How to Enable or Disable Media Sharing from Windows Media Player in Windows 7

   Information
Media streaming (media sharing) allows you to send your music, pictures, and videos to other computers and devices on your same home or work network. If you have a home network, you can use Windows Media Player (WMP) to stream media to computers and media devices in your home.

This will show you how to enable or disable the ability of all users on your computer from sharing media content from Windows Media Player 12 (WMP 12) in Windows 7 with other computers and devices on the same home or work network.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

   Note
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: Media Sharing Enabled and Disabled
NOTE: This is what you will see at step 5 in Option One here.
Media Sharing Using Windows Media Player - Enable or Disable-enabled.jpg

Media Sharing Using Windows Media Player - Enable or Disable-disabled.jpg



OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Media Sharing from WMP12 in Windows 7
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Enable_WMP_Media_Sharing.reg
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Disable Media Sharing from WMP12 in Windows 7
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_WMP_Media_Sharing.reg
3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click the downloaded .reg file on the Desktop and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. If enabled, you will now be able to turn on media streaming.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.



OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

2. In the left pane, click on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Windows Media Player. (see screenshot below)
Media Sharing Using Windows Media Player - Enable or Disable-gpedit-1.jpg
3. In the right pane, right click on Prevent Media Sharing and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Media Sharing from WMP12 in Windows 7
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable Media Sharing from WMP12 in Windows 7
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
Media Sharing Using Windows Media Player - Enable or Disable-gpedit-2.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

8. If enabled, you will now be able to turn on media streaming.
That's it,
Shawn