Archive for the ‘Windows Media Player’ tag
Unlock WMP x64 in Windows 7 x64
As many of you know, I published an article a few years back telling everyone how to make WMP x64 the default in Windows Vista x64. I had hoped at that time that Microsoft would have the sense to make the x64 player the default one in Windows 7.
Well not only did they fail to see why the 64 bit player should be the default, they also locked the user’s ability to switch the default player. They locked the registry keys that the old Vista command altered. Their excuse for this is that it “adds security” so that malicious code cannot modify the WMP play/enqueue commands. Fine, I can buy that, but then alter the tool so that it can change those keys. Well apparently this wasn’t on the timetable, and I decided to find a way around this, because after all, who wants to have to install TWO sets of codecs to watch stuff in Media Player (x86 player used by default) and also watch stuff in Media Center (which is x64).
So for those of you who recognize that the 64 bit media player SHOULD be the default in Windows 7, I have made a script with the help of Kristan Kenney that automates the entire process for you. It unlocks the necessary registry keys, and then uses the old vista command to make the switch. We have also included a script that allows you to switch back to the 32 bit player if you choose to do so.
So Microsoft, specifically the WMP team, you guys didn’t want to fix it, so we did it for you. Now users can have some consistency in their 64 bit user experience.
NOTE: After changing the default Media Player to x64, remove the media player shortcut from the taskbar, start media player via the start menu and then re-pin it. If you don’t do this you will see 2 WMP icons on your taskbar.
If anyone has any other questions or comments, either post in the comments section or contact me privately and I will answer them.
Download: Windows Media Player x64 Switch Script