Windows Media Player is a built-in multimedia player that comes with Windows. While it is a reliable and widely used application, users may encounter errors and issues from time to time. This article aims to provide guidance on troubleshooting common Windows Media Player errors.
The following list outlines 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 To resolve this, see how to fix outdated or corrupted codecs.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 playback problems with Windows Media Player. |
|
0xC00D0FEA |
This error indicates 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 to the error types below and the instructions to resolve it.
If you encounter errors with a specific file type, then you may have a missing or outdated codec. To resolve this,
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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-click on the media file, select Properties and go to Details tab.
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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's website mentioned 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,
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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.
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Check for outdated or corrupted codecs: You may have a missing or outdated codec. For more information, check file format and codec requirements.
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Get the latest Windows updates: Make sure you are using the latest version of Windows. To view available updates, select Check for Windows updates or Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
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Reset Windows Media Player Library: Corrupted library files can cause playback issues. Resetting the Windows Media Player library might help.
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Open Windows Media Player and press Ctrl + M to open the menu.
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Select Tools > Advanced > Restore Media Library.
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Clear Windows Media Player cache: Clearing cache might resolve playback issues.
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Open Windows Media Player and press Ctrl + M to open the menu.
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Select Tools > Options > Privacy.
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Under History, select Clear History and then OK.
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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,
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Update Windows Media Player: Get the latest version of Windows Media player by updating windows. Select Check for Windows updates or Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
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Install Codec packs: Sometimes, the error may be due to missing or incompatible codecs. For more information on the steps to install, view Install and Update codecs.
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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:
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Close Windows Media Player.
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Press Windows + R and type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player\ and press Enter.
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Delete all files in the folder (but not the folder itself).
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Restart Windows Media Player.
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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.
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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 not resolve your issue or if you encounter error codes different from those discussed above, proceed with the troubleshooting steps outlined below.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, and then select Windows Media Player to run the troubleshooter.
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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.
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Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Media Player: If none of the above methods work, you can try to reinstall Windows Media Player on your PC.
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Select Start > Control Panel > Programs.
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Select Turn Windows features on or off and uncheck Media Features and click OK.
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Restart your computer.
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Revisit the same window and recheck Media Features and click OK.
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Restart your computer again.
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If the above instructions fail to help, see the Windows Media Player support page. You can also post questions about Windows Media Player errors in the Windows forum. Experts are on hand to help.
