How to Enable or Disable Windows Media Center
Information
This will show you how to enable or disable Windows Media Center from being able to run by specific or all users in Windows 7.
Note
Windows Media Center is
not available in the
Windows 7 Starter and
Windows 7 Home Basic editions.
The
N and KN editions of Windows 7 have all the
features that normally come with each individual Windows 7 edition, except for
Windows Media Player 12 and related programs, such as
Windows Media Center or
Windows DVD Maker.
The N editions of Windows 7 allow you to choose your own media player and software required to manage and play CDs, DVDs, and other digital media files. If you choose to use
Windows Media Player 12, downloading it, along with related software, is free.
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 for Only Current User
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 for Only Current User
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)
That's it,
Shawn