Are you running Windows (Ver?)?
It used to, back in the WinXP days, but I have not used Windows audio software in about twenty years. WMC used to recognize this and ask if you wanted to open a new audio file and begin recording.
You will need a "Record" function available from somewhere. You are asking your machine to "READ" from an analog source and convert it to a digital output.
Not sure if that is still a part of Windows. Older "Windows Media Center" had that available.
I think for best results, you will need a third party software application or you might need to upgrade your Windows Media install.
I have used Audacity (freeware) for many years for simple things like this.
I do almost the same thing using the output from my phono preamp straight into my sound card L&R inputs, completely different cabling, but the same exact process. I have to open a NEW FILE and tell Audacity where to find my connections, name the file and in seconds I am recording an analog LP into a FLAC digital or you can choose among many file types to create the type of file you need.
Here is a link to the software I use. Don't be put off by how damn much it CAN DO. It is very simple to operate if you just want to capture from one device to another, normally.
https://www.audacityteam.org/
BTW, I just opened my Windows Media Player preinstalled on my Windows 10 computer (probably for the first time) and there is no record function that I can find. Sorry.
You might need some third party software from somehwere if Windows Update does not offer an advanced media plugin for this use.
Hiya DirtDawg. Thank you for the well-thought out response. I am running Windows 11 Home. Are you saying that using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable; one end plugged into the microphone/headphone port of the laptop, the other end into the headphone port of the cassette player - will have the same effect as what you describe as output from your phono preamp straight into your sound card L&R inputs? I remember using Audacity years ago, probably in the XP days. I assume it's changed much since then.
Yeah, the cabling and hook up is different but the conversion process is the same. Don't focus on the cable much, as long as it works.
The obstacle you will have to overcome is the conversion process from an analog source (your old cassette player) to a digital file that a computer can use.
After a quick search I found a FAQ page with a couple of references to a Sound Recorder app for use in doing exactly what you might need; capturing from a microphone (or your cassette player) to store a digital file.
I did not search Windows Update for that app, because I do not want them to update me, right now.
Since you are already using Win11, maybe Windows Update can help you if you don't want to install Audacity.