Fix Windows Media Player not working issue in Windows 10 / 11

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 Services

 

Step 1: Desktop > click Start button > search box > type Services > click on the result.

 

Start Services Result

 

Step 2: Services window > right side of the pane > under Name > scroll down > double – click on Windows Media Player Network Sharing Services.

 



Services Windows Media Player Network Sharing Services

 

Step 3: Next window > General tab > Startup type > Automatic> Apply > OK.

Step 4 – Click on Start to Start the service.

 

Windows Media Player Service Min

 

This should resolve the Windows Media Player issue and it should play videos normally now.

Method 2: Using Troubleshooter

 

Step 1: Click on the Start button > search box > type Control Panel > click on the result.

 

Click Start, Type Control Panel In Search Box, Hit Enter

 

Step 2: Control Panel > View by Large icons > click on Troubleshooting.

 

Control Panel View By Large Icons Troubleshooting

 

Step 3: Troubleshooting window> on the left side of the panel click on View all. 

 

Troubleshooting View All

 

Step 4: Next > scroll down > click on the Windows Media Player Library.

 

Scroll Down Click Windows Media Player Library

 

Step 5: Next window > click Next.

 

Troubleshoot And Help Prevent Computer Problems Next

 

Step 6: Wait till it detects and finds any problems with the Windows Media Player.

 

Detects Problems

 

Step 7: If any problem detected > two options > Apply this fix and Skip this fix > click on Apply this fix.

 

Apply This Fix

 

Step 8: Troubleshoots the error > displays the error found.

 

Troubleshoot Complete Media Library Corrupt Close

 

This should solve your problem. However, if the problem persists, try Method 2.

 

Method 3: Using Features

 

Step 1: Search OptionalFeatures in Windows search box.

Step 2 : Click on OptionalFeatures from the search result.

Screenshot 2022 06 14 114539 Min

 

Step 3: Next, scroll down > click on the (+) symbol next to Media Features to expand > uncheck Windows Media Player > Yes.

 

Windows Media Player Uncheck Yes

 

Step 4: Restart your computer

Now, When the computer starts again,Turn it back on again.

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.

 

Windows Media Player Check Ok

 



Your Windows Media Player should play videos now, if the problem persists, follow Method 3.

Method 4: Using Codec Pack

 

Step 1: Open Google.com > search for media player codec pack > click on the 1st result.

 

Google Search Media Player Codec Pack 1st Result

 

Step 2: On the web page > click on Download > wait for the download to complete.

 

Media Player Codec Pack Download

 

Step 3: Double-click on the Setup file to install the media player codec pack.

 

Setup Double Click

 

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.