How to uninstall or reinstall Windows Media Player

Updated: 12/31/2020 by Computer Hope
Windows Media Player logo.

With the popularity of streaming media, e.g., Spotify and Netflix, traditional media software has lost some of its popularity. If you're having trouble deciding whether or not you want to keep Windows Media Player, the following sections show you how to uninstall or reinstall it.

Disable or uninstall Windows Media Player

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
  2. Under the Programs section, click Uninstall a program.

Option to uninstall a program in Windows.

  1. On the left side of the screen, click Turn Windows features on or off.

Link to turn Windows features on or off.

  1. Scroll down to and expand the Media Features folder, then uncheck the box next to Windows Media Player.

Check box that allows users to uninstall Windows Media Player.

  1. On the prompt, click Yes button in Windows 10. and then the Ok button in Windows 10. button.

Re-enable or reinstall Windows Media Player

If you previously uninstalled Windows Media Player, reinstall it.

  1. Repeat steps 1-3 in the previous section.
  2. In step four, check the box next to Windows Media Player, and click the Okay button in Windows 10. button.

Check box that allows users to uninstall Windows Media Player.

  1. Once the installation finishes, click the Close button in Windows 10. button.