How To Fix The Media Player App When It Stops Working On Windows 11

Microsoft replaced Groove Music with the sleek and contemporary Media Player software in Windows 11, which is a substantial upgrade over Groove Music. The new Media Player can, however, cause you problems occasionally when it refuses to launch or perform as intended, just like any other software. Consider using the following workarounds to remedy problems with the Windows 11 Media Player app before you give up and hunt for an alternative.

Try These Fixes to Resolve Issues With the Media Player App in Windows 11.

Method 1: Check the File Format of Your Media

Although the most recent version of Microsoft’s Media Player is made to function with almost all common music and video formats, not all of them are supported. You may think the Media Player app is broken because the media file you are attempting to play is in an unsupported format.

Therefore, you should confirm that the file you are using is in a format that Media Player supports before debugging the application. By looking at the file’s properties in Windows and then the list of compatible Windows Media Player file formats on Microsoft Support, you may confirm the format of the file.

Use a free online converter to convert your file’s format to one that is supported if you discover that it is incompatible. Click here for Audio Converters and Click here for Video Converters.

Method 2: Allow the App to Access the Video Library

If you unintentionally restrict the Media Player app’s access to your video collection, it might not be able to display videos that are stored on your computer. Here is how to activate it.

Step 1: Select Settings from the list by performing right-click on the Start icon.

Step 2: Go to the Privacy & Security tab using the left pane.

Step 3: Scroll down in the right pane and click on Videos.

Step 4: Turn on the toggles next to Let apps access your video library and Video Library access.

Step 5: Enable the Toggle switch next to the Media Player app.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Media Player Crashes in Windows 10

Method 3: Update Your Libraries

Even with video library access enabled, you can try refreshing the libraries if the Media Player app is still unable to recognize your files. This will enable the software to perform another media file system scan. Follow these procedures to update libraries in the Media Player app:

Step 1: Start your PC’s Media Player application.

Step 2: In the bottom left corner, click the gear symbol.

Step 3: Select Libraries, then click Refresh.

Step 4: Refresh the Media Player App’s libraries.

Step 5: Check to see if your media files are now visible by switching to the Library tab.

Also Read: How To Add Subtitles In Windows Media Player

Method 4: Switch off Video Enhancements

Your Windows 11 computer comes with a video-enhancing tool that can make watching videos more enjoyable. However, you might have difficulties viewing movies if your hardware isn’t compatible with these upgrades. It is therefore recommended to avoid using them. Use the following procedures to stop Windows from using video enhancements:

Step 1: To open the Settings app, open the Start menu and click the gear-shaped symbol.

Step 2: The Apps tab is on your left; select it.

Step 3: Then select Video Playback.

Step 4: Switch off the Process video automatically to enhance its option.

Also Read:  How To Fix Error Code 0xc00d6d6f While Opening Media Files on Windows 11/10

Method 5: Run The Necessary Windows Troubleshooting Tools

Consider running Windows troubleshooters if you’re experiencing playback issues with other media players as well. You can use the Playing Audio and Video Playback troubleshooters specifically. By doing this, Windows will be able to examine your system for any problems with video playing and provide remedies as necessary. Here’s how to use these Windows troubleshooters.

Step 1: Launch the Windows Settings window by pressing Win + I.

Step 2: Go to the System tab and select Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Choose Other troubleshooters.

Step 4: To finish the troubleshooting procedure, click the Run button next to Playing Audio and adhere to the on-screen instructions.

Step 5: To start the Video playback, click the Run button next to it.

The Final Word On How to Fix the Media Player App When It Stops Working on Windows 11

On your Windows 11 computer, the Media Player software is excellent for playing locally saved audio and video files. The app could occasionally stop functioning as a result of incorrectly configured settings or faulty app data. But it’s nothing that the aforementioned fixes can’t take care of. There are many free media player apps for Windows that you can test if you’re sick of dealing with these problems with the new Media Player app or if you’re looking for extra capabilities.

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