How To Get Help with Windows Media Player in Windows

Windows Media Player (WMP) is a popular media player software developed by Microsoft. It allows users to play audio and video files on their Windows-based computer. 

1. how to open the Windows media player

2. how to fix and repair common errors in media player

here is a list of frequent errors occurring in Windows media player and their corresponding causes and potential fixes for that.

Here are fixes for these corresponding errors,

1. Fixes for corrupted codec

Check if you are getting errors for specific file types or outdated codecs. to resolve this,

check the properties of the file: make sure your PC has the right codec to play the corresponding file type. to check individual file type right right-click on media and click on properties.

Install required codec: Download and install the required codec including the K lite codec pack and combined community codec pack.

2. Fixes for playback problems

If you are facing playback issues like freezing, skipping, lagging or no sound then try these fixes to resolve that issue.

1. Check available compatibility: Check that the media file you are playing is compatible with the Windows media player.

supported file format: MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, and WMV.

Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 10 or 11 os is updated with the latest release of Windows.

goto Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

2. Reset library: sometimes corrupted library causes playback issues reset it to get rid of this. issue.

Open Windows Media Player and press Ctrl + M to open the menu.

Select Tools > Advanced > Restore Media Library.

3. Clear cache: clearing cache memory might help with playback issues.

Open Windows Media Player and press Ctrl + M to open the menu.

Select Tools > Options > Privacy.

Under History, select Clear History, and then OK.

3. Fixes for player issues

sometimes Windows media player itself or file can cause player issues. to solve this,

Clear Windows Media Player database: If the Windows media player gets corrupted or full of errors then it causes playback issues, to resolve this,

Close Windows Media Player.

Press Windows + R type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player\ and press Enter.

Delete all files in the folder (but not the folder itself).

Restart Windows Media Player. and then OK.

update audio driver: To update the audio driver type the device manager in the Windows search bar and open it.

Find your manufacturer audio card and right-click then click on update driver.

check for viruses and malware:

scan your PC for malware by visiting settings>system and security> Windows Defender> virus and malware> click on the scan now button.

Besides performing the above action you can be given some general tips to resolve errors related to the Windows media player.

1. install or update graphics driver: A graphic driver is essential for any PC to run display-based actions like playing media, it is important to make sure your graphic drivers are updated with the manufacturer's latest release.

to update your driver open settings>update and security>click on check for update.

2. check for system file corruption: Scan your PC with the command prompt tool to find any corrupted file that might cause a playback error,

open the command prompt by searching in the Windows search bar.

type sfc/scannow prompt.

tool will run and find any corrupted files and programs.

3. check if third-party conflict: Find other third-party apps that are related to media and uninstall them to check whether those apps conflict or not.

4. check the internet: check that you have a stable internet connection with decent speed and properly working wifi drivers.

5. reinstall app: Reinstalling the media player might help by restructuring an operating system that conflicts with errors.

Select Start > Control Panel > Programs.

Select Turn Windows features on or off uncheck Media Features and click OK.

Restart your computer.

Revisit the same window recheck Media Features and click OK.

Restart your computer again.

3. how to get a menu option in the media player

in the upper left, click "Organize", then "Layout", then "Show menu bar"

alternatively, at the bottom, you can right-click, then click "Show menu bar"

4. windows media player shortcut