Windows Media Player includes a media-sharing feature that lets your PC broadcast pictures, music, and videos to other devices on the same network. While convenient, some users prefer to disable it for privacy, security, or performance reasons. This guide walks you through three effective methods to completely disable media sharing in Windows Media Player.
Method 1: Using Wise Care 365
For users who prefer a simpler, automated approach without technical complexity:
Step 1. Install and Launch Wise Care 365
Download and install Wise Care 365 from WiseCleaner’s official website.
Step 2. Navigate to System Optimizer
Click System Tuneup on the top menu and select System Optimizer from the left column.
Step 3. Disable Media Player sharing
1. Scroll to the System Security section and look for: Disable Media Player sharing to protect your privacy.
2. Check the box next to this option.
3. Click the Optimize button (top-right) to apply the change.
Method 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor
The Group Policy Editor provides the most comprehensive control over Windows Media Player settings:
Step 1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2. Navigate to the Windows Media Player
In the left panel, expand:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Media Player
Step 3. Enable the Prevent Media Sharing Policy
1. In the right panel, double-click Prevent Media Sharing.
2. Select Enabled.
3. Click Apply, then OK.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor
For Windows Home users or those who prefer direct registry modification.
Step 1. Open Registry Editor
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2. Go to the Windows Media Player Key
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsMediaPlayer
(If the WindowsMediaPlayer key doesn’t exist, right-click Microsoft, select New > Key and create it.)
Step 3. Create the PreventLibrarySharing Value
Right-click on WindowsMediaPlayer, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it as PreventLibrarySharing.
Step 4. Modify the DWORD Value
Double-click PreventLibrarySharing and set its data to 1.
Conclusion
Disabling media sharing in Windows Media Player is simple, and you can use any of the methods above depending on how thorough you want to be. Whether you’re aiming for better privacy, improved system performance, or just want fewer background services running, turning off this feature helps keep your PC streamlined and secure.
