Windows Media Player (WMP) is the default media player of the Windows operating system. It is one of the most used media players and one of Microsoft’s most exemplary Windows applications. Although it is listed under Optional Features from Windows 10 2004 onwards, it is still trendy among Windows 10 users.
Usually, Windows Media Player runs flawlessly without any issue, but recently many users have reported that they are getting server execution failed error in Windows Media player. This error can occur due to various reasons like the latest windows update, corrupted DLL files, third-party application conflicts, and more. When server execution failed error arises, the Windows Media Player would stop playing any media files until the fault is fixed.
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Luckily, several straightforward solutions are available to fix the Windows Media Player server execution failed issue on Windows 10.
Let us walk through those fixes.
End the Windows Media Player Process from the Taskbar
Sometimes even after exiting the application, the process of Windows Media Player might still be running in the background and cause the server execution failed error on relaunching. So, before opening the Windows Media Player again, end its previous process from the Task Manager. Here are the steps to execute that:
Right-click on the Windows Taskbar and click on the “Task Manager” to launch it.
Under the Process tab in the Task Manager, search for the Windows Media Player process.
Right-click on it and select End task.
After ending the WMP process, relaunch the application, and the problem should have been resolved.
Register the VBScript and Jscript DLL Files
As already mentioned, the server execution failed error can also be caused because of corrupted DLL files. You can register the required DLL files using the Command Prompt. Follow these steps to do that:
- On the windows search box, type Command Prompt, right-click on its icon, and select Run as Administrator.
- On the command line window, type regsvr32 jscript.dll to add the JScript and hit the enter key.
- Click OK on the success message.
- Similarly, type regsvr32 vbscript.dll to register the VBScript. Hit the enter key.
- Again, click OK to the pop-up success window.
Launch Windows Media Player and check whether the problem is resolved.
Disable the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
Disabling the Network Sharing Service of Windows Media Player can fix the server execution failed issue. Follow these steps:
- On the windows search bar, type Run and click on its icon to launch the Run App.
- Type service.msc on the Run command space.
- Scroll down and search for Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.
- Right-click on it and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, set the Startup type to Disabled.
- Click Apply and OK.
- Restart your system.
Add the Administrative Group to the Local Service
This is another way to solve the Windows Media Player server execution failed problem. Here are the steps for that:
- Launch the Windows Command Prompt with the administrative rights.
- On the command line window, type or copy/paste this command and hit the enter key: net localgroup “Administrators” “NT Authority\Local Service”/add
- After the command is successfully completed, close the Command Prompt window and restart the system.
Check whether the Media File is running with a different Player
Sometimes, the media file you are trying to play using Windows Media Player might be unsupported, thus causing the error. Try running the same media file using any other media player. If it works well, try different solutions to fix the Windows Media Player server execution failed problem.
Uninstall and then Re-install Windows Media Player
If the problem persists, it is advised to uninstall the Windows Media Player and then freshly re-install it. Since Windows Media Player is the optional feature of Windows 10, you cannot uninstall it like you uninstall any other application. Follow these steps to uninstall the WMP:
- Launch Windows Settings and select Apps
- Click on Optional features.
- Under Installed features, look for Windows Media Player.
- Select it and click on Uninstall.
- WMP would start uninstalling
- After the WMP is uninstalled, reboot the system.
Re-install the WMP
Follow these steps to re-install Windows Media Player:
- Launch Windows Settings and select Apps
- Click on Optional features.
- On the next window, click on Add a feature.
- Search for Windows Media Player on the next window, select it, and click on Install.
- The WMP would be freshly installed.
Final Words
If you are a regular Windows Media Player user, server execution failed error can be really frustrating while playing a media file. However, using any of the fixes provided in this guide, you can efficiently resolve the issue.
Server execution failed is the Windows Media Player playback error caused because of corrupted DLL files, third-party conflicts, and more.
The server execution failed means that a process of Windows Media Player, i.e., wmplayer.exe, is already running in the background and might be stuck in the infinite loop.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
