Controls appear on the wrong monitor
Display numbering may not match the physical arrangement, the screens may be mirrored, the second display may have been enabled after the application started, or a legacy driver may report the desktop differently.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Close Exhibitor.
- Confirm that Windows is using extended, not mirrored, displays.
- Arrange and identify the screens in the operating system.
- Relaunch the application and place the operator window deliberately.
- Test with a short clip before loading the event playlist.
This is practical troubleshooting guidance, not a verified official procedure; the original control behavior is no longer documented in an accessible current manual.
Playback stutters or drops frames
- The file may exceed the system’s decoding or storage throughput.
- DXVA may be unavailable, disabled, or incompatible with the driver.
- The file may use a profile or audio format not supported by the installed components.
- Network storage or background processes may interrupt reading.
Try local storage, close unnecessary applications, test a lower-bitrate or lower-resolution copy, and monitor a complete pre-roll. Do not assume that a modern GPU will provide acceleration to this legacy application. If reliable playback remains impossible, use a maintained player or transcode a working copy.
The file does not open
Possible causes include missing Windows Media components, an unsupported container or profile, DRM or licensing dependencies, corruption, operating-system incompatibility, or old installer assumptions. Test a known-good WMV sample, inspect the file with a current media-analysis tool, reproduce the original environment in a virtual machine, and preserve the source file before attempting conversion.
Choosing a replacement today
For ordinary local video playback
Use a maintained player such as VLC or mpv, or a current Windows media player whose codec support is documented. These can handle many modern formats, but they should not be assumed to reproduce Exhibitor’s exact operator-console workflow.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- Fits 13" to 32" Screens: Compatible with computer monitors up to 13” to 32” in size and weighing up to 22 lbs each with 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes --Patented--
- Strong and Balanced Tempered Glass Base: Provides extra support and increases stability for dual-screen setups. The rectangular glass base measures 15.2” x 10.2" and features bottom-side padding. The pole and arms are made of steel
- Flexible Screen Positioning: Adjustable arms offer +90° to -90° tilt, 360° swivel, 360° rotation, and height adjustment along the center pole. Monitors can be placed in portrait or landscape positions
- Removable VESA Plates: Create a simple screen mounting process. We include easy-to-follow instructions and hardware for quick assembly
- Best Practices: Please do not pull monitors too far forward or backward unless the stand is bolted down, as this will cause stability issues
For signage, events, or venue playback
Evaluate dedicated digital-signage, show-control, presentation, hardware-player, broadcast, or venue-playback systems. Compare:
- cueing and playlist control;
- looping and scheduling;
- frame-accurate playback;
- failover and restart behavior;
- external control and automation;
- audio routing and display synchronization;
- logging, vendor support, warranties, and current operating-system compatibility.
For desktop spanning or multi-monitor management
Use Windows display settings, current GPU-driver features, or a maintained multi-monitor utility. Exhibitor was not designed to create one panoramic desktop.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line
Windows Media Professional Exhibitor was a legitimate Microsoft-era playback utility for exhibition-style Windows Media work: full-screen video for the audience, controls and playlists for the operator. Its historical value is clear, but its current value is narrow. Treat version 2.0.1.3 and other download details as archival metadata, test only in an isolated legacy environment, and choose maintained playback or signage software for present-day production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Windows Media Professional Exhibitor an official Microsoft product?
Yes. Microsoft announced it at NAB 2005 as a Windows Media monitoring and playback tool. That historical provenance does not mean Microsoft still supports or distributes it.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Does it work on Windows 11?
Compatibility is unverified. Archive labels such as “Windows All” should not be treated as a Windows 11 guarantee.
Best Value
- Fits 13" to 27" Screens: Freestanding dual monitor mount holds two screens 13” to 27” and up to 22 lbs with 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes. Keep power and AV cables clean and organized with detachable cable clips on the arms and center pole
- Full Articulation: Adjustable mount offers +90° to -90° tilt, 180° swivel, 360° rotation, and height adjustment along the center pole for convenient, customizable viewing angles
- Heavy Duty Extra Large Base: Measures 13" x 10.5" providing solid stability while monitors are held within its center of gravity. The bottom of the base features padding to protect your desk from scratches
- Easy Installation with Detachable VESA Plate: Mounting your monitors is a simple process with detachable VESA bracket plates. We provide the hardware and easy-to-follow instructions for assembly
- Best Practices: Please do not pull monitors too far forward or backward unless the stand is bolted down, as this will cause stability issues. Additionallly, please check to make sure the base size fits your available desk space
Does it play MP4 or H.264 video?
Do not assume so. It targeted Windows Media-era files, and playback depends on the file’s container, codecs, profile, DRM, and installed components.
Did it merge two monitors into one large desktop?
No. Its purpose was to put full-screen playback on one display and controls on another; desktop spanning is a different feature.
Did it require two graphics cards?
The historical descriptions establish two displays or display outputs, not two separate graphics cards.
Is version 2.0.1.3 the latest version?
It is the commonly listed historical version, with a March 7, 2007 archive date. No current Microsoft release status is established.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
