How do I fix Windows Media Player in Windows 11?
Reasons why Windows Media Player has stopped working
Windows Media Player is an important app for longtime Windows users, offering support for a variety of audio and video files. However, users may encounter the error "Windows Media Player has stopped working". Here are some possible causes:
Error in current version
Your installed version of Windows Media Player may have an error that causes it to become unresponsive.
Technical problem with system version
Problems with the current system version running on your computer may cause Windows Media Player to malfunction.
Play a corrupted file
Trying to play a corrupted file on Windows Media Player can cause the error.
Unsupported file format
The file you are trying to play may be in a format that is not supported by Windows Media Player.
Corrupt system files
One or more system files on your computer may be corrupted, affecting the functionality of Windows Media Player.
Tips to fix Windows Media Player not working on Windows 11
Perform these troubleshooting tips to address the "Windows Media Player has stopped working" error on Windows 11:
1. Force shutdown and restart
- Run Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Right-click the media player and select End Job.
- Open the media player from the search panel.
2. Disable and re-enable
- Access Control Panel via Windows Search.
- Go to Programs and features and select Turn Windows features on or off.
- Deselect Media features and Windows Media Player Legacy, and then restart and re-enable it.
3. Windows Media Player troubleshooter
- Open Run with Windows + R, type WindowsMediaPlayerConfigurationDiagnostic -msdt.exe, and then press Enter.
- Follow the troubleshooter instructions, and then launch Media Player.
4. Update Windows Media Player
- Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, and click Get all updates.
- Allow automatic installation of any available media player updates.
5. Repair Windows Media Player
- Open Settings with Windows + I, go to Apps, and search for Media Player.
- Click Advanced and choose Repair. Follow the instructions and restart.
6. Update the audio driver
- Press Windows + X, and select Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video, and game controllers, and update the audio driver.
7. Update the graphics driver
- Press Windows + X, go to Device Manager, and update your display adapter.
8. Delete the Windows Media Player library
- To access Boot using Windows + R, type %localappdata%, and then press Enter.
- Go to Microsoft > Media Player, and delete the Windows Media Library files.
9. Uninstall and reinstall
- Find installed apps, search for Media Player, and uninstall it.
- Start the Microsoft Store, and find and reinstall Windows Media Player.
10. Install the latest Windows update
- Go to Settings using Windows + I, click Windows Update, check for updates, and then install.
11. Use another media player
If all other methods fail, consider using alternative media players such as VLC or KM Player.
Download VLC Media Player for Windows
The bare minimum
In most cases, repairing or updating the app and clearing the Windows Media library should resolve the "Windows Media Player has stopped working" error. If not, try several other media players for Windows 11. Keep visiting DigitBin for more troubleshooting guides.