Has your Windows Media Player in your Windows 10 stopped working or does it not play MP4 and DVD files anymore? Well, these are some of the common issues of the Windows Media Player reported by many Windows 10 users. However, the good news is, there are a couple of fixes to resolve this type of issue. Let’s see how.
Method 1: Using Troubleshooter
To play media in XAML only, use a MediaElement. Also, if you declare an instance in XAML, the only practical use is to fill property element syntax for the Player property. When distributing media with your application, you cannot use a media file as a project resource. Inside Windows 10, Microsoft has discontinued the Windows Media Center and it is replaced by a paid app called Windows DVD Player app that is not rated well by the users. People are still concerned with the Windows Media Center and they are demanding it back in Windows 10 but Microsoft doesn’t seem to listen to its audience in this regard.
- The next best media player for Windows 10 is 5K Player. As the name of this media player suggests, it can be used to play Full-HD/4K/5K videos. This media player supports all mainstream media formats like MP4, MOV, M4V, MP3, AAC, and much more.
- Windows Media Player 12 is the default media player available for Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7. Version 12 has been enriched with additional features from the previous versions including a simplified interface and an improved play mode. Windows Media Player also allows users to watch movies and listen to audio recordings.
- To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions. On that website, you can select a version of Windows and create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD.
Step 1: Click on the Start button > search box > type Control Panel > click on the result.
Step 2:Control Panel > View by Large icons > click on Troubleshooting.
Step 3:Troubleshooting window> on the left side of the panel click on View all.
Step 4: Next > scroll down > click on the Windows Media Player Library.
Step 5: Next window > click Next.
Step 6: Wait till it detects and finds any problems with the Windows Media Player.
Step 7: If any problem detected > two options > Apply this fix and Skip this fix > click on Apply this fix.
Step 8:Troubleshoots the error > displays the error found.
This should solve your problem. However, if the problem persists, try Method 2.
Method 2: Using Features
Step 1: Follow step 1 from Method 1.
Step 2:Control Panel > select View by Category > click on Programs.
Step 3: Next window > Programs and Features > click on Turn Windows features on or off.
Step 4: Next, scroll down > click on the (+) symbol next to Media Features to expand > uncheck Windows Media Player > Yes.
Step 5: Restart your computer > repeat Step 1 to Step 3 as above. Turn Windows features on or off window > Media Features > check Windows Media Player > click Yes to confirm.
Your Windows Media Player should play videos now, if the problem persists, follow Method 3.
Method 3: Using Services
Step 1:Desktop > click Start button > search box > type Services > click on the result.
Step 2: Services window > right side of the pane > under Name > scroll down > double – click on Windows Media Player Network Sharing Services.
Step 3: Next window > General tab > Startup type > Disabled > Apply > OK.
Step 4 – Click on Stop to stop the service.
This should resolve the Windows Media Player issue and it should play videos normally now. In case, it still does not work, move onto the 4th method.
Method 4: Using Codec Pack
Step 1: Open Google.com > search for media player codec pack > click on the 1st result.
Step 2: On the web page > click on Download > wait for the download to complete.
Step 3: Double-click on the Setup file to install the media player codec pack.
Now, simply follow the instructions to set up the media codec player pack. Restart your computer and your Windows Media Player should be working fine now.
Microsoft Media Player For Windows 10 Home Office
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Windows Media Player is available for Windows-based devices. Use this table to find the right version of the Player for your system. (If you've got a Mac, you can download Windows Media Components for QuickTime to play Windows Media files.)
Operating system/browser | Player version | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
Windows 10 | Windows Media Player 12 | Included in clean installs of Windows 10 as well as upgrades to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. In some editions of Windows 10, it's included as an optional feature that you can enable. To do that, select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Manage optional features > Add a feature > Windows Media Player, and select Install. DVD playback isn't included. Go to the DVD playback for Windows page to find out how to add DVD playback to Windows 10. |
Windows 8.1 | Windows Media Player 12 | Included in Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro, but doesn't include DVD playback. Go to the DVD playback for Windows page to find out how to add DVD playback to Windows 8.1. For Windows Media Player 12 for Windows 8.1 N and KN editions, get the Media Feature Pack. |
Windows RT 8.1 | N/A | Windows Media Player isn't available for Windows RT 8.1. |
Windows 7 | Windows Media Player 12 | Included in Windows 7 Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions. For Windows 7 N or KN editions, get the Media Feature Pack. |
Mac OS X | Windows Media Components for QuickTime |
If you want to reinstall Windows Media Player, try the following:
Click the Start button, type features, and select Turn Windows features on or off.
Scroll down and expand Media Features, clear the Windows Media Player check box, and click OK.
Restart your device. Windows Media Player should be uninstalled.
Repeat step 1.
Scroll down and expand Media Features, select the Windows Media Player check box, and click OK.
Restart your device. Windows Media player should now be reinstalled.
Windows 10 Home Media Player
Note: To troubleshoot issues like playback and codec problems, see the 'Get help' section in Windows Media Player.