How to Fix Windows 11 Media Player Cannot Download Media Information Error

Windows 11 Media Player is a convenient app for playing music and videos on your PC. Sometimes, users encounter an error when the player cannot download media information like album art or song details. This problem can spoil the experience of organizing and enjoying your media library.

Fortunately, this issue can usually be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps. These steps address common causes such as network problems, app glitches, or incorrect settings.

In this guide, you will learn easy and detailed methods to resolve the “Cannot Download Media Information” error in Windows 11 Media Player. Each step is explained clearly, even for beginners.

By following these instructions, you should be able to restore full functionality to your media player and enjoy your media collection without interruptions.

Quick Note Before You Start

Make sure your PC is connected to the internet. Media information needs an active internet connection to download.
Check if Windows 11 and Media Player are updated to the latest versions. Updates can fix bugs causing the issue.
Restart your PC before beginning troubleshooting to clear temporary glitches.
Confirm that your media files have correct metadata, as corrupt or missing tags can affect info downloads.

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The media player requires a stable internet connection to fetch media information from online databases. If your connection is slow or unstable, the app may fail to download data.

Open your web browser and visit a website like https://www.microsoft.com to confirm internet access.
If pages don’t load properly, restart your modem or router.
Try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection if possible, for better stability.
Once your internet is working well, reopen Media Player and check if it can download media info now.

Step 2: Update Windows 11 and Media Player

Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements. Using outdated versions of Windows or Media Player may cause compatibility issues.

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
Install any available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
To update Media Player specifically, open the Microsoft Store app.
Search for Windows Media Player or Media Player and select it.
If an update button appears, click it and wait for the update to finish.
After updating, test the media player again.

Step 3: Reset Media Player App

Sometimes the Media Player app itself can have corrupted files or settings. Resetting the app restores it to default without deleting your media files.

Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Click Apps and then Installed apps (or Apps & features).
Find Media Player in the list and click the three-dot menu next to it.
Select Advanced options.
Scroll down and click the Reset button.
Confirm the reset if prompted.
Open Media Player and try downloading media information again.

Step 4: Check Media File Metadata

Media Player relies on metadata tags embedded in your music or video files to identify content and download additional info correctly. If metadata is missing or incorrect, downloads can fail.

Right-click a media file in File Explorer and choose Properties.
Go to the Details tab.
Check fields like Title, Artist, Album, and Genre.
If these are blank or incorrect, you can edit them here or use a dedicated tag editor app.
Save your changes and reopen Media Player to try downloading info again.

Step 5: Allow Media Player Through Firewall

Windows Firewall or other security software can block Media Player from accessing the internet, preventing it from downloading media information.

Press Windows + R, type control firewall.cpl, and press Enter.
Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Look for Media Player or related components in the allowed apps list.
If not found, click Change settings and then Allow another app…
Browse to the Media Player executable (usually in C:Program FilesWindowsApps folder).
Add it and allow both private and public network access.
Save changes and try again.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, you can try these additional methods:

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter: This tool detects and fixes app-related problems automatically. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
Reinstall Media Player: Uninstall the app from Settings > Apps, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
Check Region Settings: Media information servers might be region-specific. Ensure your PC’s region and language settings are correct.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t Media Player download album art or song details?

This usually happens due to internet connectivity issues, app bugs, or missing metadata in your files.

Does resetting Media Player delete my music files?

No, resetting only clears app data and settings. Your media files remain untouched on your drive.

Can I manually add media information?

Yes, you can edit metadata tags directly using File Explorer or third-party tag editors if automatic downloads fail.

Is this problem common in Windows 11?

While not very common, some users do report this error due to recent updates or network settings.

Will reinstalling Windows fix this?

Reinstalling Windows is generally unnecessary unless multiple apps are malfunctioning. Try all other steps first.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and the problem still persists, consider the following options:

Visit the official Microsoft Support page for detailed guides and help.
Check Windows forums and communities for similar issues and solutions.
Contact Microsoft support directly for personalized assistance.
As a last resort, use alternative media player apps like VLC or Groove Music which may better suit your needs.

Conclusion

The “Cannot Download Media Information” error in Windows 11 Media Player is usually fixable with straightforward steps. Ensuring a stable internet connection, updating your software, resetting the app, and verifying file metadata are key troubleshooting measures. If necessary, adjusting firewall settings or running troubleshooters can also help.

Following this guide should restore your Media Player’s ability to download media information, improving your music and video experience. Remember to keep your system and apps up to date and maintain proper metadata for best results.