Windows Media Player Not Working - How to Fix?

Why Is My Windows Media Player Not Working

The Windows Media Player is a simple platform used for playing music and videos on Windows computers. However, sometimes the Windows media player not working can offers serious malfunction. It also might prevent it from running properly. 

Although the Windows Media Player can easily manage many audio and video formats. Windows Media Player is no longer part of the standard package of Windows applications. It ultimately results in several problems and technical issues due to the lack of support from Microsoft. Sometimes, you may also encounter the Windows Media Player no sound issue.

How To Fix Windows Media Player Not Working

Users can experience some technical issues with computers, such as Windows Media Player not functioning properly and being unable to fix it easily.

1. Way 1. Run Windows Media Player Troubleshooter
2. Way 2. Troubleshoot Windows Media Player Library
3. Way 3. Delete Windows Media Player Library
4. Way 4. Re-register Some DLL Files
5. Way 5. Reinstall Windows Media Player
6. Way 6. Run DISM and SFC Scans

Way 1. Run Windows Media Player Troubleshooter

The Windows Media Player Troubleshooter helps resolve any issues that prevent Windows Media Player from starting smoothly.

Step 1. Hold R and Windows keys simultaneously to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type in msdt.exe -id WindowsMediaPlayerConfigurationDiagnostic and press the Enter key. It will launch the Troubleshooting wizard.

Step 3. Select Next to run the wizard.

Step 4. Reset Windows Media Player with the default setting by choosing "Apply this fix."

Way 2. Troubleshoot Windows Media Player Library

Windows runs with a special troubleshooting feature that offers support to resolve technical issues relevant to Windows Media Player.

Step 1. Click on the Start tab and type "Control Panel".

Step 2. Change the View to display large icons, then select "View" from the left side panel.

Step 3. Choose "Windows Media Player Library."

Step 4. Click the "Next" button and press the "Apply Fix" button to complete the process.

Way 3. Delete Windows Media Player Library

To solve the "Windows Media Player is not working" error, you also manage the issue by deleting the complete WMP library.

Step 1. Hold Windows + R keys to open the Run box.

Step 2. Write "services.msc" and click "OK" for launching.

Step 3. Locate "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Facility" and right-click it to turn it off.

Step 4. Then open File Explorer by pressing Windows+E and double-click the Media Player folder.

Step 5. Delete all the Windows Media Library files with a .wmdb extension.

Step 6. Close the window and launch Windows Media Player to see if the issue is resolved.

Way 4. Re-register Some DLL Files

For managing the "Windows Media Player not working" issue, you can try to re-register some DLLs.

Step 1. Type cmd, click Command Prompt, then click "Run as Administrator."

Step 2. Enter the commands in the window one by one and select Enter after each.

Step 3. Restart your PC and check if the issue with the Media Player has been fixed.

Step 4. To remove Windows Media Library (.wmdb) type files from the application, open it and locate the specified files to delete them.

Step 5. Launch Windows Media Player again, and the problem should be solved.

Way 5. Reinstall Windows Media Player

If the existing solutions have not resolved the "Windows Media Player not working" issue, you may want to attempt reinstalling the program.

Step 1. To access the Control Panel and enable/disable Windows Media Player, open the Start Menu, change the view by option to small icons, and click Programs and Features.

Step 2. Click on "Turn Windows features on or off" in the left panel and navigate to the Media Features option in the newly opened window.

Step 3. Please uncheck the box corresponding to Windows Media Player to disable it, read the message, and click Yes and OK to confirm.

Step 4. Please restart the computer and then select the corresponding checkbox to enable it.

Step 5. Restart the computer again, and the system should install WMP automatically.

Way 6. Run DISM and SFC Scans

Running the SFC and DISM tools can help address any system-related issues. Begin by running an SFC scan to repair any damaged or missing system files. After that, run the DISM tool to ensure an effective SFC scan.

Step 1. To run a system scan on Windows, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Then type in "cmd" and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.

Step 3. After the scan completes, enter the code DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /restorehealth.

Step 4. Once the scan is finished, type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press Enter.

Step 5. After the scan, restart your computer and open the Command Prompt again.

Step 6. Write "sfc /scannow" and enter.

Pro Tip: Play a Video Using Windows Media Player Alternative

If the normal techniques to fix the Windows Media Player not working error, consider using EaseUS RecExperts as a Windows Media Player alternative. It offers improved audio and video quality and supports many file formats. Its powerful media player offers the surety that your videos and music play in the highest quality possible.

EaseUS RecExperts, a professional screen recorder, can help you record anything on your computer. For example, it lets you screen record on Windows 11/10/8/7 and record a video from websites. In addition, it allows you to delete any extraneous material from your video as it provides a video/audio trimmer. And it also enables you to record an online meeting easily and quickly.

The below is what makes this screen recorder so popular.

• Comes with a built-in video player
• Screen record TikTok without a watermark
• Record full or part of your screen
• Record a video of any length
• Provide scheduled recording function

Here is how to play your video with EaseUS RecExperts.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts, and click "Recordings" on the lower left to open the media player.

Step 2. Click "Import" on the bottom right to load your media files. It allows you to import multiple files or a folder.

Step 3. Then, you can enjoy your audio or video file with different playback speeds, from 0.5X to 2.0X.

Final Words

In case of any difficulties with the Windows Media Player not working error, the methods mentioned above can help you to a great extent. Start by updating the program and any related components, such as codecs. In case anything doesn't help, you can try to delete and install the program.

If the issue persists, consider utilizing EaseUS RecExperts, a good Windows Media Player alternative. It can help you to play video files without any hassle. In addition, it can also help you to fix problems like OBS not recording screen issues. Just download and try its useful features.

FAQs on Windows Media Player Not Working

Learn how to troubleshoot Windows Media Player errors. Explore resources for general help with Windows Media Player. Below are some questions that may help you easily.

1. Why won't Windows Media Player play my file?

Windows Media Player won't play video typically occurs when Windows Media Player cannot decode a media file type due to a lack of necessary codecs. Other factors, such as outdated hardware drivers and codecs, can also lead to issues.

2. How can I reset Windows Media Player?

Restart the computer. After restarting, the Windows Media Player instantly reactivates, and internal settings are reverted to the primary settings.