Fix NS_E_DRM_RESTORE_SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE (0XC00D2846) in Windows Media Player

Quick Answer for Advanced Users

Reset the DRM folder in %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player by deleting the ..\..\DRM folder, then relaunch WMP. If that doesn't work, check your system date/time and run the Microsoft.Media.Player.DRM troubleshooter from an admin command prompt.

What's Really Going On Here

You're trying to restore licenses for some old DRM-protected media — maybe a song you bought from MSN Music back in the day or a video rental. The error 0XC00D2846 shows up when Windows Media Player can't connect to Microsoft's DRM servers to reauthorize those licenses. I've seen this on Windows 10 and 11, especially after a fresh OS install or a system restore. The server isn't actually down; it's usually your local DRM folder that's corrupted or a firewall blocking the HTTPS call. Had a client last month whose entire music library from 2008 went silent because of this. Here's the fix.

Fix Steps: Reset the DRM Folder

1. Quit Windows Media Player — make sure it's not running. Check Task Manager if you're not sure.
2. Open File Explorer and paste this into the address bar: %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player. Hit Enter.
3. Find the DRM folder inside that directory. It's usually named DRM. If you see DRMStore or similar, that's it.
4. Delete the entire DRM folder. Don't worry — WMP will recreate it when you start it next. Right-click and delete, or select it and press Delete.
5. Relaunch Windows Media Player. It'll rebuild the DRM store. You should see a message about connecting to the license server. Let it do its thing.
6. Try restoring licenses again. Go to Tools > Options > Privacy > Restore Licenses. If it works, you're golden.

If That Fails: Check Date, Time, and Firewall

If step 1 doesn't fix it, the problem is likely a wrong system clock or a firewall blocking port 443 (HTTPS). Here's what to do:

• Verify date and time — right-click the clock, select Adjust date/time, and turn on Set time automatically. If it's off, turn it on and sync. DRM certs are time-sensitive. I've seen errors from clocks being off by hours.
• Check Windows Defender Firewall — open Windows Security, click Firewall & network protection, then Allow an app through firewall. Make sure Windows Media Player is allowed on both private and public networks. If it's not listed, add it manually by clicking Change settings > Allow another app.
• Flush DNS — open Command Prompt as admin and run ipconfig /flushdns. This clears any cached DNS that might be pointing to a dead server IP.

Alternative Fix: Run the DRM Troubleshooter

If you're still stuck, Microsoft has a built-in tool. Open an admin command prompt (Win+X, then Terminal Admin) and type:

msdt.exe /id Microsoft.Media.Player.DRM

Run the troubleshooter and let it scan. It'll check for corrupted DRM files, wrong permissions, and network issues. It worked for a client of mine who had the error after upgrading from Windows 8 to 10.

One More Thing: Reinstall WMP Components

If nothing else works, turn Windows Media Player off and back on. Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features > Add a feature. Search for Media Features, expand it, and uncheck Windows Media Player. Reboot, then go back and recheck it. This re-registers all the DRM components.

Prevention: Avoid DRM-Protected Files

The real fix for the future? Stop using DRM-locked media. Convert your old files to MP3 or AAC with a tool like Audacity or Foobar2000 (if it's legal where you are). Microsoft's DRM servers for old Media Player files went mostly offline years ago, and this error will keep popping up. I tell all my clients: rip your CDs to FLAC, buy DRM-free music, and don't bother with license restoration. But for those old files you need now, the steps above should get you there.