How To Make Windows Media Player Default Windows 8

Windows Media Player is a versatile media player that comes pre-installed with Windows 8. It offers a range of features to enhance your media playback experience, from organizing your music and video libraries to playing DVDs and streaming online content. To make Windows Media Player your default media player on Windows 8, follow the simple steps below.

To set Windows Media Player as the default media player on Windows 8, you can go to the Control Panel and navigate to the Default Programs settings. From there, choose 'Set your default programs' and select Windows Media Player from the list of available programs. Once you have set it as the default, Windows 8 will automatically use Windows Media Player to open your media files, providing a seamless and convenient media playback experience.

Why Make Windows Media Player Default in Windows 8?

Windows Media Player is a popular media player that comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems. It provides a convenient way to play various media formats, including audio and video files. However, in Windows 8, the default media player is the Modern UI-style app called "Music" or "Video" depending on the file type. While these native apps offer a streamlined user interface, some users may prefer the familiar functionality and features of Windows Media Player.

By making Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8, you gain more control over your media playback experience. You can easily manage your music and video libraries, create playlists, and customize playback settings. Additionally, Windows Media Player supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, ensuring compatibility with most media files.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a movie buff, or simply prefer the features of Windows Media Player, this guide will help you set it as the default player for a seamless media playback experience.

Method 1: Using the Control Panel

The Control Panel is a central hub for managing various settings in Windows. To make Windows Media Player the default media player using the Control Panel, follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar and selecting it from the search results.
• Click on "Programs" and then select "Default Programs".
• Click on "Set your default programs".
• Scroll down the list of programs until you find "Windows Media Player". Click on it to select it.
• Click on "Set this program as default" and then click "OK".

Once you've completed these steps, Windows Media Player will be set as the default media player in Windows 8. Anytime you open a supported media file, it will automatically open in Windows Media Player.

Notes:

- If you are unable to find "Windows Media Player" in the list of programs, it may not be installed on your system. In that case, you can download and install it from the official Microsoft website.

- If you prefer using the Start screen instead of the Control Panel, you can follow a similar process by searching for "Default Programs" directly from the Start screen and selecting "Default Programs" from the search results. The rest of the steps remain the same.

- Making Windows Media Player the default media player will also affect other media-related applications. For example, if you currently have another media player set as the default, such as VLC Media Player or iTunes, it will be replaced by Windows Media Player.

Advantages of Using Windows Media Player as the Default Player

There are several advantages to making Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8:

• Familiar User Interface: Windows Media Player has a traditional user interface that users have been accustomed to over the years. If you are comfortable with this interface and prefer its features and options, setting it as the default media player will provide a familiar experience.
• Extensive Codec Support: Windows Media Player supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, ensuring compatibility with most media files. You won't have to worry about installing additional codecs or encountering playback issues for common file formats.
• Library Management: Windows Media Player allows you to easily manage your music and video libraries. You can organize your files, create playlists, and even sync your media with portable devices.
• Customizable Options: Windows Media Player offers various customization options for playback settings, visualizations, and equalizer settings. You can tailor the media playback experience to your preferences.

With these advantages, Windows Media Player can enhance your media playback experience on Windows 8.

Method 2: Using Default Programs

Another way to make Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8 is by using the Default Programs settings. Here's how:

• Open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar and selecting it from the search results.
• Click on "Programs" and then select "Default Programs".
• Click on "Set your default programs".
• Scroll down the list of programs until you find "Windows Media Player". Click on it to select it.
• Click on "Choose defaults for this program".
• Check the boxes next to the file types and protocols that you want to associate with Windows Media Player.
• Click "Save".

After completing these steps, Windows Media Player will be set as the default media player for the selected file types and protocols. Whenever you open a supported file or access content associated with those protocols, it will open in Windows Media Player.

Notes:

- The "Choose defaults for this program" option allows you to select specific file types and protocols that you want Windows Media Player to handle. This gives you more control over which media files should be played with Windows Media Player.

- If you want to revert to the default settings and remove Windows Media Player as the default player for specific file types, you can repeat the steps above and uncheck the boxes next to those file types.

Method 3: Using the File Context Menu

If you want to make Windows Media Player the default media player for a specific file without changing the default settings for all file types, you can do so using the file context menu. Here's how:

• Locate the media file you want to open with Windows Media Player.
• Right-click on the file to open the context menu.
• Hover over the "Open with" option in the context menu.
• In the sub-menu, click on "Choose another app".
• A list of available apps will appear. Select "Windows Media Player".

After selecting "Windows Media Player" from the sub-menu, the media file will open in Windows Media Player. This action will not change the default media player for other files.

Notes:

- This method is particularly useful if you want to open specific media files with Windows Media Player without changing the default media player for all file types.

- You can use this method for individual files or a group of selected files. Simply select multiple files, right-click, and follow the same steps as mentioned above.

