Mets Minor League Blog

Music theory, instruments and musicians

Mets Minor League Blog

Music theory, instruments and musicians

How To Set Windows Media Player As Default in Windows 10

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How To Set Windows Media Player As Default in Windows 10

Setting Windows Media Player as your default media player in Windows 10 ensures that your media files open with your preferred application automatically. Whether you want to use it for music, videos, or other media formats, configuring it as the default can streamline your media experience and avoid opening files in unwanted apps. Before starting, make sure Windows Media Player is installed and enabled on your Windows 10 system, as it’s not always active by default in newer versions.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC with Windows Media Player installed and enabled
  • Administrator access to change system settings
  • Media files you want to set as default (audio, video, etc.)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon or pressing Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to “Apps” in the Settings menu.
  3. Select “Default apps” from the left-hand sidebar.
  4. Scroll down to the section labeled “Choose default apps by file type.”
  5. Locate the file types you want to open with Windows Media Player, such as .mp3, .mp4, .wmv, or others.
  6. Click the current default app icon next to each file type. A list of available apps will appear.
  7. Select “Windows Media Player” from the list. If it’s not listed, proceed to the next step.
  8. If Windows Media Player is not in the list, go back to the main Settings menu, then select “Apps” > “Optional Features.”
  9. Click “Add a feature,” then find and select “Windows Media Player,” and click “Install.”
  10. Once installed, repeat steps 4-6 to set Windows Media Player as the default for your desired file types.
  11. Alternatively, for specific media types, you can right-click a media file in File Explorer, choose “Open with,” then select “Choose another app.”
  12. Check the box labeled “Always use this app to open [file type],” then pick “Windows Media Player” and click “OK.”
  13. Close the Settings window. Your media files should now open with Windows Media Player by default.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to install or enable Windows Media Player if it’s not already active.
  • Not updating the default app for all relevant media file types.
  • Trying to set Windows Media Player as default for unsupported file formats.
  • Failing to restart File Explorer or your computer after changing defaults, which may prevent changes from taking effect.
  • Confusing the default app settings for individual files with system-wide defaults, leading to inconsistent behavior.

Tips

  • Make sure Windows Media Player is enabled through “Optional Features” if it’s missing.
  • Use the “Open with” context menu for quick one-off changes without altering default settings.
  • Set defaults for all media types you regularly use to ensure consistency.
  • Restart your PC after making significant changes to default apps to ensure they take effect.
  • If Windows Media Player isn’t appearing as an option, consider repairing or reinstalling Windows Media Player via Windows Features.

Troubleshooting

If Windows Media Player does not open media files as expected:

  • Check if Windows Media Player is enabled: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off. Ensure “Windows Media Player” is checked. If not, enable it and restart your PC.
  • Verify that the file associations are correctly set: Revisit “Default apps” > “Choose default apps by file type” and confirm Windows Media Player is assigned.
  • Try opening a media file directly from Windows Media Player: Open the app first, then drag and drop your media files into it to test.
  • Reset the default apps: In “Default apps,” scroll to the bottom and click “Reset” to restore default settings, then reassign Windows Media Player.
  • If issues persist, consider updating Windows or reinstalling Windows Media Player.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I check if Windows Media Player is installed on Windows 10?

Open the Start menu, type “Windows Media Player,” and see if it appears. If not, check “Optional Features” in Settings to enable it.

2. Can I set Windows Media Player as default for all media files at once?

Yes, in “Default apps,” you can set defaults by file type, or click “Reset” to revert all to Windows Media Player, then assign specific defaults as needed.

3. Why isn’t Windows Media Player showing up in the list of default apps?

This might happen if it’s not enabled or installed. Enable it via “Optional Features” or reinstall it through Windows Features.

4. Can I set Windows Media Player as default for streaming services or online content?

No, Windows Media Player is designed for local media files. Streaming services usually require their own apps or browsers.

5. How do I make Windows Media Player my default for DVDs?

Insert a DVD, open Windows Media Player, and follow prompts to set it as the default for DVD playback, or set it manually in default app settings.

6. Is Windows Media Player available on Windows 11?

Windows Media Player is available on Windows 11, but the process to set defaults is similar. If missing, enable it through Optional Features.

By following these steps, tips, and troubleshooting advice, you can ensure Windows Media Player is your go-to media app on Windows 10, providing a consistent and familiar media experience.

Related

How To Set Windows Media Player As Default in Windows 10
Scroll to top