How to Clear Playlist and Library in Windows Media Player

Amy Dennis

May 13, 2026 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions

TL;DR:

You can clear your Windows Media Player library by removing playlists directly within the application or by manually deleting the library files from the dedicated local application data folder using Windows Explorer.
    ● To prevent deleting the actual media files from your computer during this process, uncheck Delete files from the computer when deleted from library under the Library tab in the Organize Options menu.
    ● The local library files are stored at C:\Users\username\Application Data\Local\Microsoft\Media Player in Windows 8, 7, and Vista, or within the Documents and Settings folder for Windows XP users.
    ● Since natively deleted files can still be retrieved with data recovery software, permanently wiping the MS Windows Media Player application traces beyond recovery requires a third-party tool like Stellar BitRaser.

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Almost every Windows user takes the assistance of Windows Media Player to listen to their favorite tracks or watch videos. Though, there are times when we need to get rid of our playlist or library permanently. If you are having the same requirements, then you have come to the right place. In this post, we will teach you how to clear the Windows Media Player library without much trouble. We will take the assistance of its native interface and a third-party tool to delete the Windows Media Player library permanently.

Part 1: How to Clear Windows Media Player Library?

If you are already using Windows Media Player, then you must already be familiar with its functionality. It provides a seamless way to add, rename, or delete its media files. There are different kinds of ways to get rid of their content. Firstly, let’s learn how to clear the Windows Media Player library from its native interface.

Step 1.Launch Windows Media Player on your system and select the kind of files you wish to delete. You can either press the delete button or right-click to delete any content.

Step 2. For instance, if you wish to remove playlists, then select the relevant Playlist option from the left panel. Now, right-click the playlist you wish to remove and select the "Delete" option.

Step 3.You can also add or remove songs from a playlist. To do this, open any playlist and make a selection. Press Ctrl + A to select everything. Now, you can either press the delete button or right-click to choose the delete option.

Step 4.There are times when users only wish to remove content from Windows Media Player and not their computer. To do this, go to Tools/Organize feature and visit its "Options".

Step 5. From here, go to the "Library" tab and make sure the option of "Delete files from the computer when deleted from library" is not selected. Save your choices and exit the window.

Needless to say, to delete the Windows Media Player library permanently from your computer, you need to take some added measures. To clear Windows Media Player library and content from your Windows system, follow these steps:

Step 1.Launch Windows Explorer on your system and visit the dedicated folder of Media Player.

Step 2. In most of the latest Windows versions (Windows 8, 7, or Vista), it is located at "C:\Users\username\Application Data\Local\Microsoft\Media Player". If you are using Windows XP, then you can find it under the Documents and Settings folder.

Step 3.Now, manually select the files you wish to remove and delete them.

Step 4.If you wish to wipe everything related to Windows Media Player, then simply press Ctrl + A and Delete button.

Later, you can also delete this content from the Recycle Bin as well. Though, anyone with a data recovery tool would be able to retrieve this content. Therefore, if you wish to permanently delete the Windows Media Player library with no scope of recovery, then you need to take the assistance of a third-party tool. We have discussed it in the next section.

Part 2: How to Completely Delete Windows Media Player Library?

As you can observe, even after following the above-stated solution, you won’t be able to clear the Windows Media Player library entirely. We recommend taking the assistance of Stellar BitRaser to do the same. It is a remarkable application that can be used to wipe your system, application traces, Internet activity, logs, and more. After wiping your data via BitRaser, no one would be able to retrieve it back (even with a data recovery tool).

BitRaser provides a 100% secure and reliable way to delete your data, wipe hard drives, remove Internet activities, and more in a trouble-free manner. It works with all the major Microsoft applications including its Media Player. Here are some of its other features:

• It permanently deletes files and folders of different kinds without any recovery scope.
• The tool can also be used to clear application traces of different kinds.
• It works with all the leading Windows and third-party applications.
• BitRaser can also be used to delete system traces, Internet activities, log files, and more.
• It features several algorithms that users can pick from their interface.
• Users can also perform a scheduled deletion of data.
• It generates erase certificated to provide a guarantee of its operation.

Step 1: Launch BitRaser for the file on your system.

Step 2: From the left panel, you can access all kinds of features of the tool. Select "Application Traces" and on the section of "Microsoft Applications" to delete Windows Media Player library and data.

Step 3: On the right panel, you will get the option of "MS Windows Media Player", select the files you want to erase and click "Erase Now" to process.

Step 4: Wait for a while as BitRaser will delete the Windows Media Player library and associated data.

Step 5: Once the process is completed, you will be notified. Simply restart your system and access it freely without any trouble.

By following these simple steps, you would be able to clear the Windows Media Player library permanently. You can also follow the same steps to apply multiple passes of data deletion. This will provide an added assurance for your data deletion.

Go ahead and try Stellar BitRaser to remove your unwanted playlists and clear Windows Media Player library in no time. It has an easy to use interface and provides reliable data deletion results for sure.