Using Display Modes in Windows Media Player
Learn to use and troubleshoot the display modes in Windows Media Player.
Answers refer to Windows Media Player 10, unless otherwise noted.
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How do I use mini Player mode?
To use the mini Player mode to play audio and video, use the Player controls that display on the Windows taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen when you minimize Windows Media Player.
To switch to mini Player mode
1. | Start Windows Media Player. |
2. | Right-click an open area of the Windows taskbar (such as below the system clock), and then point to Toolbars. A check mark next to the Windows Media Player command indicates that mini Player mode is turned on. If there is no check mark, click Windows Media Player to add one. |
3. | In the Player, click the Minimize button. |
To turn off mini Player mode
| • | Right-click an open area of the Windows taskbar, point to Toolbars, and then click Windows Media Player. This removes the check mark beside Windows Media Player and turns off mini Player mode. If Windows Media Player is running, it will be restored in full mode, or it will be displayed in full mode the next time you start it. |
For more information, see Use Mini Player Mode.
NoteMini Player mode is only available if your computer is running Windows Media Player 9 Series or later on Windows XP.
Why doesn't the mini Player work after I install the Player?
If the mini Player doesn't function or the buttons are not available (they appear "grayed out") after you install the Player, try restarting your computer. If the problem persists, do the following:
To reset mini Player mode
1. | Turn off mini Player mode (right-click an empty space on the Windows taskbar, point to Toolbars, and then clear Windows Media Player). This removes the check mark beside Windows Media Player and turns off mini Player mode. |
2. | Restart your computer. This forces the operating system to unload the mini Player. |
3. | Reinstall Windows Media Player (don't try to remove your existing copy of the Player first). If you kept a copy of the Player Setup file (MP10Setup.exe), you can run this file. If you did not keep this file, you can download the Player from the Windows Media Download Center. |
4. | Restart your computer again. |
5. | Switch the Player mini Player mode (see the previous question). |
Why can't I restore the Player when I right-click the Player taskbar button on the Windows taskbar?
Most likely, the Player is not minimized to the taskbar; instead, it is in mini Player mode. Click the Restore button in the lower-right corner of the mini Player toolbar or press the keyboard shortcut combination ALT+SHIFT+P. If you don't want to use mini Player mode, see the first question to learn how to turn it off.
Why does the Player disappear when I restore it from the taskbar?
If the Player disappears from the screen when you restore it from the Windows taskbar, you need to set a new position on your computer desktop for the Player to return to when you restore it from the taskbar.
To reset full-mode Player coordinates on the desktop
| • | Right-click the taskbar button for Windows Media Player, click Move, and then use the arrow keys on your keyboard until the Player appears on your desktop. After it is partially visible on your desktop, you can drag it to its preferred position. |
If a list of commands are not displayed when you right-click the taskbar button, the Player may be in skin mode. The following procedure describes how to set a new position on the desktop for the Player to return to when you restore it from the taskbar.
To reset skin-mode Player coordinates on the desktop
| • | Open a skin file (a file with a .wmz file name extension). Skins are typically located in the following directory on your computer: SystemDrive:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins The Player should open in skin mode on your desktop. See the next question to learn how to change the Player from skin mode to full mode. |
How can I switch from skin mode to full mode?
When the Player is in skin mode, you can display a small window called the anchor window in the lower-right corner of your desktop. This window contains a button that you can click to return the Player to full mode.
To display the anchor window when the Player is in skin mode
1. | In the Player, on the Tools menu, click Options. |
2. | On the Player tab, select the Display anchor window when in skin mode check box. |
If you prefer not to display the anchor window on your desktop, you can do one of the following to return the Player to full mode:
| • | Press the keyboard shortcut combination CTRL+1. -or- |
| • | Right-click anywhere on the skin, and then click Switch to Full Mode on the menu that is displayed. |
How do I use skin mode?
Skin mode is an alternate view of the Player that is usually smaller than full mode, and has a different graphical theme (for example, a theme based upon a musical group, a movie, or a sports team). In skin mode, you are limited to the functionality associated with the skin that you selected. For more information, see "Applying a Skin" in Give the Player a New Look.
If you don't find the answer to your question in this column, be sure to check the Archive. Media Advice is not an official Microsoft Support channel. If you need immediate help for an urgent problem, we recommend that you visit Microsoft Help and Support.