How to Update Windows Media Player: A Comprehensive Guide
Windows Media Player (WMP) has been a staple of the Windows operating system for playing audio and video files for many years. While dedicated streaming services and more advanced media players have become popular, Windows Media Player remains a viable option for playing local media files. Keeping your Windows Media Player updated ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and compatibility with newer media formats. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to update Windows Media Player, along with troubleshooting tips to address potential issues.
Why Update Windows Media Player?
Before diving into the updating process, let’s understand why it’s important to keep your Windows Media Player up-to-date:
* **New Features and Improvements:** Updates often include new features, enhanced playback capabilities, and improved user interfaces, providing a better overall experience.
* **Security Patches:** Like any software, Windows Media Player is susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Updates contain security patches that protect your system from potential threats and malware.
* **Codec Support:** Updated versions typically include support for new audio and video codecs, allowing you to play a wider range of media files without compatibility issues.
* **Bug Fixes:** Updates address known bugs and errors, resulting in a more stable and reliable media playback experience.
* **Compatibility:** Updating ensures compatibility with newer operating systems and hardware, preventing potential conflicts and performance issues.
Checking Your Current Windows Media Player Version
Before proceeding with the update, it’s helpful to determine your current Windows Media Player version. Here’s how:
1. **Open Windows Media Player:** Launch the application from the Start menu or by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
2. **Access the “About” Section:**
* **In Windows Media Player 12 (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11):** Press the `Alt` key to reveal the menu bar. Click `Help`, and then select `About Windows Media Player`.
* **If the Menu Bar is Already Visible:** Simply click `Help` and then `About Windows Media Player`.
3. **Note the Version Number:** A window will appear displaying the version number of your Windows Media Player. For example, you might see “Windows Media Player 12.0.xxxx.xxxx”.
Knowing your current version can help you determine if an update is necessary and track the changes after the update.
Methods to Update Windows Media Player
There are several ways to update Windows Media Player. The best method depends on your operating system and update settings.
Method 1: Using Windows Update (Recommended)
Windows Update is the primary method for updating Windows Media Player and other system components. This method ensures you receive the latest security patches and updates automatically.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Windows Settings:** Click the Start button, then click the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, press `Windows key + I`.
2. **Navigate to Update & Security:** In the Settings app, click on `Update & Security`.
3. **Check for Updates:** Click the `Check for updates` button. Windows will scan for available updates, including updates for Windows Media Player.
4. **Install Updates:** If updates are found, Windows will automatically download and install them. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation. Ensure all other applications are closed before restarting.
5. **Verify the Update:** After the restart, check your Windows Media Player version as described in the previous section to confirm that the update was successful.
**Important Considerations:**
* Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the update process.
* Do not interrupt the update process, as this could lead to errors or system instability.
* If you encounter errors, restart your computer and try checking for updates again.
Method 2: Manually Installing Windows Media Player Feature Pack (for Specific Codecs)
In some cases, you might need to install a feature pack to support specific codecs or media formats that are not included in the default Windows Media Player installation. This is less about updating the *application* and more about adding codec support.
**Steps:**
1. **Identify the Required Codec or Feature Pack:** Determine which codec or feature pack you need based on the media files you’re trying to play. Common codecs include H.264, HEVC (H.265), and VP9.
2. **Search for the Appropriate Feature Pack:** Use a search engine like Google or Bing to find the appropriate feature pack for your operating system and Windows Media Player version. Be very careful where you download from. Only download from official Microsoft sources or reputable tech websites.
3. **Download the Feature Pack:** Download the feature pack from a trusted source. Ensure the file is compatible with your version of Windows (32-bit or 64-bit).
4. **Install the Feature Pack:**
* Locate the downloaded file.
* Double-click the file to start the installation process.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
* You might be prompted to restart your computer.
5. **Test the Media Playback:** After the installation, try playing the media files that previously had compatibility issues. The feature pack should enable Windows Media Player to play these files.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Source Trust:** Only download feature packs from official Microsoft websites or reputable sources to avoid malware or corrupted files.
* **Compatibility:** Ensure the feature pack is compatible with your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit) and Windows Media Player version.
* **Restart:** Restarting your computer after installing the feature pack is often necessary for the changes to take effect.
Method 3: Reinstalling Windows Media Player (as a Last Resort)
If you encounter persistent issues with Windows Media Player, such as frequent crashes or errors, reinstalling the application might resolve the problem. This method involves disabling Windows Media Player, restarting your computer, and then re-enabling it.
**Steps:**
1. **Disable Windows Media Player:**
* Open the Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it.
* Click on “Programs”.
* Under “Programs and Features,” click on “Turn Windows features on or off”.
* In the Windows Features dialog box, locate “Media Features” and expand it.
* Uncheck the box next to “Windows Media Player”.
* Click “OK”. Windows will prompt you with a warning; click “Yes” to continue.
2. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer to complete the disabling process. This step is crucial for removing any lingering files or processes related to Windows Media Player.
3. **Re-enable Windows Media Player:**
* Open the Control Panel again (as described above).
* Click on “Programs”.
* Under “Programs and Features,” click on “Turn Windows features on or off”.
