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Setting general Player options

You can set the following options by using the Player tab:

Specify how often Windows Media Player checks for updates.
Automatically download updated codecs.
Establish Internet identity, license, and connection settings.
Change which feature displays when Windows Media Player opens.

To access the Player tab

On the Tools menu, click Options.

The following options are listed on the Player tab:

Check for updates

Specifies how often you want the Player to check for updates. Click the interval you want to use.

Download codecs automatically

Specifies whether an uninstalled, supported codec is downloaded automatically when you attempt to play a file that requires it.. You must be connected to the Internet for this option to work. If you want the Player to prompt you before downloading a new supported codec, clear this check box.

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to change this setting.

You are always prompted before third-party codecs are downloaded. Note that third-party codecs are not under the control of Microsoft, and Microsoft is not responsible for any damage to your computer arising out of your use or inability to use any third-party codecs.

Start Player in Media Guide

Specifies whether the Player opens in the Media Guide feature or the Now Playing feature.

Display on top when in skin mode

Specifies whether the Player remains in the foreground while it is in skin mode when other programs are in use.

Display anchor window when in skin mode

Specifies whether the anchor window is displayed when the Player is in skin mode. The anchor window is a small window that appears in the lower-right corner of the screen when Windows Media Player is in skin mode.

Anchor window

Skins can have a variety of looks and exposed features so the anchor is an easy way to return to full mode.

Allow screen saver during playback

Specifies whether a screen saver is displayed according to options you set in Windows when Windows Media Player is playing digital media files. Clear this check box if you are watching a movie, a long video, or a visualization.

Add music files to Media Library when played

Specifies whether any music files that you play on your computer or from the Internet are automatically added to Media Library.

Include files from removable media and network shares

Specifies whether any items that you play on removable media, such as a CompactFlash card, data CD, or data DVD, or on network shared resources are automatically added to Media Library.

To play content from removable media in Media Library, the removable media must be inserted in the drive or connected to your computer.

Note that if this check box is selected, only music files from data CDs and DVDs are added to Media Library when played. Tracks played from audio CDs are not added to Media Library when this check box is selected.

Prompt me to back up my licenses

Specifies whether Windows Media Player prompts you to back up your licenses approximately two weeks after you acquire a new one.

Connect to the Internet (overrides other commands)

Specifies whether Windows Media Player is connected to the Internet even if other commands, such as the Work Offline command on the File menu, are turned on. Selecting the Connect to the Internet (overrides other commands) check box ensures that Player features that require an Internet connection, such as Media Guide, can always connect when your computer is online.