JSI Tip 4826. How can I prevent Windows Media Player from automatically checking the Web for updates?

When you run Windows Media Player, it periodically checks the Web for updates.

To disable this behavior:

Windows Media Play 6.4

1. Use the Registry Editor to navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer.

2. Add Value name EnableAutoUpgrade, a REG_SZ (String) data type, and set the data value to No.

Windows Media Play 7.0 or later

1. Use the Registry Editor to navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft

2. Add Key name WindowsMediaPlayer.

3. Select the WindowsMediaPlayer key and Add Value name DisableAutoUpdate, a REG_DWORD data type, and set the data value to 1.

NOTE: See How do I prevent users from Windows Media Play 9 streaming protocols and streaming proxy settings?