How to Repair Windows Media Player in 2024: Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

In 2024, Windows Media Player remains a popular built-in media player for Windows users, despite the emergence of various third-party alternatives. However, like any software, it can sometimes encounter issues that prevent it from functioning correctly. If you’re experiencing problems with Windows Media Player, don’t worry – there are several ways to repair it and get it back up and running smoothly.

Verify if the Latest Windows Update is the Culprit

If Windows Media Player stopped working correctly after the latest update from Windows Update, you can verify that the update is the problem by using System Restore. To do this:

1. Click the Start button and type “system restore”.
2. Select “Create a restore point”, and then in the System Properties pane, select “System Restore”.
3. Choose a restore point before the problematic update was installed and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

After the system has been restored, check if Windows Media Player is working correctly again.

Run the Windows Media Player Troubleshooter

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common issues with Windows Media Player. To run the troubleshooter:

1. Open the Settings app and go to “Update & Security”.
2. Click on “Troubleshoot” and then select “Playing Audio”.
3. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will scan for any issues and attempt to fix them automatically.

Reinstall Windows Media Player

If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling Windows Media Player. Here’s how:

1. Open the Control Panel and go to “Programs”.
2. Click on “Turn Windows features on or off”.
3. Uncheck the box next to “Windows Media Player” and click “OK”.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Repeat steps 1-3, but this time, check the box next to “Windows Media Player” and click “OK”.
6. Restart your computer again, and Windows Media Player should be reinstalled.

Keep in mind that reinstalling Windows Media Player will remove any customizations or settings you had previously made.

Update or Reinstall Necessary Codecs

Windows Media Player relies on codecs to play various media formats. If you’re unable to play a specific file type, it could be due to missing or outdated codecs. To resolve this:

1. Open Windows Media Player and go to “Tools” > “Options”.
2. Click on the “File Types” tab and check which file types are not playable.
3. Search online for the necessary codecs for those file types and download them from a trusted source.
4. Install the codecs and restart Windows Media Player.

If the issue persists, you can try reinstalling the codecs or using a codec pack that includes a comprehensive set of codecs.

Repair Corrupted Media Files

If you’re experiencing issues with specific media files, it’s possible that they are corrupted. In such cases, you can try repairing the files using a dedicated media repair tool. Some popular options include:

• Wondershare Repairit
• MiniTool Video Repair
• Stellar Repair for Video

These tools can help fix various types of media file corruption, such as missing headers, incorrect file extensions, or damaged data.

In conclusion, there are several ways to repair Windows Media Player in 2024. From using System Restore to reinstalling the player or updating codecs, these troubleshooting steps can help you get your media player back on track. If you encounter persistent issues or need further assistance, consider seeking help from Microsoft Support or online forums dedicated to Windows troubleshooting.