Information
This article will show you how to enable or disable Windows Media Center from being able to run by all users in Windows 7.
Windows Media Center is not available in the Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic editions.
EXAMPLE:
Windows Media Center Disabled Message
NOTE:
This is the error message that will be displayed when a user tries to open Windows Media Center when it is disabled.
OPTION ONE
Through the Local Group Policy Editor
1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. In the left pane, click on the arrow to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, then click on Windows Media Center. (see screenshot below)
3. In the right pane, right click on Do not allow Windows Media Center to run and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)
4. To Enable Windows Media Center
A) Select (dot) Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable Windows Media Center
Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
OPTION TWO
Through "Set Program Access and Computer Defaults"
1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Default Programs icon.
2. Click on the Set program access and computer defaults link. (see screenshot below)
3. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
4. Click on the Custom gray bar or arrow to expand it. (see screenshot below)
5. To Enable Windows Media Center
A) Under the Choose a default media player section, check the Enable access to this program box to the right of Windows Media Center, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)
B) Go to step 7.
6. To Disable Windows Media Center
Under the Choose a default media player section, uncheck the Enable access to this program box to the right of Windows Media Center, then click on OK. (see screenshot above)
7. Close the Default Programs window. (see screenshot below step 2)