These methods provide different ways to make Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8. Choose the method that suits your preferences and enjoy a seamless media playback experience with Windows Media Player.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

While making Windows Media Player the default media player is typically straightforward, you may encounter some issues or have specific preferences. Here are some additional tips and troubleshooting steps:

1. Updating Windows Media Player

If you experience difficulties with Windows Media Player or want to ensure you have the latest version, you can check for updates:

• Open Windows Media Player.
• Click on the "Help" menu.
• Select "Check for updates".
• Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.

Updating Windows Media Player can resolve potential issues and ensure that you have access to the latest features and performance enhancements.

2. Customizing Windows Media Player Settings

Windows Media Player offers various customization options to enhance your media playback experience. Here are a few settings you can explore:

• Playback settings: Adjust the playback speed, choose crossfading options, and enable auto volume leveling.
• Library management: Organize your music and video libraries, create playlists, and sync your media with portable devices.
• Visualizations and equalizer: Customize the visual effects that accompany your music and adjust the equalizer settings to enhance audio playback.
• Removal or reinstallation: If you no longer want to use Windows Media Player as the default media player, you can uninstall it from the Control Panel. Reinstalling it follows the same process as Method 1 mentioned earlier.

Exploring these settings can help you tailor Windows Media Player to your preferences and optimize your media playback experience.

3. Troubleshooting Issues with Default Programs

If you encounter issues with setting Windows Media Player as the default media player, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

• Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple system restart can resolve temporary issues.
• Check for software conflicts: Ensure that you don't have any other media players or conflicting programs that may interfere with setting Windows Media Player as the default. Uninstalling or disabling these programs temporarily may resolve the issue.
• Try alternative methods: If one method doesn't work, try using a different method described earlier in this article.
• Update Windows: Ensure that your Windows 8 system has the latest updates installed. Update your system, restart, and try setting Windows Media Player as the default media player again.
• Seek professional help: If you have exhausted all troubleshooting steps and are still unable to make Windows Media Player the default media player, consider seeking assistance from technical support or a knowledgeable professional.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can overcome common issues and successfully set Windows Media Player as the default media player in Windows 8.

Conclusion

Making Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8 provides you with a familiar user interface, extensive codec support, library management features, and customizable options. Whether you prefer the traditional interface of Windows Media Player or need its wide codec compatibility, following the methods outlined in this article will help you seamlessly set Windows Media Player as your default media player. Enjoy a personalized media playback experience with Windows Media Player in Windows 8!

Setting Windows Media Player as the Default Player in Windows 8

Windows 8 comes with a pre-installed media player called "Windows Media Player". However, it is not set as the default player by default. If you prefer using Windows Media Player to play your media files, you can easily make it the default player in a few simple steps.

To make Windows Media Player the default player in Windows 8, follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X and then selecting "Control Panel".
• Click on "Programs" and then select "Default Programs".
• Click on "Set your default programs".
• Locate "Windows Media Player" from the list of programs.
• Click on "Set this program as default".

Once you have set Windows Media Player as the default player, all your media files will automatically open with it from then on. This means that when you double-click on a media file, it will automatically open in Windows Media Player instead of any other media player.

Making Windows Media Player the default player in Windows 8 is a simple process that ensures you have a seamless experience when playing your media files. By following these steps, you can easily make Windows Media Player your go-to player for all your media needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking to make Windows Media Player your default media player on Windows 8? We have answers to the most commonly asked questions about this process.

1. How can I make Windows Media Player my default media player on Windows 8?

To make Windows Media Player your default media player on Windows 8, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Media Player by searching for it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Click on the "Organize" button in the upper left corner of the window.

Step 3: Click on "Options".

Step 4: In the Options window, click on the "File Types" tab.

Step 5: Check the box next to the file types you want to associate with Windows Media Player, such as audio or video files.

Step 6: Click on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the window.

Step 7: Click on the "OK" button to close the Options window.

2. Can I make Windows Media Player my default without opening the app?

No, you cannot make Windows Media Player your default media player without opening the app. This is because the process requires accessing the Options window within the app to make the necessary changes.

3. Will making Windows Media Player my default media player affect my other media players?

Making Windows Media Player your default media player will not directly affect your other media players. However, when you open media files, they will automatically open with Windows Media Player unless you manually choose a different media player to open them with.

4. What if I change my mind and want to revert to my previous default media player?

If you change your mind and want to revert to your previous default media player, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and search for "Default Apps".

Step 2: Click on "Default Apps" in the search results.

Step 3: In the Default Apps window, scroll down and click on the media player you want to set as the default.

Step 4: Click on the "Manage" button.

Step 5: Click on "Use this app for all [file type] files" to make it the default media player for that file type.

5. Can I make Windows Media Player my default media player on Windows 8.1 or Windows 10?

Yes, you can make Windows Media Player your default media player on both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. The process is similar to the steps outlined for Windows 8.

To make Windows Media Player the default media player in Windows 8, follow these simple steps. First, navigate to the Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Click on "Control Panel" to open it.

Once in the Control Panel, select "Default Programs" and then click on "Set your default programs." From the list of programs, choose Windows Media Player and click on the "Set this program as default" button. Windows 8 will now use Windows Media Player as the default media player for all supported file types.