Laptop unable to open Windows Media Player

4.5

The legacy or modern media player fails to launch or play files.

Symptoms
  • "Server execution failed"
  • App crash
  • Codec error
Possible Causes
  • Corrupt library database
  • Missing codecs
  • Service stopped

Step-by-Step Fix

1

Rebuild Library

Delete the .wmdb files in AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player.

2

Install VLC Media Player

A much better alternative that includes all necessary codecs.

3

Re-register DLLs

Run "regsvr32 wmp.dll" in an admin CMD.

When to See a Technician

Windows Media Player is largely deprecated; use the "Movies & TV" app or VLC instead.

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