Are you tired of Windows Media Player automatically launching every time you try to play a video or audio file? Are you frustrated with the constant prompts to upgrade to the latest version or purchase additional features? You’re not alone! Many users struggle with the dominant nature of Windows Media Player, especially when it comes to default settings. But fear not, dear readers, for today we’re going to explore the steps to take back control and disable Windows Media Player as the default media player on your Windows operating system.
The Problem with Windows Media Player
Before we dive into the solution, let’s take a step back and understand the problem at hand. Windows Media Player, introduced in 1991, was initially designed to be a simple media player for Windows operating systems. Over the years, it has evolved into a more comprehensive media management tool, offering features like media streaming, ripping, and burning. However, its aggressive default settings and constant prompts have led to frustration among many users.
Why do users want to turn off Windows Media Player as default?
There are several reasons why users might want to disable Windows Media Player as the default media player:
- Prefer other media players: Many users have their favorite media players, such as VLC Media Player, KMPlayer, or iTunes, and prefer to use them over Windows Media Player.
- Resource-intensive: Windows Media Player can be resource-intensive, causing slow performance and battery drain on laptops.
- Irritating prompts: The constant prompts to upgrade or purchase additional features can be annoying and disruptive to the user experience.
Methods to Turn Off Windows Media Player as Default
Now that we’ve established the reasons behind disabling Windows Media Player, let’s explore the methods to do so.
Method 1: Changing Default Apps in Windows Settings
This is the simplest method to turn off Windows Media Player as the default media player.
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on the “Apps” option.
- Click on “Default apps” from the left menu.
- Scroll down to the “Music player” or “Video player” section, depending on the type of file you want to change the default for.
- Click on the current default app (Windows Media Player) and select your preferred media player from the list.
Method 2: Using the Windows Media Player Settings
You can also disable Windows Media Player as the default media player from within the application itself.
- Open Windows Media Player.
- Click on the “Organize” tab.
- Click on “Options” from the drop-down menu.
- Uncheck the box next to “Make Windows Media Player the default music player” or “Make Windows Media Player the default video player.”
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Method 3: Using the Registry Editor
This method involves modifying the Windows Registry, so proceed with caution.
Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can cause system instability if not done correctly. Proceed at your own risk.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MediaFile\shell\open\command
- Right-click on the “command” key and select “Modify.”
- In the “Value data” field, delete the current path and enter the path to your preferred media player’s executable file.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the above methods should help you turn off Windows Media Player as the default media player, you might encounter some common issues.
Issue 1: Windows Media Player Still Opens by Default
If Windows Media Player still opens by default despite changing the default app, try the following:
- Check if the file type you’re trying to open is associated with Windows Media Player. You can do this by right-clicking on the file, selecting “Open with,” and checking the list of recommended apps.
- Ensure that your preferred media player is set as the default app for that file type.
Issue 2: Unable to Change Default App in Windows Settings
If you’re unable to change the default app in Windows Settings, try the following:
- Check if you’re running the latest version of Windows. Some older versions might have limitations on changing default apps.
- Ensure that your preferred media player is installed and up-to-date.
Conclusion
Disabling Windows Media Player as the default media player is a relatively straightforward process. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can take back control and choose your preferred media player. Remember to be cautious when editing the Windows Registry, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you encounter any issues. With these steps, you’ll be enjoying your favorite media player in no time!
What is Windows Media Player and why is it set as default?
Windows Media Player is a media player and media library application developed by Microsoft that is used to play audio, video, and view images on Windows-based PCs. It is set as the default media player on many Windows systems, which means that it automatically opens and plays media files when you click on them.
This can be frustrating if you prefer to use a different media player, such as VLC Media Player or KMPlayer. Having Windows Media Player as the default can also cause compatibility issues with certain file formats or features that are not supported by the player. Fortunately, you can easily change the default media player in Windows to take back control of your media playback experience.
Why do I want to turn off Windows Media Player as default?
You may want to turn off Windows Media Player as the default media player for several reasons. For instance, you may prefer to use a different media player that has more features or better supports certain file formats. Additionally, Windows Media Player may not be as user-friendly or intuitive as other players, or you may simply want to have more control over your media playback experience.
By turning off Windows Media Player as the default, you can choose which media player you want to use and when, giving you more flexibility and control over how you play your media files. This can also help to resolve compatibility issues or errors that may occur when using Windows Media Player to play certain file formats.
How do I turn off Windows Media Player as default in Windows 10?
To turn off Windows Media Player as the default media player in Windows 10, you can go to the Settings app and select the “Apps” option. From there, click on “Default apps” and scroll down to the “Music player” or “Video player” section, depending on the type of media you want to change the default for. Click on the current default app (Windows Media Player) and select a different app from the list, such as VLC Media Player or KMPlayer.
Alternatively, you can also right-click on a media file, select “Open with,” and choose “Choose another app.” From there, select the media player you want to use and check the box next to “Always use this app to open” to set it as the default.
How do I turn off Windows Media Player as default in Windows 7 or 8?
To turn off Windows Media Player as the default media player in Windows 7 or 8, you can go to the Control Panel and select the “Programs” option. From there, click on “Default Programs” and select “Set your default programs.” Find Windows Media Player in the list of programs and click on it, then click on “Choose defaults for this program.”
Uncheck the boxes next to the file types you no longer want Windows Media Player to be the default for, such as .mp3 or .avi files. You can then choose a different media player as the default for those file types.
Can I set different default media players for different file types?
Yes, you can set different default media players for different file types in Windows. This allows you to have more control over which media player is used to play specific types of media files. For example, you may want to use VLC Media Player to play .avi files, but use KMPlayer to play .mp4 files.
To set different default media players for different file types, you can follow the instructions mentioned earlier for your specific version of Windows. You can then choose a different media player for each file type, giving you more flexibility and control over your media playback experience.
Will turning off Windows Media Player as default affect other features or apps?
Turning off Windows Media Player as the default media player should not affect other features or apps on your system. Windows Media Player will still be available to use if you need it, and other apps and features that rely on Windows Media Player will continue to function as normal.
However, if you have any apps or features that are set to use Windows Media Player specifically, you may need to update those settings to use the new default media player instead. This should not cause any issues, but it’s worth double-checking to make sure everything is working as expected.
How do I reset Windows Media Player as default if I change my mind?
If you change your mind and want to reset Windows Media Player as the default media player, you can follow the same steps mentioned earlier to set it as the default again. This will restore Windows Media Player as the default media player for the file types you specified.
Alternatively, you can also go to the Windows Media Player settings and click on the “Options” or “Preferences” button. From there, you can select the “File types” or “Associations” tab and check the boxes next to the file types you want Windows Media Player to be the default for.