Fix: Windows Media Player Cannot Burn Some of the Files

The error message ‘Windows Media Player cannot burn some of the files’ is often due to the files that you are trying to burn or Windows Media player file corruption. Windows Media Player allows the users to burn files on a CD or DVD using its Burn feature that has been embedded into it. However, there have been reports that users are not able to burn audio files on a CD or DVD using Windows Media Player.

Windows Media Player Cannot Burn Some of the Files

This issue isn’t something new, and many users have faced it for quite a while. Although the Burn feature of Windows Media Player is not that famous, there still are some users who still look towards the proprietary software when it comes to burning. To help you resolve the issue, we have listed down below a few solutions that will most probably fix your issue.

What causes the ‘Windows Media Player cannot burn some of the files’ Error on Windows 10?

Well, the causes of this error are not vast. It is typically caused by the following factors —

  • Windows Media Player installation. In some cases, the error is caused by the corruption of Windows Media Player installation or third-party burning applications interfering with the software. This is quite rare yet still a possibility.
  • Problematic files. Usually, the reason due to which the burn isn’t running smoothly are some of the files you are trying to burn themselves. The files are often stopping the process due to being protected etc. which results in the error message.

You can circumvent the issue by following the solutions down below. We advise you to follow them in the same order as given to get a quick resolution.

Solution 1: Remove the Problematic Files

This has to be the major cause of the error, apparently. This happens when some of the files you are trying to burn are protected and cannot be burned on a CD or DVD. In such a case, you will have to find the files, remove them, and then start burning. Here’s how to identify the culprits:

  1. First of all, add the files you want to burn in the Windows Media Player and click ‘Start Burn’.
  2. When you get the error, click OK.
  3. On the left-hand side, click ‘Blank Disc’.
    Windows Media Player
  4. The files that you are trying to burn should come into sight. However, you will notice a White X in Red Circle on one or more of the files.
  5. Remove those files and then try to start the burn.

Solution 2: Remove Third-party Burning Software

In some cases, the third-party burning program that you have installed on your system can be causing the problem. The application might be intervening with the Windows Media Player due to which the process is not being finished successfully. Therefore, if you have any third-party burning application on your system, make sure to uninstall them using the Control Panel and then try starting the burn process.

Solution 3: Remove Useless Characters from Filenames

For some users, the issue was due to the filenames. Their filenames had unwanted or repetition of characters which was causing the issue. In order to fix that, make sure to check that the names of your files do not contain any useless characters. An example would be, ‘song…mp3’, as you can see there are two useless dots before the extension of the file. Such things can usually cause the error, therefore, make sure it is set to ‘song.mp3’.

Solution 4: Tweak Privacy Settings

You can also try to fix your issue by tweaking Windows Media Player Privacy settings. This will prevent the Player from searching for additional information. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open up your Windows Media Player.
  2. Click on Tools and then select Options. If you do not see any Tools option on top of the screen, this means the menu-bar is disabled. Press Ctrl + M to enable it.
  3. In the Options window, switch to the Privacy tab.
  4. Uncheck everything below ‘Enhanced Playback and Device Experience’.
    Tweaking Windows Media Player Privacy Options
  5. Click Apply and then hit OK.
  6. Try burning now.

Solution 5: Removing Read-only Access

We can also try checking for read-only access to the files that you are trying to burn. Simply highlight all the tracks that you are trying to burn, right-click on them, and select Properties. Now if the Read-only mode is enabled, uncheck it and restart the application. Load the items again and see if the problem is resolved.

Solution 5: Use a Third-party Burning Program

Finally, if none of the solutions given above solve your issue, you will have to opt for a third-party burning program. There are tons of third-party burning applications out there that you can utilize and get your job done. Search for a good one on Google, install it, and burn the files.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

5
    CW
    Cameron Westlake Oct 19, 2020

    If none of the above works, highlight all of the tracks you’re trying to burn (in their folder location), right click, click Properties, and if the box labeled “Read Only” is ticked, untick the Read Only box. Apply.

    That was what worked for me.

      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Oct 26, 2020

      Our article has been updated and this solution is added. Thank you for your input.

    LH
    Laurie Heckman Feb 27, 2021

    I have tried all of the steps above short of downloading a third party burner. I downloaded my music files to a USB flash drive before reformatting my old laptop. After reformatting, I couldn’t get the old laptop to go online (couldn’t add any networks). I then bought a brand new laptop, back in January of 2021. After I had everything set up on my new laptop, I put in the USB flash drive and uploaded the music files from the USB flash. My Windows Media Player shows all the songs, and they will play just fine. However, when I try to burn the songs to a blank CD, I get an error message that says “Windows Media Player cannot find the file. The link from the item in the library to its associated digital media file might be broken. To fix the problem, try repairing the link or removing the item from the library.” The only solution that I have found so far is to manually rip the CD’s to WMP. Then they will record. But, I have over 5,000 songs, and some of them I no longer have the CD’s to. Does anyone out there have any suggestions for me? Any help is greatly appreciated.

    SM
    Shawn Muench Apr 7, 2021

    heroic– thank you!!

    JU
    justonemorequestion Apr 15, 2022

    Kevin,

    I recently downloaded and converted several audio files to MP3 from You Tube that I would like to burn to a CD. I have used Windows Media Player with success in the past, but have had trouble recently with trying to burn certain files from You Tube to a CD. I have tried all of the suggestions you mentioned above except for downloading and using a third-party burning software. I did notice that every song file that I wanted to burn had a “white” X within a red circle as you mentioned above in the “Priorities” tab. The message on each song file states, “This file is missing media usage rights.” Even though all of these files seem to be “protected” is there still a way that they can be burned to a CD? Also, what free, third-party, burning software would you recommended if necessary? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!