Windows media player corrupted

If you are a Windows user, you most probably use Windows Media Player (WMP), which is quite simply a media application and media library application development from Microsoft. With Windows Media Player, you can play audios, view videos, movies and images. WMP, like any other application in its category is built with a database, where crucial information is stored. Unfortunately, those databases can become corrupted albeit Microsoft has made it smarter to recover automatically. Still, the database can also become corrupted in such a way that Windows Media Player itself cannot fix the issue. Therefore, we aim to show you how you can fix this problem with a few easy steps. If the problem cannot be fixed, we will also introduce an alternative software that you can use for all your media consumption needs.

Part 1: What does media library is corrupted mean?

Windows Media Player (WMP), which is a media application and media library application development from Microsoft, which makes it the default or system application in its category. The “Media library is corrupted” is an error which occurs when either the Windows Media Player library database itself, or the information stored in it gets corrupted. It also occurs when any file or information contained in the database is non-readable by Windows Media Player.

In more severe cases, some users have reported that this error keeps appearing every 10 minutes, and then it goes away by itself every other day. Under normal circumstances, the database should be able to recover automatically by-itself from the database corruption. Simply rebooting the computer has also been reported to solve the problem. However, using the troubleshooter does not fix this problem for some users. The data corruption in some cases is of a nature that the recovery process needed is manual, and therefore we will now show you how to do it manually. Before you attempt to do it yourself, we will discuss a little bit about the Windows System Restore which is a very important for you to know before you attempt to repair your Windows system features.

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Windows System Restore

According to Microsoft, System Restore is a Windows tool designed to protect and repair the computer software. System Restore takes what is referred to as a «snapshot» of the some system files and the Windows registry and saves them as Restore Points. When an install failure or data corruption occurs, System Restore can return a system to working condition without you having to reinstall the operating system again. It repairs the Windows environment by reverting back to the files and settings that were saved in the restore point.

System Restore will not affect personal data contained on the computer. The utility creates Restore Points on a daily basis by default. It continually monitors system activity and creates a restore point when particular activities occur. Types of activities that trigger automatic creation of restore points include: installing software, installing new hardware drivers, updating hardware drives and in this case changing critical system settings that may change the way a computer operates. It can also be created manually.

Therefore, it is important for you to create a System Restore Point before you proceed with “how to fix media library is corrupted”.

Solution 1: Disable and re-enable WMP in Windows Features

If you have encountered this error, and failed to fix a corrupted Windows Media Player library database, you might have been tempted to research on how to reinstall Windows Media Player. Unfortunately, Windows Media Player cannot be uninstalled because it is a system application that is one of the backbones of the Windows operating system. What you can do for system applications like WMP is to disable and re-enable them in Windows Features. This method could fix the problem for you, and to do that follow the easy steps below.

Step 1: Click on the ‘Start’ button > search box > type ‘Control Panel’ > click on it.

Step 2: When you open Control Panel, select ‘View by Category’ just below the search box.

Step 3: When the next tab opens, click on ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ which should be under ‘Programs and Features’.

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Step 4: When the window appears, click on the (+) symbol next to ‘Media Features’ to expand, then uncheck ‘Windows Media Player’  followed by clicking ‘Yes’.

Step 5: After that, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Restart it, then re-enable the feature by following the steps above again.

Solution 2: Rebuild the Database or delete the Database cache files

If disabling and enabling Windows Media Player did not solve the corrupted library problem for you, then rebuilding or deleting the database cache files might work for you. This is because the cache files themselves might be corrupted, thereby causing the error. Therefore look at the steps below on how to do so.

Step 1: Press Windows Key+R, and type “%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft” and hit Enter. The Microsoft system folder will open.

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Step 2: Look for ‘Media Player’ folder. Right click on it, press Shift and click on ‘Delete’. This will permanently delete ‘Media Player’ folder.

Step 3: Restart your computer. As Windows will be booted, Windows Media Player will rebuild the Windows Media Player database.

Note: If you are receiving the “Current database cannot be deleted because it’s open in Windows Media Network Sharing Service” message, then you will not be able to delete the folder. Follow these steps to delete the folder:

Step 1: Press Windows key+R, and type ‘services.msc’ and click on ‘OK’.  Services utility will open.

Step 2: Scroll down to find ‘Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service’ and right click on it. Click on ‘Stop’. This will stop ‘Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service‘ on your computer, and close ‘Services’.

