How To Fix Windows Media Player Not Responding Error. Are you struggling with Windows Media Player freezing, crashing, or simply not responding? You’re not alone. Many users report issues with Windows Media Player becoming unresponsive, especially after recent Windows updates or prolonged use. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to fix the Windows Media Player not responding error using tried-and-tested methods. Whether you’re a casual user or rely on WMP for daily media playback, these solutions will help restore its functionality quickly.
Why Does Windows Media Player Stop Responding?
Windows Media Player (WMP) is a built-in media player in Windows that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. However, it has become less stable over time, often crashing or freezing due to corrupted files, outdated settings, or system conflicts. Fortunately, you can fix this issue with a few simple troubleshooting methods.
How To Fix Windows Media Player Not Responding Error?
FIX 1 – Clear Windows Media Player Cache and History:
One of the most common causes of WMP issues ia s corrupted cache or temporary files. Clearing them can often resolve unresponsiveness.
Steps to Clear WMP Cache:
1.Open Windows Media Player.
2.Click on Organize in the top menu, then select Options.
3.Navigate to the Privacy tab.
4.Click Clear History and then Clear Caches.
This helps remove temporary files that might be causing WMP to crash or not load properly. If WMP still isn’t responding, move on to using built-in troubleshooters.
FIX 2- Run Windows Media Player Troubleshooters How To Fix Windows Media Player Not Responding Error:
Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix media playback issues.
How to Use WMP Troubleshooters:
1.Press Win + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
2.Type each of the following commands and hit Enter:
To fix settings:
msdt.exe -id WindowsMediaPlayerConfigurationDiagnostic
To fix library issues:
msdt.exe -id WindowsMediaPlayerLibraryDiagnostic
To fix DVD playback:
msdt.exe -id WindowsMediaPlayerDVDDiagnostic
Run each troubleshooter one at a time and apply the recommended fixes.
FIX 3 – Re-register DLL FilesHow To Fix Windows Media Player Not Responding Error:
Corrupted or missing DLL files can cause Windows Media Player to behave unpredictably. Re-registering these can often fix startup or response errors.
Re-register DLLs in Command Prompt:
1.Open Command Prompt as Administrator again (Win + R > cmd > Ctrl + Shift + Enter).
2.Enter the following commands one by one:
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 wmp.dll
3.Restart your PC.
This step helps reinitialise essential components required by WMP to function correctly.
FIX 4 – Reinstall Windows Media Player How To Fix Windows Media Player Not Responding Error:
If all else fails, reinstalling WMP can help resolve deeper software conflicts.
Steps to Reinstall WMP:
1.Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
2.Click Turn Windows features on or off.
3.Expand Media Features.
4.Uncheck Windows Media Player and click OK.
5.Restart your PC to uninstall WMP.
6.After rebooting, return to the same settings.
7.Re-check Windows Media Player and click OK.
8.Restart your system again.
This will reinstall a clean version of WMP, likely resolving any persistent issues.
Additional Tips to Prevent Windows Media Player Errors:
-Keep Windows updated to avoid compatibility issues.
-Avoid third-party codec packs unless necessary.
-Use Disk Cleanup regularly to avoid file corruption.
-Scan for malware or viruses that may interfere with media playback.
Conclusion:
Windows Media Player is a reliable tool for many users, but it’s not immune to technical glitches. If you’re wondering how to fix Windows Media Player not responding error, these four solutions — clearing cache, using troubleshooters, re-registering DLLs, and reinstalling WMP — will cover almost every cause.
Apply each fix step-by-step, and you’re likely to get your media player running smoothly again. Don’t forget to drop a comment below if one of these methods worked for you, or if you found another trick to fix the issue!