Quick answer: Reset your DRM licenses by deleting the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\DRM folder contents, then restart Windows Media Player. That fixes this error 80% of the time.
Why does this happen?
I've seen this error a lot in my help desk days. It usually pops up when you try to play a protected media file — like a downloaded movie or a music track that has digital rights management (DRM). Windows Media Player checks the license file, finds it's corrupted or missing, and throws NS_E_NOT_LICENSED (0XC00D00CD).
The most common trigger? You bought a song or video from an online store years ago, then upgraded Windows or moved files to a new PC. The old license got lost in the shuffle. Also, if you installed a codec pack wrong, that can mess things up too.
Fix it step by step
Step 1: Reset the DRM folder
This is the real fix. Windows stores licenses in a hidden folder. Clearing it forces the player to rebuild them.
- Close Windows Media Player completely.
- Press Windows key + R, type
%programdata%, hit Enter. - Find the Microsoft folder, then Windows, then DRM.
- Delete everything inside the DRM folder. You might need admin permission — click Yes.
- Restart your PC.
When you open Windows Media Player next time, it will recreate those files. Try playing the file again. This works for Windows 10 and 11.
Step 2: Update codecs
If resetting DRM didn't help, the problem could be a missing codec. I recommend the K-Lite Codec Pack (Standard) — it's safe and handles almost everything.
- Go to the Ninite website and download the K-Lite Codec Pack. Or use the official site (codecguide.com).
- Install it with default settings.
- Restart your PC.
- Try playing the file in Windows Media Player again.
Step 3: Run the Windows Media Player troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that can find and fix playback issues. It's not a cure-all, but it's worth a shot.
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Media Player, click Run.
- Follow the prompts. It might tell you to reset settings or update drivers.
Alternative fixes if the main one fails
If you're still stuck, try these:
- Reinstall Windows Media Player. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off. Uncheck Media Features, restart, then check it again and restart. This reinstalls the player fresh.
- Use a different media player. Honestly, Windows Media Player is old and cranky. I switched to VLC Media Player years ago and never looked back. It handles DRM-free files fine and doesn't have license headaches. For DRM-protected files (like from iTunes or Amazon), try the official app from that store instead.
- Check file permissions. Right-click the media file, select Properties, go to Security, and make sure your user account has Full control. Sometimes file ownership from an old PC blocks playback.
Prevention tip
To avoid this error in the future, don't move DRM-protected files between computers without using the original store's transfer tool. For example, iTunes lets you authorize a new PC. Also, keep Windows Media Player updated through Windows Update — old versions are more prone to license corruption. And if you use codec packs, stick to one (like K-Lite) and avoid installing multiple packs at once — they conflict and break things.
One more thing: if you're buying media online, check if the files are DRM-free. Many stores (like Bandcamp or GOG for games) sell without licenses, so you own the file outright. That saves you from this error entirely.