Fixed: Windows Media Player Is Not Working

Run the built-in troubleshooter via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Playing Audio. 2. Re-register Windows Media Player by running regsvr32.exe /i /s wmplayer.dll in an elevated Command Prompt. 3. Reset the app by disabling and re-enabling Windows Media Player in Windows Features. 4. Check file compatibility and install necessary codecs or use a modern player like VLC. 5. Update audio drivers through Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website. 6. Clear the Media Player database by renaming the CurrentDatabase.wmdb file in the AppData folder. These steps resolve most issues related to startup, playback, and file compatibility, restoring basic functionality to Windows Media Player.

Windows Media Player not working can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it to play audio or video files. While it's an older media player, some users still prefer it for its simplicity. If you're encountering issues—such as the app not opening, files not playing, or errors popping up—here are several practical fixes to try.

1. Run the Built-in Troubleshooter

Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooter for playing audio that can automatically detect and fix common issues with Media Player.

• Press Windows I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Playing Audio, click Run, and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart your computer after the process completes and test Windows Media Player again.

This step resolves many underlying audio or playback-related problems without manual intervention.

2. Re-register Windows Media Player

Sometimes, corrupted registry associations or misconfigured components prevent the app from launching or playing media.

You can re-register the player using PowerShell:

• Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

• Type the following command and press Enter:

  regsvr32.exe /i /s wmplayer.dll

• Wait a moment for the process to complete (no message means it worked).

• Restart your PC and try opening the player again.

This resets key components of Windows Media Player behind the scenes.

3. Reset or Repair the App via Features Settings

Windows Media Player is a Windows feature that can be turned off and on again to reset its configuration.

• Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off.
• Uncheck Windows Media Player, click OK, then restart your computer.
• After rebooting, go back and re-enable the feature by checking the box again.
• Click OK and restart once more.

This process reinstalls the core components and often fixes playback or startup failures.

4. Check File Compatibility and Codecs

Even if the player opens, certain file types (like MKV, FLAC, or H.265) may not play due to missing codecs.

• Confirm the media format is supported: Windows Media Player works best with MP3, WMV, WMA, AVI, and MPEG-4 (with codec support).
• If a file doesn’t play, try opening it in a more modern player like VLC Media Player to confirm it’s not a file issue.
• Consider installing a codec pack (like K-Lite Codec Pack) if you frequently use unsupported formats—but do so carefully from trusted sources.

Alternatively, switch to a more versatile player if you often deal with diverse formats.

5. Update Audio Drivers

Playback issues are often caused by outdated or faulty audio drivers.

• Press Windows X and select Device Manager.
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel Audio) and choose Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
• If no update is found, visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download the latest audio driver.

After updating, test audio in Media Player.

6. Clear Media Player Database

A corrupted library database can cause crashes or freezing.

• Close Windows Media Player completely.
• Navigate to:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player
• Rename the *CurrentDatabase_.wmdb file to OldDatabase.wmdb** (or delete it).
• Reopen Windows Media Player—it will rebuild the database automatically.

Note: This removes your media library history but doesn’t affect actual files.

If none of the above work, consider using a modern alternative like VLC Media Player or Movies & TV (Windows 10/11), as Windows Media Player is largely deprecated. But for legacy use, these fixes usually restore basic functionality.

Basically, most issues stem from settings, drivers, or registration problems—not permanent damage. Try the steps in order, and chances are you’ll get it working again.

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