Step 3: Follow the steps above again to do delete the cache.

If deleting the database cache files does not solve the problem for you, it could be a sign of a major problem with your copy of the Windows operating system. In that case, resetting or re-installing Windows could be the only way out for you although we think its a tedious process.

Solution 4: Use WMP alternatives instead

The best, and sometimes the only possible way to fix a corrupted Windows Media Player database is through reinstalling Windows altogether, especially on older Windows versions like Windows 7. However, we all know that re-installing Windows is a tedious process, and if you do not have time then you probably have to look for Windows Media Player alternatives. Then Leawo Blu-ray Player is believed to be the best alternative, and one that we would highly recommend. Most importantly, this software will support more video and audio formats in comparison to Windows Media Player (over 180 to be precise), which include AVI, MPEG, WMV, ASF, FLV, MKV, MKA, QuickTime, MP4, M4A, AAC, NUT, Ogg, OGM, etc. It is built with technologies that allow hardware and software acceleration, as a result allowing you to play videos smoothly, and delivering lossless video playback with resolutions of 720P, 1080P, 1080i and 4K (2160P).

Step 1: Import your videos, movies and/ or music. From the main interface, open your videos, movies, DVDs, Blu-ray videos or music from your computer by clicking the “Open File” button. When done, you should see your videos, movies or music on the playlists.

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Step 2: For videos and movies, set the subtitles. Right-click the screen while playing back the video, then choose Subtitles tab and a pop-up window for setting the subtitles will appear. It has the “Enable subtitles”, “Subtitle offset”, “Subtitle selecting” and “Browse for subtitle”, options. Choose an option that suites your needs and adjust it accordingly.

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Any 3rd-party product names, trademarks, logos and images occasionally mentioned on this site belong to their owners. These might include but not be limited to YouTube, Apple, Amazon, Adobe, Netflix, etc. Leawo Software is independent of all of these property owners.

Windows Media Player is a popular media player application that has been a staple in the Windows operating system for many years. It allows users to play a variety of media files, such as music, videos, and photos, in a convenient and user-friendly interface. However, like any software, Windows Media Player can encounter issues that may disrupt its functionality. One common problem that users may encounter is the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error in Windows 10.

This error can be frustrating for users who rely on Windows Media Player to organize and play their media files. When the library is corrupted, users may experience issues such as missing media files, incorrect metadata, and difficulty accessing their media libraries. Fortunately, there are several methods that users can try to fix this error and restore their Windows Media Player library to its normal functioning state.

In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error in Windows 10 and provide detailed instructions on how to fix it. We will explore various troubleshooting methods, including resetting the Windows Media Player library, rebuilding the library, and updating the media player software. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can resolve the error and get their Windows Media Player library back up and running smoothly.

Causes of the «Windows Media Player Library is Corrupted» Error in Windows 10

Before we delve into the solutions for fixing the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error, it is important to understand the potential causes of this issue. There are several factors that could lead to the corruption of the Windows Media Player library in Windows 10. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Corrupted or missing system files: If essential system files that are required for Windows Media Player to function properly become corrupted or go missing, it can lead to errors in the media player library.

2. Outdated or incompatible software: Using an outdated version of Windows Media Player or running incompatible software on your system can cause conflicts that may result in a corrupted library.

3. Malware or virus infection: Malicious software can infect your system and corrupt important files, including those related to Windows Media Player, leading to errors in the library.

4. Improper shutdown: If Windows Media Player is not closed properly or if your system experiences a sudden power outage while the media player is in use, it can result in a corrupted library.

5. Disk errors: Physical errors on your hard drive, such as bad sectors or disk fragmentation, can affect the integrity of your media files and cause issues with the Windows Media Player library.

Now that we have identified some of the potential causes of the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error, let’s move on to the solutions for fixing this issue in Windows 10.

Methods to Fix the «Windows Media Player Library is Corrupted» Error in Windows 10

There are several methods that users can try to resolve the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error in Windows 10. These methods range from simple troubleshooting steps to more advanced solutions that involve modifying system settings and reinstalling software. Here, we will outline the most effective methods for fixing the corrupted library error in Windows Media Player.

Method 1: Resetting the Windows Media Player Library

One of the simplest ways to fix the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error is to reset the media player library. This process will clear all the existing media files and playlists from the library and create a new, fresh database. Here’s how to reset the Windows Media Player library:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type «services.msc» in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Services window.