* In the Windows Features dialog box, locate “Media Features” and expand it.
* Check the box next to “Windows Media Player”.
* Click “OK”. Windows will re-enable Windows Media Player.
4. **Restart Your Computer (Again):** Restart your computer again to ensure that Windows Media Player is properly reinstalled.
5. **Check for Updates:** After the second restart, check for updates using Windows Update (Method 1) to ensure you have the latest version of Windows Media Player.
**Important Considerations:**
* Disabling and re-enabling Windows Media Player removes the application and its settings. Ensure you back up any important data or customizations before proceeding.
* Restarting your computer is essential at each step to ensure the changes are applied correctly.
* This method might not resolve all issues, but it can often fix problems related to corrupted files or incorrect configurations.
Troubleshooting Common Windows Media Player Update Issues
While updating Windows Media Player is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Error Code During Update:** If you receive an error code during the update process, search online for the specific error code to find potential solutions. Microsoft’s support website and tech forums are excellent resources.
* **Update Fails to Install:** If the update fails to install, try the following:
* Restart your computer and try again.
* Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
* Temporarily disable your antivirus software, as it might be interfering with the update process. Remember to re-enable it after the update.
* Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update.
* **Windows Media Player Still Not Working After Update:** If Windows Media Player is still not working correctly after the update, try the following:
* Clear the Windows Media Player library: Open Windows Media Player, click “Organize,” select “Manage libraries,” and choose “Music,” “Videos,” or “Pictures.” Then, click “Remove” for each location listed and re-add them.
* Reset Windows Media Player settings: Open Windows Media Player, click “Tools,” select “Options,” and click the “Restore Defaults” button on each tab.
* Reinstall Windows Media Player (as described in Method 3).
* **Codec Issues After Update:** If you encounter codec issues after the update, try the following:
* Install a codec pack (as described in Method 2).
* Ensure your graphics card drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause codec-related problems.
* Try using a different media player to see if the issue is specific to Windows Media Player.
* **Corrupted Windows Media Player Library:** If your Windows Media Player library becomes corrupted, you may experience various issues, such as missing files, incorrect metadata, or playback errors. Here’s how to rebuild it:
1. **Close Windows Media Player:** Ensure Windows Media Player is completely closed before proceeding.
2. **Stop the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service:**
* Press `Windows Key + R` to open the Run dialog box.
* Type `services.msc` and press Enter.
* In the Services window, locate “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service”.
* Right-click on it and select “Stop”.
3. **Delete the Windows Media Player Database Files:**
* Open File Explorer.
* Type `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player` in the address bar and press Enter.
* Delete the files named `CurrentDatabase_*.wmdb`. There might be multiple files with similar names. Delete all of them.
* Also, delete the `Cache` folder located within the Media Player folder.
4. **Restart Windows Media Player:** Launch Windows Media Player. It will automatically rebuild the library database by scanning your media folders. This process may take some time, depending on the size of your media collection.
5. **Verify the Rebuilt Library:** Once the rebuilding process is complete, check your library to ensure that your media files are correctly organized and accessible.
Tips for Maintaining Windows Media Player
To keep Windows Media Player running smoothly, consider these tips:
* **Regular Updates:** Check for updates regularly using Windows Update to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
* **Codec Management:** Install only the codecs you need to avoid conflicts and performance issues.
* **Library Maintenance:** Regularly clean up your Windows Media Player library by removing duplicate or outdated files.
* **Storage Optimization:** Store your media files on a drive with sufficient free space to prevent performance bottlenecks.
* **Avoid Unnecessary Plugins:** Limit the number of plugins installed in Windows Media Player, as they can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
* **Scheduled Scans:** Run regular malware scans to protect your system from threats that could affect Windows Media Player’s performance.
Alternatives to Windows Media Player
While Windows Media Player is a solid choice for playing local media files, several excellent alternatives offer additional features and customization options. Here are some popular alternatives:
* **VLC Media Player:** VLC is a free, open-source media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. It’s known for its simplicity, versatility, and cross-platform compatibility.
* **PotPlayer:** PotPlayer is a powerful media player with advanced features such as hardware acceleration, 3D playback, and customizable skins. It’s a great option for users who want more control over their playback experience.
* **MPC-HC (Media Player Classic – Home Cinema):** MPC-HC is a lightweight media player that focuses on simplicity and performance. It’s a good choice for users with older computers or those who prefer a minimalist interface.
* **KMPlayer:** KMPlayer is another feature-rich media player that supports various codecs and file formats. It offers advanced playback options and customizable settings.
* **Plex:** Plex is a media server and player that allows you to organize and stream your media files across multiple devices. It’s a great option for users who want to create a centralized media library.
Conclusion
Updating Windows Media Player is essential for ensuring a smooth and secure media playback experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your Windows Media Player up-to-date and enjoy the latest features, security patches, and compatibility improvements. Remember to troubleshoot any issues you encounter and consider exploring alternative media players if Windows Media Player doesn’t meet your needs. With the right maintenance and updates, Windows Media Player can remain a valuable tool for enjoying your favorite audio and video files.