To remove Windows Media Player 12 in Windows 7 or 8 is different from the process used to uninstall the media player in Windows XP, 2000 or Vista. The basic routine of uninstalling it through Control Panel is not possible as such file is not among the list of files at the Programs and Features of the Control Panel.
Another thing is that Windows Media Player 12 can not be downloaded manually, as there is no standalone installer available for that. This is among the things that make it different from the XP, Vista or later versions of Windows operating system Media Player process.
Notwithstanding, there is a process that is more easy and meaningful to quickly uninstall and re-install it. The removal is necessary for some reason it hasn't been performing well recently. It can also be for the reason of corrupt Windows Media Player or the plugins are experiencing malfunction or distorting every image media plays on it.
Whatever the reason may be there is need to find solution to have back a sound WMP on your system.
(a) Uninstalling Windows Media Player.
Step 1: Press Windows and R keys silmutanously.
Image of Run dialogue in Windows 8
Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl into the 'Run' dialogue and click 'OK'.
Image of Control Panel Programs and Features in Windows 8
Step 3: Click ' Turn Windows Features On or Off' by the left-hand side of the 'Programs and Features' dialogue.
Image of Control Panel Windows Features in Windows 8
Step 4: Click the plus sign [+] close to the 'Media Features'.
Image of Windows Media Player cleared box in Windows 8
Step 5: Clear the checked box of the 'Windows Media Player' and click 'OK'.
Image of Windows searching files to uninstalling in Windows 8
Step 6: Allow Windows to search for Windows Media Player files and uninstall them.
Image of Complete process of removal of WMP in Windows 8
Step 7: Click 'OK' after Windows finishes with the uninstall process to close dialogue.
(b) Re-installing Windows Media Player.
Step 1: Press the Windows and R key simultanously.
Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl into the 'Run' dialogue and click 'OK'.
Step 3: Click ' Turn Windows Features On or Off' by the left-hand side of the 'Programs and Features' dialogue.
Step 4: Click the plus sign [+] close to the 'Media Features'.
Step 5: Clear the checked box of the 'Windows Media Player' and click 'OK'.
Step 6: Allow Windows to search for Windows Media Player files and re-install them.
Step 7: Click 'OK' after Windows finishes with the re-install process to close dialogue.