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How to Fix Windows 11 Media Player Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Windows 11 Media Player is a built-in app that helps you play your favorite audio and video files smoothly. Sometimes, it may stop working or fail to open, which can be frustrating. Fortunately, most issues with this app can be fixed with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy troubleshooting methods to get your Media Player back up and running. Whether the app won’t open, crashes, or doesn’t play media properly, you’ll find clear instructions here.

Each step is explained in basic terms to make sure even beginners can follow along without confusion. Let’s dive into fixing your Windows 11 Media Player.

By the end of this guide, you should have a fully functional Media Player ready to enjoy your media files again.

Quick Note: Before You Start

Before diving into troubleshooting, ensure a few basics are in place. This can save time and avoid unnecessary steps.

  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, bugs are fixed in system updates, so make sure your Windows 11 is fully updated.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches in apps.
  • Verify Media File Format: Windows Media Player supports common formats like MP3, MP4, and WAV. Confirm your file type is supported.
  • Check Sound and Volume: Make sure your speakers or headphones are connected and volume is turned up.

Step 1: Restart the Media Player App

Sometimes the app may freeze or glitch due to temporary issues. Closing and reopening it can often fix this.

  1. Click the Start button and type Media Player.
  2. If the app is open, press Alt + F4 to close it completely.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then launch it again from the Start menu.

This step refreshes the app and clears temporary bugs that may cause problems.

Step 2: Run the Windows Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix problems with apps like Media Player.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Scroll to find Windows Store Apps, then click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool automatically scans for issues and repairs them if possible.

Step 3: Reset the Media Player App

If the app still doesn’t work properly, resetting it can clear corrupted data and settings.

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Media Player in the list and click the three dots next to it.
  3. Select Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click the Reset button.
  5. Confirm the reset when prompted.

Resetting returns the app to its original state without uninstalling it.

Step 4: Check Media Player’s Permissions

Sometimes, Media Player may not have the necessary permissions to access files or hardware.

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > File system.
  2. Make sure File system access is turned On.
  3. Scroll down and verify that Media Player has permission to access the file system.
  4. Also, check Microphone and Camera permissions if you use voice or video features.

Proper permissions ensure the app can access all necessary resources for playback.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Media Player

An outdated or corrupted app installation can cause issues. Updating or reinstalling can help.

Update Media Player from Microsoft Store

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
  2. Click the Library icon at the bottom left.
  3. Click Get updates to check for available updates.
  4. If Media Player has an update, install it.

Reinstall Media Player

If updating doesn’t fix the problem, reinstalling is a good option.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Media Player, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.
  3. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
  4. Search for Media Player and install it again.

Reinstalling ensures you get a fresh copy of the app without errors.

Step 6: Check for System File Issues

Corrupted system files can affect many apps, including Media Player. Running a system scan can help detect and repair these files.

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the black command window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This command scans your system for file integrity issues and attempts to fix them. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

Step 7: Use an Alternative Media Player

If none of the above steps work, consider using a different media player temporarily. Popular free options include VLC Media Player and MPC-HC.

These players support a wide range of media formats and are reliable alternatives while you troubleshoot the built-in app.

FAQs

Why won’t Media Player open on Windows 11?

This can happen due to app glitches, corrupted files, missing permissions, or outdated software. Restarting the app, resetting it, or updating Windows often fixes the issue.

How can I fix Media Player crashing during playback?

Try resetting the app, updating it, and checking that your media file is not corrupted. Running the system file checker can also help.

Is resetting Media Player safe? Will I lose media files?

Yes, resetting is safe and won’t delete your personal media files. It only clears the app’s settings and temporary data.

Can missing codecs cause Media Player problems?

Yes, if the media format requires specific codecs not installed on your system, Media Player might not play the file. Installing a codec pack or using a versatile player like VLC can solve this.

How do I know if Media Player needs an update?

You can check for updates through the Microsoft Store’s Library section. Keeping the app updated ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Media Player still doesn’t work, here are some final suggestions:

  • Check Microsoft’s Official Support: Visit the Microsoft Support website for the latest troubleshooting articles and help.
  • Create a New User Profile: Sometimes user profiles can become corrupted. Creating a new Windows user can help isolate the issue.
  • Perform System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring Windows to an earlier point when Media Player worked can help.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent or complex issues, getting direct help from Microsoft may be necessary.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Media Player problems can usually be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps like restarting the app, running the built-in troubleshooter, or resetting the app.

Checking permissions, updating or reinstalling the app, and scanning for system file errors provide deeper fixes if needed. Remember to verify your media files and system updates as well.

By following this guide step-by-step, you can restore Media Player functionality efficiently without confusion.

If all else fails, alternative media players and official Microsoft resources offer additional support options.

Enjoy your media playback again with a fully working Windows 11 Media Player!

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