Fix NS_E_DRM_UNABLE_TO_CREATE_PLAYLIST_OBJECT (0xC00D276A) – DRM Playlist Error
This error means Windows Media Player can't build a playlist due to a corrupted DRM license. Here's how to wipe the DRM store and get it working again.
This DRM Error Means One Thing
You're trying to play a protected file in Windows Media Player and hit 0xC00D276A (NS_E_DRM_UNABLE_TO_CREATE_PLAYLIST_OBJECT). The player can't build the playlist because the DRM component is corrupted. I've seen this on Windows 10 and 11, usually after a failed license renewal or a half-baked Windows update.
The Real Fix: Nuke the DRM Store
Don't waste time reinstalling Windows Media Player or scanning for missing codecs. The fix is to delete the DRM files and let Windows rebuild them.
- Close Windows Media Player completely. Check Task Manager for any lingering
wmplayer.exeprocesses. - Open File Explorer and enable showing hidden files:
View tab > Show > Hidden items. - Navigate to:
%PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\DRM
Paste that directly into the address bar. - Delete everything inside the DRM folder. You'll need administrator permission. Click "Continue" if prompted. Do not delete the folder itself—only its contents.
- Reboot your PC—no shortcuts here, a full restart is required.
- Try playing the file again. Windows will recreate the DRM store fresh, and the error should be gone.
Had a client last month whose entire playlist library vanished after a system restore. This exact step put them back in business in ten minutes.
Why This Works
The DRM store at %PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\DRM holds license info for protected content like music from old Zune Pass or some Windows Store purchases. If any file in there gets corrupted—usually from a failed update or disk write error—Windows Media Player can't create a playlist object. Deleting the files forces the DRM component to regenerate them from scratch. It's the digital equivalent of clearing a clogged filter.
When This Fix Doesn't Work
If the error still shows up after a reboot, you've got a deeper DRM service issue. Try these:
- Reset the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service: Open
services.msc, find "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service", stop it, set to Manual, reboot. - Run the Media Player Library troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Media Player.
- Check for orphaned license files: Some DRM files hide in
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PlayReady. Delete everything there too (after backing out the DRM folder fix above).
One weird edge case I've seen: if you're using a VPN or proxy, DRM handshakes can fail silently. Disconnect and try playback locally.
Stop This From Happening Again
- Keep Windows updated to the latest version. Microsoft has patched several DRM vulnerabilities that cause store corruption.
- Avoid pulling the power cord when Windows Media Player is running. A sudden shutdown is a common trigger for corrupt DRM files.
- If you use third-party DRM strippers (not judging, but just saying)—they can corrupt the store. Stick to official tools.
- Back up your actual media files separately. The DRM store is replaceable; your MP3s and videos aren't.
That's it. 0xC00D276A is annoying but shallow—one folder deletion and you're back in business.
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