3. Scroll down the list of services and locate the «Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.»

4. Right-click on the service and select «Stop» from the context menu to temporarily disable it.

5. Next, open File Explorer and navigate to the following folder path: C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftMedia Player.

6. In the Media Player folder, locate the files named «CurrentDatabase_360» and «LocalMLS_360.»

7. Delete both files from the folder. These files contain the existing media library data and playlists.

8. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

9. Once your system has restarted, open Windows Media Player. The library will be reset, and you can add your media files back to the library by selecting the «Add to Library» option.

By resetting the Windows Media Player library, you can resolve the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error and create a new, clean library database that should function without any issues. If the error persists after resetting the library, you can try the next method.

Method 2: Rebuilding the Windows Media Player Library

If resetting the library did not fix the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error, you can try rebuilding the library to restore its functionality. The rebuilding process involves deleting the existing library database files and then forcing Windows Media Player to re-scan and re-index your media files. Follow these steps to rebuild the Windows Media Player library:

1. Open Windows Media Player and click on the «Organize» option in the top menu bar.

2. Select «Manage Libraries» from the drop-down menu and choose «Music Library.»

3. Click on the «Remove» button to delete the current music library from Windows Media Player.

4. Next, open File Explorer and navigate to the following folder path: C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftMedia Player.

5. In the Media Player folder, locate the files named «CurrentDatabase_360» and «LocalMLS_360.»

6. Delete both files from the folder to clear the existing library database.

7. Restart Windows Media Player to initiate the library rebuilding process.

8. Windows Media Player will start scanning your media files and re-indexing them in the library. This process may take some time, depending on the number of media files you have.

9. Once the library has been rebuilt, check if the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error has been resolved.

Rebuilding the Windows Media Player library can help fix any corruption issues and ensure that your media files are properly organized and accessible within the media player. If the error persists even after rebuilding the library, you can move on to the next method.

Method 3: Updating Windows Media Player and Windows 10

Another potential solution for fixing the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error is to ensure that both Windows Media Player and your Windows 10 operating system are up to date. Updates often contain bug fixes and patches that address known issues with the software, including problems related to the media player library. Here’s how to update Windows Media Player and Windows 10:

1. Open Windows Media Player and click on the «Help» option in the top menu bar.

2. Select «Check for updates» from the drop-down menu to see if there are any available updates for Windows Media Player.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install any updates for the media player.

4. Next, update your Windows 10 operating system by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

5. Click on «Update & Security» and then select «Windows Update» from the left pane.

6. Click on the «Check for updates» button to scan for and download any available updates for Windows 10.

7. Once the updates have been installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

By keeping Windows Media Player and Windows 10 up to date, you can ensure that you have the latest fixes and improvements that can help resolve the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error. If updating the software does not resolve the issue, you can try the next method.

Method 4: Running System File Checker (SFC) Scan

If the corruption in the Windows Media Player library is caused by system file errors, running a System File Checker (SFC) scan can help identify and repair any corrupted files on your system. The SFC tool is a built-in utility in Windows that scans for and fixes corrupted system files that may be causing issues with Windows Media Player. Follow these steps to run an SFC scan:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.

2. Select «Windows PowerShell (Admin)» or «Command Prompt (Admin)» from the menu to open an elevated command prompt window.

3. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow.

4. The SFC tool will start scanning your system for corrupted files and repair them if any issues are found.

5. Wait for the scan to complete, which may take some time depending on the size of your system files.

6. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer to apply the repairs.

Running an SFC scan can help fix any corrupted system files that may be causing the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error in Windows 10. If the error persists after running the scan, you can try the next method.

Method 5: Checking for Malware or Virus Infections

Malware or virus infections on your system can corrupt important files, including those related to Windows Media Player, and cause errors in the library. To fix the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error, you should run a thorough antivirus scan to check for and remove any malicious software on your system. Follow these steps to scan for malware and viruses:

1. Install and run a reputable antivirus software program on your computer.

2. Perform a full system scan to check for any malware or virus infections.

3. Follow the instructions provided by the antivirus software to quarantine or remove any detected threats.

4. Restart your computer after the scan is complete to ensure that any malware or viruses have been removed from your system.

By removing malware or virus infections from your computer, you can eliminate the potential cause of the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error and restore the functionality of Windows Media Player. If the error persists after running the antivirus scan, you can try the next method.

