How to Refresh Windows Media Player Library

How to Refresh Windows Media Player Library

Windows Media Player is a popular media player application that allows users to play various types of media files on their Windows-based computers. However, at times, you may encounter issues where the media library does not display new files or shows incorrect information about existing files. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a large media collection. In such cases, refreshing the Windows Media Player library can help resolve the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to refresh the Windows Media Player library:

Step 1: Close Windows Media Player. Make sure it is not running in the background.

Step 2: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player and press Enter. This will open the Media Player folder in File Explorer.

Step 3: Locate the files named CurrentDatabase_***.wmdb and LocalMLS_***.wmdb (*** represents a series of numbers and letters). Select both files, right-click, and choose Delete. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Step 4: Open Windows Media Player. It will automatically rebuild the library by scanning the default media folders on your computer.

Step 5: Wait for the library to refresh. The time required for the refresh process depends on the size of your media collection.

Once the library refresh is complete, Windows Media Player should display the updated media files and their information correctly. However, if you still face issues, refer to the following FAQs for further assistance:

FAQs:

Q1: Will refreshing the Windows Media Player library delete my media files?A1: No, refreshing the library will not delete any media files. It only rebuilds the library database, ensuring the correct display of files and their information.

Q2: How long does it take to refresh the library?A2: The time required depends on the size of your media collection. It can take a few minutes or longer for larger collections.

Q3: Can I add custom folders to the library?A3: Yes, you can add custom folders to the library. Go to the Organize menu in Windows Media Player, select Manage Libraries, and choose Music, Videos, or Pictures. Click Add to add custom folders.

Q4: Why are some media files still missing after refreshing the library?A4: Ensure that the media files are located in the default media folders or the custom folders you have added to the library. If the files are located elsewhere, Windows Media Player may not recognize them.

Q5: How can I remove duplicate entries from the library?A5: Go to the Organize menu, select Options, and navigate to the Library tab. Click on the Find Album Info button and follow the prompts to correct or remove duplicate entries.

Q6: Can I refresh the library automatically when new media files are added?A6: Yes, you can enable the “Retrieve additional information from the internet” option under the Library tab in the Options menu. This will automatically refresh the library when new files are added.

Q7: Will refreshing the library affect my playlists?A7: No, refreshing the library will not affect your playlists. They will remain intact.

Q8: Can I refresh the library on Windows versions older than Windows 10?A8: Yes, the steps for refreshing the library are similar on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. However, the default media library location may vary slightly.

Q9: How can I change the default media folders in Windows Media Player?A9: Go to the Organize menu, select Options, and navigate to the Library tab. Click on the Monitor Folders button and choose the folders you want to include in the library.

Q10: Can I refresh the library on Windows Media Player for Mac?A10: No, Windows Media Player for Mac is no longer supported by Microsoft. Consider using alternative media players like VLC on Mac.

Q11: Why is Windows Media Player not recognizing my media files?A11: Ensure that the media files are in a supported format and not corrupted. If the issue persists, try reinstalling or updating Windows Media Player.

Q12: Can I refresh the library on Windows Media Player for mobile devices?A12: Windows Media Player is not available on mobile devices. You can use the built-in media player or download alternative media players from app stores.

Q13: What should I do if refreshing the library does not resolve my issue?A13: If refreshing the library does not solve the problem, consider reinstalling or updating Windows Media Player or seeking further assistance from Microsoft support.

By following the steps mentioned above, you can refresh the Windows Media Player library and resolve any issues related to incorrect file information or missing media files. The FAQs provide additional information to address common queries and concerns.