Windows 10: Windows Media Player Legacy has started to freeze then crash whenever I try to open a file.

I have used Windows Media Player Legacy and its earlier versions for decades as the default media player for mp3 files. I have never had an issue with it until recently. For about two weeks now when I try to open a media file with WMP Legacy as the default, the program opens after a long pause and is unresponsive. I can play mp3 files normally from within the WMP Legacy app itself. I can right click the icon and click "play all music" and it functions normally. If I minimize it, I can play individual files normally. Here, as an example, are the details of one crash:A problem&n

:)

 

MS media player crashes when opening an audio file (MP3 or wav)

Windows 11.

The MS media player application crashes when I open an audio file. (Crash files are generated.) However, the app seems to stay alive long enough to record the file name in its "recent media" list.

Interestingly, I can play the files that are listed in the recent media list provided I select them from the list itself! As well, the media player works fine will video files.

All of my other audio applications work fine. MS windows player legacy also works fine.

The behaviour described above is consistent and repeatable. I have tried repairing, resetting the application, but this has not fixed the problem.

* Changed to a question

 

Windows Media Player Legacy will not write data to media files.

Hi Ken Quick 75，

Welcome to Microsoft Community

It sounds like you're encountering an issue with Windows Media Player Legacy in Windows 11 where changes to media file tags aren't being saved or reflected in File Explorer. This can be due to a few reasons:

1. Permissions Issues: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to modify the files. If the files are stored in a protected directory or if you don't have administrative rights, Windows Media Player might not be able to write the changes.
   
2. File Compatibility: Check if the file format is compatible with Windows Media Player. Some formats might not support the tagging system used by Windows Media Player.
   
3. Windows Media Player Settings: There could be settings within Windows Media Player that need to be adjusted. Ensure that the option to write changes to files is enabled.
   
4. File Integrity: If the files are corrupt or if there's an issue with the file structure, Windows Media Player might not be able to write the tags properly.
   
5. Windows Media Player Version: Ensure that you're using the latest version of Windows Media Player Legacy compatible with Windows 11.
   
6. Operating System Compatibility: There might be compatibility issues with Windows Media Player Legacy and Windows 11, especially if it's an older version of the player.
   

To troubleshoot the issue:

• Run as Administrator: Try running Windows Media Player as an administrator.
  
• Check File Types: Make sure the files you are trying to tag are in a format that is supported by Windows Media Player.
  
• Inspect File Properties: Right-click on the file in File Explorer, go to Properties, and see if the file is set to 'Read-only'.
  
• Update Windows Media Player: If an update is available, install it.
  
• Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, updating Windows can resolve compatibility issues.
  
• Try a Different Program: If possible, use a different program to edit the tags and see if the changes are reflected in File Explorer.
  

Thank you for your patience and understanding! If you have any questions, feel free to leave us a message.

Sincerely

Manson | Microsoft Support Specialist

 

CAN PLAYLISTS ON WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER LEGACY BE PLAYED IN ORDER I WANT?

Hello WILLIAM BOECKMAN,



Welcome to Microsoft Community.



You can of course customize the order in which media files are played in Windows Media Player Legacy. Follow these steps to create and adjust the playlist order:

1. Open Windows Media Player Legacy: Click the Start menu, then type "Windows Media Player Legacy" in the search bar, and open it.
   
2. Add media files to playlist: Drag and drop the music or video file you want to add into the player window, or use the "Add to Library" button and select the file.
   
3. Create Playlist: In the playlist pane, select "Create Playlist" and type the name you want.
   
4. Adjust play order: Drag media files into the playlist and sort them in the order you want them to play. You can drag files anywhere in the playlist to adjust the order in which they are played.
   
5. Play your playlist: Double-click the playlist name or right-click the playlist and select "Play" to play the media files in it in the order you adjusted.
   

However, since you are already using Windows11, I recommend using the new version of Media Player, because Windows Media Player Legacy is old and some features may have been replaced by more advanced Media Player.

If anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.



Best regards,

Mitchell - | Microsoft community support expert from MSFT