Windows media center the all-in-one media player for Windows devices is an excellent option for users who want to get the most out of their Windows-run computer. Originally released with the famous Windows XP, it is still popular and many users use unofficial copies of it with Windows 10 because the Media Center app doesn’t come preinstalled with Windows 10.

One of Windows Media Center’s popular and widely used features is the remote controller that lets you play, pause, record, and many other things from a distance. However, sometimes it becomes a headache when the Windows Media Center remote control not working.

In this article, we are going to explain how to fix the Windows media center remote controller not working problem.

Why Your Media Center Remote is Not Working

The remote controller for Windows media center is a fairly straightforward device. So not a lot can go wrong. If your media center remote control’s been acting up, it can happen due to the reasons stated below.

• The infrared receiver is faulty
• Windows hasn’t detected the infrared receiver properly and so the necessary drivers aren’t present in the system.
• The remote controller is not working

How to Fix Windows Media Center Remote Control Not Working Issue

Here are some possible fixes for this issue

• Uninstall the Device Driver: On the Start menu type, devmgmt.msc and press enter. Find your remote controller and uninstall the device driver.

Now unplug the infrared adapter and restart your computer. After restarting, plug it in again. Your windows media center remote control should work fine now.

• Reset Remote Controller: If step one failed to do the trick for you, try jump-starting your remote controller. There is no reset button in the traditional remote controller, so how to do it? well, there’s a trick. All you have to do is short out the remote. To do so, remove the batteries and place a metal plate or object between the positive (+) and the negative (-) terminals of the remote controller. This will reset it.

This should do it.

• Changing the Dock: If you are using a dock to connect multiple USB devices, try changing the dock. If it is all possible, try connecting it directly to the computer. This solves the issue for many users.
• Clean And Replace the Battery: Clean the remote controller’s battery connectors. You can also try replacing the batteries.
• Accurate Direction: Move your infrared signal receiver where it’s not obstructed by any furniture.

If none of the fixes mentioned above work, it’s possible that your remote controller or the infrared receiver is faulty and needs replacing.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

How do I fix Windows Media Center?

Update your windows along with device drivers. Then clean and boot your Windows. Start Windows Media Center again.

Does Windows 10 have a media center?

No, it doesn’t. But you can install it separately and it works flawlessly.

Conclusion

Windows media center is a great tool for enjoying live TV and remote media playback on your windows computer. However, the experience is a mute one if the remote controller is not working. We hope we were able to help you fix it. For most users, usually, it’s a connectivity issue. Changing the USB port and replacing the batteries on the remote usually takes care of it. if not, consider replacing your unit.