Method 6: Repairing Disk Errors

Disk errors on your hard drive, such as bad sectors or disk fragmentation, can affect the integrity of your media files and cause issues with the Windows Media Player library. To fix disk errors and optimize your hard drive, you can use the built-in Disk Check utility in Windows. Follow these steps to repair disk errors:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.

2. Select «Windows PowerShell (Admin)» or «Command Prompt (Admin)» from the menu to open an elevated command prompt window.

3. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f /r C: (Replace «C:» with the drive letter of the hard drive you want to check).

4. The Disk Check utility will scan the selected drive for errors and attempt to repair them.

5. Follow any on-screen prompts to schedule a disk check for the next system restart.

6. Restart your computer to initiate the Disk Check utility and repair any disk errors.

By repairing disk errors on your hard drive, you can ensure the integrity of your media files and prevent issues with the Windows Media Player library. If the error persists after running the Disk Check utility, you can try the next method.

Method 7: Reinstalling Windows Media Player

If none of the previous methods have resolved the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows Media Player to fix the issue. Reinstalling the media player will remove any corrupted files or settings that may be causing the error and allow you to start fresh with a clean installation. Follow these steps to reinstall Windows Media Player:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.

2. Select «Windows PowerShell (Admin)» or «Command Prompt (Admin)» from the menu to open an elevated command prompt window.

3. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: dism /online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

4. Wait for the DISM tool to complete the repair process, which may take some time.

5. Once the repair is finished, restart your computer to apply the changes.

6. Next, press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.

7. Select «Apps and Features» from the menu to open the list of installed apps on your system.

8. Scroll down the list of apps and locate Windows Media Player.

9. Click on Windows Media Player and select the «Uninstall» option to remove the media player from your system.

10. Restart your computer after uninstalling Windows Media Player.

11. To reinstall Windows Media Player, open the Microsoft Store or the Windows Media Feature Pack download page and search for Windows Media Player.

12. Download and install Windows Media Player from the official source.

By reinstalling Windows Media Player, you can ensure that any corrupted files or settings that were causing the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error have been removed, and you can start fresh with a clean installation of the media player. If the error persists even after reinstalling Windows Media Player, you can try the next method.

Method 8: Performing a System Restore

If all else fails and you are still experiencing the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error in Windows 10, you can perform a system restore to revert your system back to a previous state when Windows Media Player was functioning correctly. System Restore allows you to roll back your system settings and configurations to a point in time before the error occurred. Follow these steps to perform a system restore:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type «rstrui» in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the System Restore wizard.

3. Click on «Next» to proceed with the System Restore process.

4. Select a restore point from the list of available dates when Windows Media Player was working correctly.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the restore point and initiate the system restore process.

6. Wait for the system restore to complete, which may take some time depending on your system.

7. Once the system restore is finished, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Performing a system restore can help revert your system back to a stable state before the «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error occurred, allowing you to use Windows Media Player without any issues. However, keep in mind that performing a system restore will undo any changes made to your system settings and configurations since the selected restore point.

Conclusion

The «Windows Media Player Library is corrupted» error in Windows 10 can be a frustrating issue for users who rely on Windows Media Player to organize and play their media files. This error can occur due to various factors, such as corrupted system files, outdated software, malware infections, improper shutdowns, or disk errors. However, by following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this article, users can effectively fix the corrupted library error and restore the functionality of Windows Media Player.

From resetting and rebuilding the Windows Media Player library to updating the software, running system scans, checking for malware, and performing system restores, there are several solutions that users can try to resolve the error. It is essential to follow the steps carefully and systematically to ensure a successful resolution of the problem. By applying these methods, users can get their Windows Media Player library back up and running smoothly, allowing them to enjoy their media files without any interruptions.

Windows Media Player is default application in Windows to stream and play diverse media content. Its database holds all audio and video files on your system. In certain cases, if Windows Media Player (WMP) does not allow you to browse the library and add or delete items within the WMP library, there’s a possibility that the database is damaged. Thus, the “Media library is corrupted” error pops up on the desktop screen.

It occurs when the Windows Media Player Library database or the data stored in it becomes damaged. However, the troubleshooter software of user’s system may not resolve the this issue for certain users. So, users need to perform manual methods to resolve it.

