How to Uninstall Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a multimedia player developed by Microsoft, designed to play audio and video files on Windows operating systems. It has been a built-in component of Windows for many years, supporting various file formats such as MP3, WMA, WMV, AVI, and MPEG. Although newer versions of Windows have introduced alternative media applications like Groove Music (in Windows 10) and Media Player (in Windows 11), Windows Media Player remains accessible for users who prefer its interface or require compatibility with older media formats and plugins.

Despite being a native application, some users may choose to uninstall Windows Media Player due to personal preference, system optimization, or the need to resolve conflicts with other media software. This guide provides several methods to completely remove Windows Media Player from Windows 10 and Windows 11, while addressing differences between 32-bit and 64-bit architectures and variations in OS versions. Each method includes detailed instructions, limitations, and success rate estimates.

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Method 1: Disable via Windows Features (Official Method)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

For Windows 10:

1. Press Win + S and type Turn Windows features on or off.
2. In the Windows Features window, locate Media Features and expand it.
3. Uncheck Windows Media Player.
4. Click OK to apply the changes.
5. Wait for the system to disable the feature and restart your computer if prompted.

For Windows 11:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Apps > Optional Features.
3. Click More Windows features under the “Related settings” section.
4. In the Windows Features window, scroll down and uncheck Windows Media Player.
5. Click OK, wait for the process to complete, and restart the system if required.

Notes:

• Disabling Windows Media Player does not delete the executable files but prevents the program from running.
• This method works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems without distinction.
• The feature can be re-enabled at any time using the same interface.

Disadvantages:

• Does not fully remove all associated files or registry entries.
• May leave behind unused components that occupy disk space.

Success Rate: 90–95% (for disabling functionality)

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Method 2: Manual Removal of Shortcuts and File Associations

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove desktop or Start Menu shortcuts to Windows Media Player by right-clicking them and selecting Delete.
2. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs > Set your default programs.
3. Locate Windows Media Player and click Choose defaults for this program.
4. Deselect all file types associated with WMP (e.g., .mp3, .wmv, .avi).
5. Click Save to finalize the changes.
6. Optionally, rename or move the wmplayer.exe file located in:

• C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe (for 32-bit)
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe (for 64-bit)

Notes:

• Renaming the executable disables access to the application without modifying system files directly.
• This method should only be attempted by users familiar with file management and permissions.

Disadvantages:

• Not a true uninstallation; core components remain installed.
• May interfere with system updates or future reinstalls.

Success Rate: 60–70%

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Method 3: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt to Remove Components (Advanced)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:MediaPlayback

3. Wait for the command to execute successfully.
4. Restart your computer to complete the removal.

Notes:

• This method permanently removes the Media Playback Feature from the system image.
• Works on Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise and Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise editions.
• On Home editions, the Media Feature may not be removable via DISM.

Disadvantages:

• Requires elevated privileges and technical knowledge.
• Cannot be undone without reinstalling the feature via DISM.

Success Rate: 95–98% (on supported editions)

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Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller Software

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. If not already installed, download Perfect Uninstaller from its official website.
2. Launch the software after installation.
3. From the list of installed programs, locate Windows Media Player.
4. Select the program and click Uninstall.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
6. After removal, use the built-in Scan for Leftovers feature to detect and delete remaining files, folders, and registry entries.
7. Restart your computer to finalize changes.

Notes:

• Perfect Uninstaller attempts to remove residual files and registry keys that standard tools may miss.
• Compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and supports both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.

Advantages:

• More thorough than native uninstallers.
• User-friendly interface suitable for non-technical users.

Disadvantages:

• Limited effectiveness since Windows Media Player is a system component.
• May not fully remove protected system files.

Success Rate: 70–80%

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Final Thoughts & Professional Recommendation

Uninstalling Windows Media Player presents unique challenges compared to third-party applications because it is a built-in Windows component. Therefore, true removal is limited and often requires disabling the feature rather than deleting it outright. Among the available options, Method 3 (via PowerShell/Command Prompt) offers the most effective way to eliminate its presence on supported editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

For general users, Method 1 (disabling through Windows Features) is the safest and officially supported approach. However, if deeper cleanup is desired, Method 4 (Perfect Uninstaller) can assist in removing leftover files and registry entries, though it cannot fully eliminate system-level components.

As a professional, I advise against aggressive manual deletions unless absolutely necessary, especially when dealing with pre-installed system applications. Understanding the distinctions between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, is crucial for ensuring a successful and stable uninstallation process.

In conclusion, while full uninstallation of Windows Media Player is not always possible due to its integration with the operating system, the methods outlined above provide viable options depending on your system configuration and technical proficiency.