Fix Windows Media Player Media library is corrupted error: The error occurs when Windows Media Player library database becomes corrupt or inaccessible but usually, Windows Media Player library database can usually recover from such corruptions automatically. However, in this case, the database may have become corrupted in a way that Media Player cannot recover in which case we need to rebuild the database.
While the reason for corruption can be different for different users but there are only a few fixes for this issue which are common to all the users even when they have different system configurations. So without wasting any time let’s see How to Fix Windows Media Player Media library is corrupted error with the help of below-listed troubleshooting guide.
Fix Windows Media Player Media library is corrupted error
Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.
Method 1: Rebuild Windows Media Player Library Database
1.Press Windows Key + R then type the following and hit Enter:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player
2.Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A then press Shift + Del to permanently delete all the files and folders.
3.Reboot your PC to save changes. Once the system restart Windows Media Player will automatically rebuild the database.
Method 2: Delete the Database Cache Files
1.Press Windows Key + R then type the following and hit Enter:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft
2.Right-click on Media Player folder then select Delete.
3.Empty the Recycle bin then reboot your PC.
4.Once the system restart Windows Media Player will automatically rebuild the database.
If you’re not able to delete the Windows Media Player Library Database and receive the following error message “Current database cannot be deleted because it’s open in Windows Media Network Sharing Service” then first follow this then try the above-listed steps:
1.Press Windows Key + R then type services.msc and hit Enter.
2.Scroll down and find Windows Media Network Sharing Service in the list.
3.Right-click on Windows Media Network Sharing Service and select Stop.
4.Follow method 1 or 2 and then reboot your PC to save changes.
Method 3: Perform a Clean boot
Sometimes 3rd party software can conflict with Windows and can cause the issue. In order to Fix Windows Media Player Media library is corrupted error, you need to perform a clean boot on your PC and diagnose the issue step by step.
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That’s it you have successfully Fix Windows Media Player Media library is corrupted error but if you still have any questions regarding this post then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.
Hello, I tried this process numerous times but unfortunately my corrupt media library returns after Media Player rebuilds it. I was unable to complete Method 3 since each time I tried to disable any services the task manager would go un-responsive and not complete thus forcing me to power off my pc by the power switch since the task manager could not be shutdown. Therefore the only part of method 3 I was able to try was not loading start up items. I appreciated your article but unfortunately something about my setup blocks its success.
Same here it is broke
Same issue here. After deleting database, steps 1 & 2, Windows Media Player works for a short time. But eventually I get the corrupt database again. Is there any way to delete Media Player and reinstall?
Please follow these guides and you will find a way to reinstall Windows Media Player as well as some additional tips:
https://techcult.com/fix-windows-media-player-cannot-play-the-file/
https://techcult.com/fix-windows-media-wont-play-music-files-windows-10/
I am totally confused. If I “fix” the corrupted media player it says I have to PERMANENTLY delete the files, which I assume is every item in my library and the playlists. As usual, the explanations are not at all clear.
HOW DO I GET THEM BACK??? It says you can do this but I don’t understand how that works if they’ve been permanently deleted.
And whats up with the WMP cache??? What is that? Should you permanently delete the files AND the cache?? And what is a “clean boot” – is it different than a regular boot and if so, how? Should we do that as well?
I wish all the “geniuses” who write these directions and explanations would take into account that there are MILLIONS of people, literally millions of them, who never even knew what a pesonal computer was until they were over 50, frequently even in their 60s and older. This doesn’t make us stupid, it just means we don’t yet understand the meaning of the words we’re reading or how to implement the directions because they don’t make any sense to us.
So please lose the comtempt and give us a break and make more of an effort to geneuinely help those who are not as familiar with technology as you are. Thank you.