Before you go for the manual solutions, you should create an initial system restore point to restore your system to the previous state in case anything goes wrong. Follow this free guide to repair corrupt MP4 video files easily.

Windows System Restore point

System Restore is the Microsoft Windows tool designed to safeguard and fix computer software. It utilizes a snapshot of various system files along with the Windows registry and saves these in restore points.

If a failure in installation or data corruption is detected, System Restore can return the system back to its original state without the need to install the operating system again. It can repair the Windows environment by returning to files and settings stored in the restore point.

That’s why, it is crucial to establish a System Restore point before you use the provided manual solutions.

Manual solutions to repair a corrupt WMP database

Experiencing issues with a corrupt WMP database proves to be frustrating for the users. Listed below are few effective methods to help you repair your damaged WMP database.

Solution 1: Rebuild WMP Library database

Windows Media Player (WMP)’s database has been corrupted if you are unable to view, add, or delete items from your WMP library. In this case, you should rebuild the Windows Media Player database by following the given steps.

1. Open Run wizard by pressing Windows + R keys. Type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player then hit OK.
   

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2. Select all files within the folder and use Shift+Delete keys to permanently delete all files within the folder.
   

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3. Launch the Windows Media Player, its database is now restored.

Solution 2: Clean the WMP database cache files

1. Use the Windows + R keys to open the Run window. Type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft within Run wizard, tap OK.
   

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2. Right-click on Media Player folder and delete the same folder.
   

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3. Empty your system’s Recycle bin and then reboot your system.
4. After rebooting the system, Windows Media Player rebuilds the database.

Note: If you’re unable to remove your WMP Library database and get the following error pop-up “The current database could not be removed since it was opened in the Windows Media Network Sharing Service” then go through the following steps:

1. Use Windows+R keys to access the Run window. Next, type services.msc, hit OK.
2. Locate Windows Media Network Sharing Service then right-click on it and choose Stop to end this network sharing service and exit.
   

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3. Again, access Run wizard and type %LOCALAPPDATA%/Microsoft then click OK. This will open the Microsoft folder.
4. Locate the Media Player folder, right-click on Media Player folder to permanently delete it.
5. Lastly, reboot your system.

Solution 3: Disable WMP & enable again

Users can’t remove Windows Media Player because it’s an operating system program that forms one of the core components of Windows. To fix this issue, you need to disable and then re-enable this program from your system. Follow the given steps carefully to perform this task.

1. Go to the search box and type Control Panel then open it.
2. Once you access the Control Panel, choose the Program & Features.
   

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3. In Programs & Features, tap on the option Turn Windows features on or off.
   

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4. Select the symbol (+) beside the Media Features tab on the next window to expand it.
   

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5. Unmark Windows Media Player and tap on Yes.
6. A restart window will pop-up. Restart your system and re-enable the Windows feature by going through the above steps once again.

Solution 4: Run a clean boot

Clean booting will ensure that your PC starts with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This could solve the issue of the WMP database. To run a clean boot, go through these steps:

1. Use Windows + R keys to access the Run window. Next, type msconfig and tap on OK.
2. Navigate to the General tab and unmark the Load startup items option. Then, checkmark the Load system services option.


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3. Tap on the tab Services and mark the Hide all Microsoft services option. Press on the option Disable all then press on Apply and then hit OK to apply the made changes.


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4. After you’ve completed all these steps, you can reboot your PC, and it will boot in clean mode.

Use Recoveryfix Video Repair tool to fix WMP issues

In case the above manual methods are unable to fix the WMP database issue then you can go for the Recoveryfix Video Repair tool. With this tool, you can fix damaged MTS video files and repair corrupt MXF video files for free. Moreover, this advanced tool repairs corrupt video files of almost every format like MOV, MP4, WEBM, MTS, WMV, ASF, M4V, AVI, M4A, AVCHD, 3G2, FLV, 3GP, etc. Also, it supports recovery from all types of recorded video cameras. It repairs:

• Poor-quality or stuck pixels in video files.
• Blurring, choppiness, flickering, etc. in videos.
• Crashes during editing of video files.
• Synchronization issues between audio and video.
• Damage or distortion caused by Windows or software upgrades.

The bottom line

You can easily fix the corrupt WMP database problem by using the above manual methods. However, manual methods require careful execution to avoid any data loss risk while fixing this issue. For this, you can rely on Recoveryfix Video Repair tool to repair almost all types of damaged/corrupt video files.