The so called keys we need to edit are under the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT class. On its left there’s what is referred to as Classes which houses the different kinds of settings and on the right is the preview window where the settings are previewed and edited. In the run window type regedit in the text box and click Ok. You can do this by going to the Start Menu and on the bottom click on the button Run… If it’s not there no need to worry, just use the keyboard shortcut – Windows Button + Rģ.
It’s what I made for Windows 7 but the procedure is exactly the same for Windows 8 and 10.ġ.First make sure you’re logged in as an AdministratorĢ. If you’ve some trouble going through the steps, please refer to the video below. There’s no undo button here, so if you make an unwanted change there’s no reverting back unless if you remember exactly what you edited. If you don’t know what the Registry is, it’s probably a good idea you stick with the first two methods.Īlso before editing anything in the registry you may want to consider backing it up or by simply creating a system restore point. This is the last method and it’s the least user friendly of the three. Option 3: Remove Manually using the Registry If you had defaults set to WMP, like to open mp3s and other media files, they’ll will automatically default to another media player that’s installed, if not you’ll have to do that manually. Windows may take some time to apply those settings after which you’ll have to Restart your computer for the changes to be appliedĪfter restarting the computer WMP entries should be gone and the program should be inaccessible.
Expand that category by clicking on the little plus sign and remove the checkmark from Windows Media PlayerĦ. Navigate through the categories listed and find Media Features. That will open a small window titled Windows Features. In the Programs and Features window, go to the left panel and click the link – Turn Windows features on or offĥ. Scroll down and click open Programs and FeaturesĤ. Switch the view to Large Icons or Small Icons if it’s in the Category viewģ. You won’t be able to use the program but you can “turn it on” later if you need to use it.Ģ. This method renders WMP inaccessible through “uninstallation” but not in the traditional sense. Option 2: Turning off Windows Media Player This will only “disable access” to WMP from windows explorer but you will still be able to use the program by launching it from elsewhere like Start Menu. However, below it you’ll notice beside Windows Media Player there’s the option Enable access to this program.
If you’re already using a different media player, then Use my current media player is selected by default. Scroll down and go to Choose default media player. If not so, do select it and then enlarge the settings using the drop arrow on the far rightĦ. If you’re using a different media player chances are the Custom option is already selected. That will open a small window with one of three radio buttons selected: Microsoft Windows, Non-Microsoft and Custom. In the default programs window, click open the last option – Set Program access and computer defaultsĥ.
Scroll down and click open Default ProgramsĤ. You can find it easily by searching for it in the start menuĢ.Switch the view to Large Icons or Small Icons if it’s in the Category viewģ. If you don't see the program you want to use as the default, click the arrow next to Other Programs to see a list of programs available on your computer.This method simply makes WMP NOT the default media player and as a result removes the entries.ġ. If no other programs are installed that are able to open the file type or protocol, your choices will be limited.) (If you don't see Other Programs, or your program is not listed, click Browse to find the program you want to use, and then click Open. Open Default Programs by clicking the Start button and then clicking Default Programs.Ĭlick Associate a file type or protocol with a program.Ĭlick the file type or protocol that you want the program to act as the default for.Ĭlick the program that you want to use as the default for the file type you selected, or click the arrow next to Other Programs to show additional programs. If a program does not show up in the list, you can make the program a default by using Set Associations. Use this option to choose which programs you want Windows to use, by default.