Recently, many people have reported about “Windows Media Player server execution failed” error while trying to play media. Windows Media Player is a primary media player and most successful software from Microsoft for Windows OS. However, if you are running with this issue, you don’t have to worry as fixes for this issue is available. In this article, we will provide possible solutions to resolve this issue.
Possible solutions to try when WMP server execution failed
The error under discussion could be a result of an upgrade that does not allow WMP to recognize its file-type. There could be some other reasons causing Windows Media Player server execution failed. We will troubleshoot the issue sequentially; try every method one-by-one:
Solution 1: End WMP tasks in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager,
- Right-click on Windows Media Player and select End task.
Solution 2: Re-register DLL files
On the Windows search bar, type in Command Prompt and right-click on the matched result and select Run as Administrator,
- Type in the commands below and Enter to execute them:
regsvr32.exe jscript.dll
regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll
- Exit Command Prompt and restart the system and then see if the issue persists.
Solution 3: Rename WMP files
Many users reported about Windows Media Player server execution failed get the issue resolved just by renaming the file and playing it again. You should also try this easy to do method and see if this works for you.
Solution 4: Disable WMP network sharing service
- In the search box area, type in services, and click on the matched result to open service manager window,
- Navigate to Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service, and double-click on it,
- Set the startup type to Disabled,
- Click Apply and confirm with OK.
Solution 5: Disable and re-enable WMP
- Press Win+ E to open File Explorer,
- In the File Explorer Window, find the below location:
- C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player
- Select all contents in the opened window and copy and paste the contents in this folder to any other folder inside your PC to create its backup,
- Now, go to the favorable folder of your choice and paste these contents and the backup of your WMP is ready,
- Then, close File Explorer and press Win+ R, type in optionalfeatures and hit Enter,
- In the Windows Features panel, un-tick the Media Features and confirm this action by clicking OK button,
- Close the window and open Windows Features in re-fresh,
- Check the Media Feature options and click OK button to re-enable the settings and close the window,
- Afterwards, press Win + E to open File Explorer and go to the folder with WMP backup file in it,
- Copy its contents and paste it in below location:
- C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player
- Once done, close the window and try to play any music and see if the issue persists.
Solution 6: Use Windows store apps troubleshooter
- On the start menu, click on gear like icon to open settings,
- Locate update and security and the then Troubleshoot tab,
- Click on Windows Store apps troubleshooter there in to run it,
- Restart the device once the process is complete and check the then if the issue is gone.
Solution 7: Clean booting
If you still not get the solution for windows media player server execution failed, you should try clean booting. It could help identifying an interfering startup program that could be causing the issue:
- Type in msconfig in the search bar and hit Enter to open up all system configurations of basic Microsoft settings,
- Click on radio button on the next window and also make sure the load system services is checked in the selective startup,
- Save the changes and then go to the services tab and check the option says Hide all Microsoft services therein and choose option Disable all,
- Click Apply to confirm to those changes and then restart the device which will open itself in the clean boot.
Solution 8: Temporarily disable the antivirus program
Temporarily disable your antivirus tool and see if this works. You can also try adding WMP to exceptional list of your antivirus software and see if this method helpful.
Solution 9: Reinstall Windows Media Player
- Press Win + R, type in Control Panel and hit Enter,
- Go to the Programs and Features and select Turn Windows Features on or off,
- In the appeared list, scroll down to find Media Features and expand the list,
- Un-tick the checkboxes corresponds to Windows Media Player.
Conclusion
That is all! We have provided all possible fixes for windows media player server execution failed. If none of the methods work, you should run system scan using PC Repair Tool. It is possible that some missing or corrupted files are causing the problem of which it provides automatic fixes. Here is its direct download link.
