NS_S_WMP_Loaded_GIF_Image (0x000D1040) – What It Means & Fixes

What is This Code?

First thing: 0x000D1040 is not an error. It's a success code. Windows Media Player uses it to say "Hey, I loaded that GIF file, no problem." You'll see it in logs or event viewers, or maybe in a tiny popup if your system is set to show all media status codes.

If you're seeing this message and wondering "Why is WMP opening my GIFs?", here's the real deal: Windows Media Player is set as the default app for GIF files. That's it. No corruption, no malware, no driver issue. Just a default app setting.

But I get it – seeing any code like this can be annoying. And sometimes users report that WMP opens GIFs but doesn't play them smoothly. That part might need a fix. Let's walk through what you can do, starting with the easiest thing.

Fix 1: Change the Default App for GIFs (30 seconds)

This stops Windows from even trying to open GIFs in WMP. You'll use a different app – like Photos, a browser, or nothing at all.

1. Right-click any .gif file on your computer.
2. From the menu, choose Open with > Choose another app.
3. A window pops up. Pick your preferred app. I recommend Photos (it's built-in) or your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .gif files."
5. Click OK.

What should happen: After you click OK, try double-clicking any GIF file. It should open in your chosen app, not WMP. The 0x000D1040 code should stop appearing because WMP is no longer involved.

If you don't care about GIFs at all, you can skip step 3 and just uncheck the "Always use" box. Then Windows will ask you each time.

Fix 2: Clear WMP's Playlist and Cache (5 minutes)

If you still see the code popping up, or if WMP keeps trying to open GIFs even after changing the default app, there might be leftover playlist entries or a corrupted library database. This fix clears that junk out.

1. Open Windows Media Player. Type "Windows Media Player" in the Start menu search and hit Enter.
2. Click the Library section (top left, looks like a music note icon).
3. Look for the Playlists pane on the left. If you see any playlist that contains GIF files, right-click it and choose Delete. Confirm if asked.
4. Close WMP.
5. Now press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
6. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Media Player and press Enter.
7. You'll see a folder. Delete everything inside it. Don't delete the folder itself, just its contents. You can select all (Ctrl+A) and hit Delete.
8. Restart your computer.

What should happen: After restart, open WMP again. It'll rebuild its library from scratch. The 0x000D1040 code should be gone. This fix also helps if WMP was slow or crashing.

Fix 3: Reset Windows Media Player Completely (15+ minutes)

This is the nuclear option. Only try this if the first two fixes didn't work, or if you're seeing the code in system logs and it's bothering you. It resets WMP to factory settings – like it just came out of the box.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click Apps.
3. On the left, click Apps & features.
4. Scroll down and find Windows Media Player. Sometimes it's listed under "Media Features" or "Optional Features."
5. Click on it, then click Advanced options.
6. Click Reset. Windows will warn you that your library data will be deleted. Click Reset again to confirm.
7. If you don't see Advanced options, you're on an older Windows version. In that case, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off. Find Media Features, uncheck Windows Media Player, click OK, then restart. After restart, go back and check it again to reinstall WMP.

What should happen: After reset or reinstall, WMP will act like new. The 0x000D1040 code won't show because there's no saved data to trigger it. But remember: this also deletes your playlists, ratings, and custom settings. You'll need to re-add your media afterwards.

When to Ignore This Code

Honestly, if everything works fine – GIFs open, your computer runs normal, no crashes – you can ignore 0x000D1040. It's like a "everything's fine" message. Only mess with it if you're seeing it repeatedly in event logs and it's driving you nuts, or if WMP isn't playing GIFs correctly.

One more thing: if you're a developer and you see this code in your own software logs, it's just telling you the file loaded okay. Move on to the next task.

Final piece of advice: Don't waste time hunting a ghost. This code is harmless. But if you want it gone, Fix 1 usually does the job in under a minute.