Troubleshoot Windows Media Player Errors (2024)

Applies To

Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a built-in multimedia player that comes withWindows. While it is a reliable and widely used application, users may encounter errors and issues from time to time. This articleaims to provide guidance on troubleshooting common Windows Media Player errors.

The following listoutlines error codes and potential causes associated with Windows Media Player errors.

Error Code	Cause
0xC00D11xx	These errors typically occur when there is a problem with audio or video codecs. For example, C00D11B1 is a common codec-related error. To resolve this, seehow to fix outdated or corrupted codecs.
0xC00D0BC2,0xC00D36FA,0xC00D10B3 & 0xC00D1059	This error may occur when there's an issue with the playback of media files. To resolve this, see Troubleshoot playbackproblems with Windows Media Player.
0xC00D0FEA	This errorindicates issues with playing or downloading the media file often due to network connectivity or problems with the server hosting the media content.
0xC00D11CD	This error is often associated with problems during the installation or updating of Windows Media Player. To resolve this, see Troubleshoot problems with the Windows Media Player app.
0xC00D1163	This error may occur when there are issues with digital rights management (DRM) for protected content.

If you're unsure about the error code, refer tothe error typesbelow and the instructionsto resolve it.

If you encounter errors with a specific file type, then you may have a missing or outdated codec. To resolve this,

Check the file properties: Make sure that you have the right codecs on your PC to play your media files. To check the file format and the codec information,right-clickon the media file,selectProperties and go toDetails tab.
Install or Update codecs:Download and install a codec pack that includes the required codec. Popular codec packs include K-Lite Codec Pack and Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP).

Tip:Visit the official Codec manufacturer'swebsitementioned in the error message and download the latest version.

You may experience playback problems while using Windows Media Player, such as stuttering, freezing, skipping, lagging, or no sound. These problems may affect the whole file or only certain parts of it. To resolve this,

Check the file compatibility:Ensure that the media file you are trying to play is compatible with Windows Media Player.

Note:Commonly supported formats include MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, and WMV.
Check for outdated or corrupted codecs:You may have a missing or outdated codec.For more information, checkfile format and codec requirements.
Get the latest Windowsupdates:Make sure you are using the latest version of Windows.To view available updates, selectCheck for Windows updatesor Select Start >Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Reset Windows Media Player Library: Corrupted library files can cause playback issues. Resetting the Windows Media Player library might help.
- Open Windows Media Player and press Ctrl + M to open the menu.
- SelectTools> Advanced > Restore Media Library.
Clear Windows Media Player cache: Clearing cache might resolve playback issues.
- Open Windows Media Player and press Ctrl + M to open the menu.
- SelectTools> Options > Privacy.
- Under History, select Clear History and then OK.
  See Also
  Keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Edge Camera doesn't work in Windows Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support

This error is associated with Windows Media Player and usually occurs when there's an issue with the media file you're trying to play or with the Windows Media Player itself. To resolve this,

Update Windows Media Player: Get the latest version of Windows Media player by updating windows. SelectCheck for Windows updatesor Select Start >Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Install Codec packs:Sometimes, the error may be due to missing or incompatible codecs. For more information on the stepsto install, viewInstall and Update codecs.
Clear Windows Media Player Database:Sometimes, the Windows Media Player database can become corrupted, leading to errors. You can reset the database by following these steps:
- Close Windows Media Player.
- Press Windows+ Rand type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player\ and press Enter.
- Delete all files in the folder (but not the folder itself).
- Restart Windows Media Player.
Update Audio Drivers:Ensure that your audio drivers are up to date. You can do this through the Device Manager or by visiting the manufacturer's website for your sound card.
Check for Malware:Perform a full system scan for malware using your antivirus software to rule out any malicious activity affecting Windows Media Player.

Additional troubleshooting steps

If the instructions provided above did notresolve your issueor if you encountererror codes different from those discussed above, proceed with thetroubleshooting steps outlined below.

Install the latest graphic drivers:Graphics drivers are essential for video playback, and outdated drivers may cause issues. To resolve this, update your graphics drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
Check for System File Corruption: Run the System File Checker (SFC) to scan and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Conflicting third-party software: Other third-party software, especially media-related applications, may conflict with Windows Media Player. To resolve this, disable or uninstall third-party media-related software temporarily and see if the issue persists.
Check Internet connection: If you are streaming content and encounter errors,ensure that your internet connection is stable. Buffering issues or interruptions in the connection can cause playback errors.
Run Windows Media Player troubleshooter:Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically fix common problems. Click the button below to run the Windows Media player troubleshooter.

Run the Windows Media Player troubleshooter

Alternatively, you can goto Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, and then select Windows Media Playerto run the troubleshooter.
Repair or reset Windows Media Player:If Windows Media Player is not working properly, you can try to repair or reset it to its default settings. To do this, Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.Scroll down and click the three horizontal dots next to Windows Media Player and choose Advanced options, and click the Repair or Reset button. Note that resetting Windows Media Player will delete your custom settings and preferences, but not your media files or library.
Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Media Player:If none of the above methods work, you can try to reinstall Windows Media Player on your PC.
- Select Start > Control Panel > Programs.
- Select Turn Windows features on or off and uncheck Media Featuresand click OK.
- Restart your computer.
- Revisit the same window and recheck Media Featuresand click OK.
- Restart your computer again.

If the above instructions fail to help,see theWindows Media Playersupport page.You can also post questions about Windows Media Player errors in theWindows forum. Experts are on hand to help.

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