---
title: "How to Uninstall or Disable Windows Media Player on Windows 11 and 10"
url: "https://binary.ph/2026/08/22/how-to-uninstall-or-disable-windows-media-player-on-windows-11-and-10/"
description: "Learn step‑by‑step how to Uninstall Windows Media Player or disable it on Windows 10 and 11, with easy instructions and tips for a cleaner system."
author: "BinaryPH"
published: "2026-08-21T20:01:00+00:00"
modified: "2026-08-21T20:01:00+00:00"
tags: ["Main"]
---

# How to Uninstall or Disable Windows Media Player on Windows 11 and 10

## Why Remove or Disable Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player (WMP) is included in Windows 10 and Windows 11 as both a legacy desktop app and a newer Microsoft Store version. Some users prefer a cleaner interface, want to free disk space, or wish to prevent automatic playback of media files. Disabling or uninstalling WMP does not harm core Windows functions and can be reversed whenever necessary.

## Steps for Windows 11

### Uninstall the New Microsoft Store App

- Navigate to **Settings > Apps > Installed apps**.
- Search for "Windows Media Player".
- Click the three‑dot menu next to the listing and choose **Uninstall**.

### Disable or Remove the Legacy Desktop App

The legacy WMP is an optional feature and can be disabled via PowerShell or the Optional Features panel.

- **PowerShell Method**
  Open PowerShell as an administrator and execute:
  `Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "WindowsMediaPlayer"`
- For re‑enable: `Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "WindowsMediaPlayer" -All` and restart the system.
- **GUI Method**
  Go to **Settings > Apps > Optional features** and locate "Windows Media Player Legacy". Click **Uninstall**.

## Steps for Windows 10

### Disable via Control Panel

- Open Control Panel (type it in the Start menu).
- Navigate to **Programs > Turn Windows features on or off**.
- Find **Windows Media Player**, uncheck the box, and press **OK**.
- Restart the computer to apply changes.

### Disable via PowerShell

- Launch PowerShell as administrator.
- Run:
  `Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "WindowsMediaPlayer"`
- To restore, use:
  `Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "WindowsMediaPlayer" -All`
- Reboot after execution.

### Uninstall via Optional Features

- Open Settings, then **Apps > Optional features**.
- Search for **Windows Media Player** and click **Uninstall** if the option appears.

## Additional Tweaks and Considerations

Disabling WMP does not affect other media players such as VLC or Spotify. If auto‑play is the only concern, adjust the **AutoPlay settings** in Settings > Devices > AutoPlay to stop media from playing immediately when inserted.

When a future Windows update reinstalls or re‑enables WMP, repeat the chosen removal method. All steps are reversible, so users can restore the legacy application whenever required.

## Summary Table

| Method | Windows 11 | Windows 10 | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Settings > Apps | ✔ (New Store App) | ✖ | Only removes the new app |
| Optional Features | ✔ | ✔ | Legacy app removal |
| Control Panel | ✖ | ✔ | Legacy app toggle |
| PowerShell | ✔ | ✔ | Command‑line control |
| AutoPlay Settings | ✔ | ✔ | Stops automatic media playback |

> For the most comprehensive experience, pair the PowerShell command with a system restart. This ensures that the feature is fully disabled across all user profiles.