Windows Media Player (WMP) has been a staple media player on Windows operating systems for years, but with the rise of more feature-rich and user-friendly media players, many users are looking to uninstall it. If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to uninstall Windows Media Player in Windows 8.
Why Uninstall Windows Media Player?
Before we dive into the uninstallation process, it’s essential to understand why you might want to remove WMP from your system. Here are some reasons:
- Competition from better media players: With the likes of VLC Media Player, KMPlayer, and Media Player Classic, you might find that WMP is no longer the best option for your media needs. These alternative media players often offer more features, better performance, and a more user-friendly interface.
- Bloatware and system resource usage: WMP can consume system resources, which can slow down your computer, especially if you have limited RAM or an older machine. Uninstalling WMP can help free up system resources and improve overall performance.
- Customization and flexibility: If you’re not satisfied with WMP’s interface or features, uninstalling it can give you the freedom to explore alternative media players that better suit your needs.
Pre-Uninstallation Checks
Before you start the uninstallation process, make sure you’ve taken care of a few things:
- Backup your media library: If you have a large media library associated with WMP, make sure to back it up before uninstalling the program. You can do this by exporting your playlist, copying your media files to an external drive, or using a cloud storage service.
- Check for dependencies: Some Windows features and applications might rely on WMP. Ensure that you’ve explored alternative solutions for these dependencies before uninstalling WMP.
Method 1: Uninstall Windows Media Player using the Windows Features Panel
This is the recommended method for uninstalling WMP in Windows 8. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Access the Windows Features Panel
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Control Panel from the menu.
- In the Control Panel window, click on Programs and Features (in Windows 8.1) or Programs (in Windows 8).
- Click on Turn Windows features on or off from the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Uninstall Windows Media Player
- In the Windows Features window, scroll down and locate Windows Media Player.
- Uncheck the checkbox next to Windows Media Player to uninstall it.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Method 2: Uninstall Windows Media Player using the Command Prompt
This method requires some technical expertise and uses the Command Prompt to uninstall WMP.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
- Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2: Uninstall Windows Media Player using the DISM Command
- Type the following command and press Enter:
dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:WindowsMediaPlayer - This command will uninstall WMP from your system.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the uninstallation process, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue: Unable to uninstall Windows Media Player
- Solution: Try restarting your computer and then attempt to uninstall WMP again. If the issue persists, try using the Command Prompt method.
Issue: Windows Media Player is still present after uninstallation
- Solution: Ensure that you’ve restarted your computer after uninstalling WMP. If the program is still present, try uninstalling it again using the Command Prompt method.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Windows Media Player in Windows 8 is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to remove WMP from your system. Remember to backup your media library and check for dependencies before uninstalling the program. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions.
Will uninstalling Windows Media Player affect other Windows features?
Uninstalling Windows Media Player will not affect other Windows features. Windows Media Player is a standalone application, and removing it will not impact other Windows components. You can uninstall Windows Media Player without worrying about affecting other Windows features or functionalities.
However, it’s essential to note that some Windows features, such as Windows Media Center, might rely on Windows Media Player to function correctly. If you uninstall Windows Media Player, you might experience issues with these dependent features. Be sure to check the system requirements for any dependent features before uninstalling Windows Media Player.
Can I reinstall Windows Media Player after uninstallation?
Yes, you can reinstall Windows Media Player after uninstalling it. Windows Media Player is a built-in application, and you can easily reinstall it from the Windows Features dialog box. To reinstall Windows Media Player, go to the Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features,” and then click on “Turn Windows features on or off.” Check the box next to “Windows Media Player” and click “OK” to reinstall the application.
Keep in mind that reinstalling Windows Media Player will not recover any data or settings you might have lost during the uninstallation process. You will need to set up Windows Media Player again and reimport your media library.
Will uninstalling Windows Media Player delete my media files?
No, uninstalling Windows Media Player will not delete your media files. Windows Media Player is a media player application, and it does not store your media files. Your media files are stored on your hard drive, and uninstalling Windows Media Player will not affect them.
However, if you have created playlists or stored metadata information in Windows Media Player, you might lose that information when you uninstall the application. Make sure to back up your playlists and metadata before uninstalling Windows Media Player.
Can I uninstall Windows Media Player on Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows Media Player on Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro. The uninstallation process for Windows Media Player is the same for Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8.1 Pro. You can follow the same steps outlined in this guide to uninstall Windows Media Player on any of these Windows versions.
Keep in mind that Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro might have additional Windows features that rely on Windows Media Player. Be sure to check the system requirements for any dependent features before uninstalling Windows Media Player.
Will uninstalling Windows Media Player affect Windows Update?
No, uninstalling Windows Media Player will not affect Windows Update. Windows Update is a separate component of Windows, and uninstalling Windows Media Player will not impact its functionality. You can continue to receive Windows updates and security patches even after uninstalling Windows Media Player.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your Windows installation is up-to-date before uninstalling Windows Media Player. This will ensure that you have the latest security patches and feature updates.
Can I uninstall Windows Media Player on a 64-bit system?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows Media Player on a 64-bit system. The uninstallation process for Windows Media Player is the same for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. You can follow the same steps outlined in this guide to uninstall Windows Media Player on a 64-bit system.
Keep in mind that some Windows features or applications might have specific requirements for 64-bit systems. Be sure to check the system requirements for any dependent features before uninstalling Windows Media Player.
Is it really safe to uninstall Windows Media Player?
Yes, it is safe to uninstall Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player is a standalone application, and uninstalling it will not affect the stability or security of your Windows installation. Microsoft provides an option to uninstall Windows Media Player, and it is a supported operation.
However, be sure to exercise caution when uninstalling Windows Media Player, as it might affect dependent features or applications. Make sure to check the system requirements for any dependent features before uninstalling Windows Media Player.