Fix NS_E_DRM_CACHED_CONTENT_ERROR (0XC00D274B)

Quick answer

Open Command Prompt as admin, run reg delete HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Preferences /v DRMStore /f, then restart Windows Media Player and re-open the file.

What’s actually happening here

Windows Media Player uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) to enforce licenses on protected media files — usually music or video you bought from a store like the old Zune Marketplace or an online rental service. When you play a protected file, the player checks a local license store for the matching key. Error 0XC00D274B or NS_E_DRM_CACHED_CONTENT_ERROR means the license is either missing, corrupted, or the cache reference is pointing to a dead entry. You’ll see this most often after moving files between drives, restoring from backup, or upgrading Windows — the DRM store doesn’t survive that well.

The player still has the encrypted file, but it can’t find the key to unlock it. The fix isn’t complicated: wipe the local DRM store and let the player request a fresh license from the server. This works because the license server still has your purchase linked to your account; you’re just fixing the local cache.

Fix steps

Close Windows Media Player completely. Check Task Manager — kill any wmplayer.exe process. The DRM store is locked while the player runs.
Clear the DRM cache via Registry. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Paste this and hit Enter:
```
reg delete HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Preferences /v DRMStore /f
```
This deletes the registry key that points to the license cache folder. The actual license files remain in %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\DRM, but the player will recreate the cache on next launch.
Delete the DRM folder (optional but thorough). In File Explorer, go to %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\DRM. Delete everything inside. If Windows says files are in use, reboot into Safe Mode and try again.
Open Windows Media Player and re-open the file. The player will detect the missing cache, rebuild it, and attempt to contact the license server. You’ll see a brief “Acquiring license” or “Renewing license” dialog. Let it finish.
If prompted, sign in to your account. Some older stores (like those using Windows Media DRM 10) require re-authentication. Enter the credentials you used when you originally purchased the file.

If that doesn’t work

Try the Windows Media Player DRM reset tool (it’s built-in, just hidden). Press Win + R, type %windir%\system32\drvres.exe, and hit Enter. This tool resets the DRM subsystem without touching other settings. Run it, restart your PC, then try playing the file again.

Still failing? The license server for that file might be dead. Many old music stores (Yahoo Music, MSN Music, Zune Marketplace) shut down their license servers years ago. If you get an “Unable to contact server” message, the file is permanently locked. Strip the DRM if you own the file and it’s legal — but that’s outside what I can cover here.

Prevention tip

Backup your DRM license cache only if you plan to reinstall Windows. Before a clean install, copy the %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\DRM folder somewhere safe. After the reinstall, restore that folder to the same location. This preserves your licenses and avoids this error entirely. But honestly, if the store is gone, backing up the cache only delays the inevitable. Best long-term fix: convert protected files to DRM-free formats while you still have access.