How to Fix Windows Media Player Not Working After Windows Update

If you’re experiencing issues with Windows Media Player not working correctly after the latest Windows updates, you’re not alone. Many users have reported problems with the media player following Windows Update installations. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Use System Restore to Revert to a Previous Version

One of the first things you should try is using System Restore to revert to a previous version of Windows before the problematic update was installed. This can help you determine if the updates are the root cause of the issue. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the Start button and type “system restore” in the search bar.
2. Click on “Create a restore point” in the search results.
3. In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore” button.
4. Follow the prompts in the System Restore wizard to select a restore point prior to the problematic Windows Update.
5. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to begin the restore process.

After the system restore is complete, check if Windows Media Player is working correctly. If it is, you can be confident that the issue was caused by the recent Windows Update. In this case, you may want to consider uninstalling the problematic update or waiting for Microsoft to release a fix.

Other Troubleshooting Steps

If System Restore doesn’t resolve the issue, there are several other troubleshooting steps you can try:

• Run the Windows Media Player troubleshooter: Open the Settings app, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, and select “Windows Media Player” to run the troubleshooter.
• Clear the Windows Media Player cache: Open Windows Media Player, press Ctrl M to open the menu, and select Tools > Advanced > Clear Media Player Cache.
• Reinstall Windows Media Player: If none of the above methods work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Media Player. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, uncheck “Media Features,” restart your computer, and then recheck “Media Features” and restart again.

If you continue to experience issues with Windows Media Player after trying these troubleshooting steps, it may be a more complex problem that requires further investigation or professional assistance.

In conclusion, if Windows Media Player stops working correctly after a Windows Update, using System Restore to revert to a previous version can help determine if the updates are the cause. If that doesn’t work, try running the Windows Media Player troubleshooter, clearing the cache, or reinstalling the player. With some patience and persistence, you should be able to get Windows Media Player up and running again.