Windows 7: Windows Media Center - Enable or Disable

   Information

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.

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.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

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"

1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Default Programs icon.

2. Click on the Set program access and computer defaults link. (see screenshot below)

3. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

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)