Making Windows Media Player Default: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Windows Media Player is a popular media player that comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems. However, it’s not always the first media player that comes to mind when thinking of media playback. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Windows Media Player the default media player on your Windows computer.
Why Make Windows Media Player Default?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s consider why you might want to make Windows Media Player the default media player. Here are a few reasons:
- Convenience: Having Windows Media Player as the default media player can save you time and effort in the long run.
- Ease of use: Windows Media Player is a user-friendly media player that’s easy to navigate and use.
- Compatibility: Windows Media Player is compatible with a wide range of media formats, including MP3, MP4, and AVI.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Windows Media Player Default
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Windows Media Player the default media player on your Windows computer:
Step 1: Open the Media Settings
- Click on the Start button and type "Media settings" in the search bar.
- Click on the Media settings app to open it.
Step 2: Click on "Default Media Player"
- In the Media settings app, click on the Default media player tab.
- Click on the Change button next to "Default media player".
Step 3: Select Windows Media Player
- In the Change Media Player dialog box, select Windows Media Player as the default media player.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Step 4: Test the Changes
- Click on the Play button to test the changes.
- If Windows Media Player is not playing media files, try playing a different media file to confirm that the changes are working.
Alternative Method: Using the Registry
If you’re not comfortable using the Media settings app, you can also use the registry to make Windows Media Player the default media player. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to the Media Settings
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionMedia
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionMedia
Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
- In the Registry Editor, right-click on the Media key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value DefaultMediaPlayer.
- Click OK to create the new value.
Step 4: Set the Default Media Player
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the DefaultMediaPlayer value.
- Double-click on the value to open it.
- Set the value to Windows Media Player.
Step 5: Test the Changes
- Click on the Play button to test the changes.
- If Windows Media Player is not playing media files, try playing a different media file to confirm that the changes are working.
Conclusion
Making Windows Media Player the default media player on your Windows computer is a simple process that can save you time and effort in the long run. By following these steps, you can easily make Windows Media Player the default media player and enjoy a more convenient and user-friendly media playback experience.