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How to Fix “Error Occurred Loading Items to Play” on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering the “Error Occurred Loading Items to Play” message on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to enjoy your favorite media. This error often prevents you from accessing music, videos, or other media files smoothly.

Fortunately, there are several simple and effective solutions to fix this issue. Most fixes revolve around checking your software settings, updating your system, or clearing temporary files.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods that anyone can follow, regardless of technical experience. You’ll be able to resolve the error and get back to playing your media without hassle.

Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to detailed troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check your internet connection: A stable connection is often required for media apps to load content properly.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches causing the error.
  • Ensure Windows 11 is updated: Updates fix bugs and improve system stability.
  • Verify app permissions: The app needs proper permissions to access media files.

Step 1: Restart the Media App

Before diving into complex solutions, close the media app completely and open it again. This simple action can clear temporary errors.

To do this:

  1. Click the Close button or press Alt + F4 to exit the app.
  2. Wait for a few seconds to ensure it is fully closed.
  3. Open the app again and try loading your media files.

This step refreshes the app’s session and may fix minor loading issues.

Step 2: Check for Windows and App Updates

Outdated software can cause compatibility problems. Make sure both Windows and your media app are up to date.

Update Windows 11

  1. Click Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update from the sidebar.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Update the Media App

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click the three dots menu ... in the top right corner and select Downloads and updates.
  3. Click Get updates to update all installed apps.

Updating helps fix bugs that could cause loading errors.

Step 3: Clear the Media App Cache

Cached data sometimes becomes corrupt, leading to loading errors. Clearing the cache can refresh the app’s data storage.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps or Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Find your media app in the list and click the three dots next to it.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm the action.

Resetting the app clears cache and temporary files without affecting your media library.

Step 4: Check App Permissions

The media app needs proper permissions to access files and network resources.

  1. Open Settings and go to Privacy & security.
  2. Click on App permissions and select File system and Microphone (if required).
  3. Make sure the toggle is turned On for the media app to access files.

Incorrect permissions may block the app from loading media items.

Step 5: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix issues with Microsoft Store apps.

  1. Open Settings with Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

This tool can automatically detect problems affecting media apps and offer fixes.

Step 6: Reinstall the Media App

If the problem persists, reinstalling the media app can fix corrupted files or settings.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Locate your media app, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.
  3. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and install it again.

This process ensures you have a fresh copy of the app without previous errors.

Alternative Method: Use the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause app errors. Running the System File Checker scans and repairs these files.

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator for Command Prompt.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any suggestions.

This utility helps fix Windows components that might be causing the error.

FAQs

Why does the “Error Occurred Loading Items to Play” happen?

This error can occur due to network issues, corrupted app cache, outdated software, or improper app permissions.

Will resetting the app delete my media files?

No. Resetting only clears temporary data and cache. Your personal media files remain untouched.

Can a system update fix this error?

Yes. Updates often include bug fixes that improve app and system stability, resolving such errors.

Is it safe to uninstall and reinstall the app?

Yes, it’s safe and recommended if other fixes do not work. Just make sure you remember any app-specific settings or logins.

Do I need administrator rights for these steps?

Most steps require standard user access, but running system scans or resetting apps may need administrator permissions.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the error, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.
  • Create a new user account: Sometimes, user profile corruption causes app errors. Creating a new account can help isolate the problem.
  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous state where the app worked correctly.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting your PC can fix deep system issues but will remove installed apps and settings.

Conclusion

The “Error Occurred Loading Items to Play” on Windows 11 can usually be fixed through a series of simple troubleshooting steps. Starting with restarting the app and checking updates, moving on to clearing cache and adjusting permissions, most users find a solution quickly.

If needed, more advanced steps like running system scans or reinstalling the app can resolve persistent issues. Remember to keep your software updated and maintain proper permissions for smooth media playback.

Following this guide will help you get your media app back to working condition without unnecessary frustration.

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