How To Fix Windows Media Player Not Working

In this tutorial, you will learn how to fix Windows Media Player when it's not working. Windows Media Player is a popular media player that comes pre-installed with Windows operating system. It allows you to play audio and video files on your computer. However, sometimes it may stop working or fail to play media files for various reasons.

If you're experiencing issues with Windows Media Player, don't worry. You don't have to be a computer expert to fix it. This tutorial will guide you through the process step-by-step.

Firstly, we'll start by checking if the issue is with the media file itself. Sometimes, a corrupted or damaged media file can cause Windows Media Player to stop working. Try playing a different media file and see if it works. If it does, then the issue was with the previous file, and you can delete it.

If the issue persists, then the next step is to check if Windows Media Player is up to date. An outdated version of the media player can cause compatibility issues with newer media files. Go to the Windows Update section in the Settings app and check for any available updates for your computer.

If Windows Media Player still doesn't work, then we need to reset it. This can fix any corrupted files or settings that might be causing the issue. To reset Windows Media Player, go to the Control Panel, select "Programs and Features," and then click on "Turn Windows features on or off." Locate Windows Media Player in the list, uncheck the box to disable it, and click on OK. Then, restart your computer and follow the same steps to enable Windows Media Player again.

If none of the above steps work, then the last resort is to reinstall Windows Media Player. This will completely remove and replace the media player, ensuring that any corrupted files or settings are fixed. To reinstall Windows Media Player, go to the Control Panel, select "Programs and Features," and then click on "Turn Windows features on or off." Locate Windows Media Player in the list, uncheck the box to disable it, and click on OK. Restart your computer and follow the same steps to enable Windows Media Player again.

If you're still experiencing issues with Windows Media Player after trying all of the above steps, there are a few other things you can try.

Firstly, you can try clearing the Windows Media Player cache. This can help fix any temporary files or settings that might be causing the issue. To clear the cache, open Windows Media Player, click on "Organize," select "Options," and then click on "Delete files." Make sure to select all the checkboxes in the window that appears and then click on OK.

If clearing the cache doesn't work, then you can try resetting the Windows Media Player library. This will rebuild the library from scratch and can fix any corrupted files or settings. To reset the library, open Windows Media Player, click on "Organize," select "Manage libraries," and then click on "Music (or Videos) library." Click on "Remove" to remove the library, and then click on "Add" to add it back.

Finally, if none of the above steps work, then it might be a good idea to try a third-party media player. There are many free media players available online that can play a wide range of media formats. Some popular options include VLC Media Player and Media Player Classic.

There are many reasons why Windows Media Player might not be working, but there are also many ways to fix it. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial and trying a few additional troubleshooting tips, you can get Windows Media Player working again in no time.

In conclusion, Windows Media Player not working can be frustrating, but it's not something you can't fix. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue quickly and easily. You can now enjoy playing your favorite media files on Windows Media Player again.