Windows Media Player (WMP) is a popular media player and library application developed by Microsoft. It allows users to play audio and video files, rip music from CDs, and burn music to CDs. However, sometimes users may encounter issues with WMP, such as errors, crashes, or compatibility problems, which may require uninstalling and reinstalling the application. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling Windows Media Player and reinstalling it on your Windows computer.
Why Uninstall Windows Media Player?
Before we dive into the uninstallation and reinstallation process, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to uninstall Windows Media Player:
- Resolving errors and crashes: If WMP is not functioning properly, uninstalling and reinstalling it may resolve the issue.
- Fixing compatibility problems: If WMP is not compatible with other applications or hardware, uninstalling and reinstalling it may resolve the issue.
- Removing malware or viruses: If WMP is infected with malware or viruses, uninstalling and reinstalling it may remove the infection.
- Upgrading to a newer version: If you want to upgrade to a newer version of WMP, you may need to uninstall the existing version first.
How to Uninstall Windows Media Player
Uninstalling Windows Media Player is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Uninstalling WMP through the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer. You can do this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or by typing “control panel” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
- In the list of installed programs, scroll down and find “Windows Media Player.”
- Click on “Windows Media Player” and then click the “Uninstall” button.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 2: Uninstalling WMP through the Settings App
- Open the Settings app on your Windows computer. You can do this by searching for “Settings” in the Start menu or by typing “settings” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).
- Click on “Apps” (in Windows 10/8) or “Programs and Features” (in Windows 7).
- In the list of installed apps, scroll down and find “Windows Media Player.”
- Click on “Windows Media Player” and then click the “Uninstall” button.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 3: Uninstalling WMP using the Windows Features Dialog Box
- Open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and type “optionalfeatures.exe.”
- Press Enter to open the Windows Features dialog box.
- In the list of Windows features, scroll down and find “Windows Media Player.”
- Uncheck the box next to “Windows Media Player.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
How to Reinstall Windows Media Player
Once you have uninstalled Windows Media Player, you can reinstall it using the following methods:
Method 1: Reinstalling WMP through the Windows Features Dialog Box
- Open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and type “optionalfeatures.exe.”
- Press Enter to open the Windows Features dialog box.
- In the list of Windows features, scroll down and find “Windows Media Player.”
- Check the box next to “Windows Media Player.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Method 2: Reinstalling WMP through the Microsoft Website
- Open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft website.
- Search for “Windows Media Player” and click on the download link.
- Follow the prompts to download and install WMP.
Method 3: Reinstalling WMP through the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer.
- Search for “Windows Media Player” and click on the download link.
- Follow the prompts to download and install WMP.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation or reinstallation process, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check for malware or viruses: If you encounter errors or crashes during the uninstallation or reinstallation process, it may be due to malware or viruses. Run a virus scan to remove any infections.
- Disable any conflicting programs: If you encounter errors or crashes during the uninstallation or reinstallation process, it may be due to conflicting programs. Disable any programs that may be interfering with the process.
- Restart your computer: If you encounter errors or crashes during the uninstallation or reinstallation process, try restarting your computer and then retrying the process.
Conclusion
Uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Media Player can be a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this article. Whether you’re resolving errors and crashes, fixing compatibility problems, removing malware or viruses, or upgrading to a newer version, uninstalling and reinstalling WMP can help you get back to enjoying your media files.
Why would I want to uninstall and reinstall Windows Media Player?
There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall and reinstall Windows Media Player. One common reason is to resolve issues with the program, such as errors or crashes. If you’re experiencing problems with Windows Media Player, uninstalling and reinstalling it can often fix the issue. Additionally, if you’ve installed a new version of Windows or made significant changes to your system, you may need to reinstall Windows Media Player to ensure it’s compatible with your updated system.
Another reason to uninstall and reinstall Windows Media Player is to remove any corrupted files or settings that may be causing problems. When you uninstall the program, all of its associated files and settings are removed, giving you a clean slate to start with. This can be especially helpful if you’ve installed third-party plugins or codecs that are no longer needed or are causing conflicts with the program.
Will uninstalling Windows Media Player affect my music and video files?
No, uninstalling Windows Media Player will not affect your music and video files. The program is simply a media player, and it does not store your files. Your music and video files are stored on your computer’s hard drive, and they will remain intact even after you uninstall Windows Media Player. You can still access and play your files using other media players, such as VLC or iTunes.
However, if you’ve created playlists or libraries in Windows Media Player, you may lose those when you uninstall the program. If you want to preserve your playlists and libraries, you can export them before uninstalling Windows Media Player. This will allow you to import them again when you reinstall the program.
How do I uninstall Windows Media Player in Windows 10?
To uninstall Windows Media Player in Windows 10, you’ll need to use the “Turn Windows features on or off” tool. To access this tool, go to the Start menu and search for “Turn Windows features on or off.” Click on the result, and then scroll down to the “Media Features” section. Uncheck the box next to “Windows Media Player,” and then click “OK” to save your changes.
Alternatively, you can also uninstall Windows Media Player through the “Programs and Features” control panel. To do this, go to the Start menu and search for “Programs and Features.” Click on the result, and then scroll down to the “Windows Media Player” entry. Click on it, and then click the “Uninstall” button to remove the program.
Can I reinstall Windows Media Player after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Windows Media Player after uninstalling it. To do this, go back to the “Turn Windows features on or off” tool and check the box next to “Windows Media Player.” Click “OK” to save your changes, and then wait for the program to be reinstalled. This may take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection and system speed.
Alternatively, you can also reinstall Windows Media Player through the Microsoft website. To do this, go to the Microsoft website and search for “Windows Media Player download.” Click on the result, and then follow the prompts to download and install the program. Make sure to select the correct version of Windows Media Player for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
Will reinstalling Windows Media Player restore my settings and playlists?
No, reinstalling Windows Media Player will not automatically restore your settings and playlists. When you uninstall the program, all of its associated files and settings are removed, including your playlists and libraries. However, if you exported your playlists and libraries before uninstalling Windows Media Player, you can import them again after reinstalling the program.
To import your playlists and libraries, go to the “File” menu in Windows Media Player and select “Import.” Then, navigate to the location where you saved your exported playlists and libraries, and select them to import. This will restore your playlists and libraries to their original state.
Are there any alternatives to Windows Media Player?
Yes, there are many alternatives to Windows Media Player. Some popular options include VLC, iTunes, and KMPlayer. These programs offer many of the same features as Windows Media Player, including the ability to play music and video files, create playlists, and stream content from the internet.
One of the main advantages of using an alternative media player is that they often offer more features and customization options than Windows Media Player. For example, VLC offers advanced video playback controls and support for a wide range of file formats. iTunes, on the other hand, offers integration with the Apple ecosystem and a large music store.
Will uninstalling Windows Media Player affect other Windows features?
No, uninstalling Windows Media Player will not affect other Windows features. Windows Media Player is a standalone program that is not integrated with other Windows features. Uninstalling it will not affect other programs or system functions, such as the Windows Explorer or the Task Manager.
However, if you’re using other programs that rely on Windows Media Player, such as Windows Movie Maker or Windows DVD Maker, you may need to reinstall those programs as well. This is because these programs often rely on Windows Media Player to function properly. But in general, uninstalling Windows Media Player will not have a significant impact on other Windows features or programs.