This will show you how to enable or disable Windows Media Center from being able to run by all users in Windows 7.
Windows Media Center is not available in the Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic editions.
EXAMPLE: Windows Media Center Disabled Message NOTE:This is the error message that will be displayed when a user tries to open Windows Media Center when it is disabled.
OPTION ONE
Using a REG File Download
1. To Enable Windows Media Center
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Enable_Windows_Media_Center.reg
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Disable Windows Media Center
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_Windows_Media_Center.reg
3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.
4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.
5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.
6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.
7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
2. In the left pane, click on the arrow to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, then click on Windows Media Center. (see screenshot below)
3. In the right pane, right click on Do not allow Windows Media Center to run and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)
4. To Enable Windows Media Center
A) Select (dot) Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable Windows Media Center
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
OPTION THREE
Through "Set Program Access and Computer Defaults"
4. Click on the Custom gray bar or arrow to expand it. (see screenshot below)
5. To Enable Windows Media Center
A) Under the Choose a default media player section, check the Enable access to this program box to the right of Windows Media Center, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)
B) Go to step 7.
6. To Disable Windows Media Center
A) Under the Choose a default media player section, uncheck the Enable access to this program box to the right of Windows Media Center, then click on OK. (see screenshot above)
7. Close the Default Programs window. (see screenshot below step 2)
System Manufacturer/Model Number Self-built OS Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit CPU Intel Core i7-3770 Motherboard MSI Z77A-G45 Memory G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT Graphics Card Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 6670 Sound Card On-Board Realtek Monitor(s) Displays Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD, Dell 1703FPT Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 1024
Keyboard Logitech K270 Mouse Logitech M705 PSU SeaSonic M12II SS-500GM Case Lian Li PC-9F Cooling Zalman CNPS9900ALED Hard Drives Samsung HD103SJ Internet Speed 16 Mbps Other Info Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speakers
System Manufacturer/Model Number Self-built OS Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit CPU Intel Core i7-3770 Motherboard MSI Z77A-G45 Memory G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT Graphics Card Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 6670 Sound Card On-Board Realtek Monitor(s) Displays Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD, Dell 1703FPT Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 1024
Keyboard Logitech K270 Mouse Logitech M705 PSU SeaSonic M12II SS-500GM Case Lian Li PC-9F Cooling Zalman CNPS9900ALED Hard Drives Samsung HD103SJ Internet Speed 16 Mbps Other Info Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speakers