Buzz
In the ever-evolving landscape of computer networks, two menacing viruses have recently surfaced – WannaCry, the extortionist, and a second, equally perilous virus known as EternalRocks. Unlike WannaCry, EternalRocks discreetly infiltrates systems, leaving its malicious intent shrouded in mystery. However, one certainty prevails – a device infected with EternalRocks is no longer secure. Due to the ambiguous origins and threat posed by these viruses, users have grown increasingly cautious of any unfamiliar file running within their systems. Take Wmpnetwk.exe as an example.
What is wmpnetwk.exe?
The service WMPNetworkSvc (wmpnetwk.exe) is designed to manage the sharing of media files across a network. For instance, if multiple Windows devices are connected to a Home Network, you can seamlessly share files or libraries among them.
Furthermore, you can extend media file sharing to Windows Phone or Xbox devices, granting access rights and enabling the use of files on compatible devices.
Wmpnetwk.exe is not a virus, rootkit, or any form of malicious software.
Can wmpnetwk.exe be disabled?
If you don't wish to share media files among devices on your Home Network, you can disable WMPNetworkSvc (wmpnetwk.exe). However, if media file sharing is desired, this is the ideal solution.
WMPNetworkSvc doesn't consume significant system resources and doesn't cause issues like system hangs, making it unnecessary to disable this process. If desired, you can disable WMPNetworkSvc in two ways:
Method 1. Disable Wmpnetwk.exe via Task Manager
Step 1: Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar, select Task Manager.
Step 2: In the Task Manager window, choose the Service tab, then click on Open Services located at the bottom-left corner.
Step 3: Scroll down to find WMPNetworkSvc or Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.
Step 4: Right-click on the service and choose Properties.
Step 5: In the
Step 6: Select Stop => Apply.
Step 7: Click OK to close the window.
Method 2. Disable Wmpnetwk.exe in the Registry
Step 1: Type 'regedit' into the Windows/Cortana search box to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\WMPNetworkSvc
Step 3: Select the Start key in the middle panel.
Step 4: Double-click on the Start key and change the value in the Value data box from 2 to 3 for manual configuration or 4 to disable WMPNetworkSvc.
How to Share Media Files using Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
Step 1: Type 'media streaming' into the Windows/Cortana search box.
Step 2: In the next window, choose Turn on media streaming (or Enable media streaming).
Step 3: Open Windows Media Player, select Stream.
Step 4: Choose Automatically allow devices to play my media.
Step 5: Select More streaming options under the Stream menu and give your library a name.
Step 6: Configure the device you want to access media files on in the same window.
Step 7: On the target PC, open Windows Media Player, select Other Libraries. You'll see all media files configured for sharing.
Step 8: Select the appropriate media file.
Additionally, you can 'push' media files to the target device from the server.
Step 1: Ensure devices are connected to the same Homegroup, and Windows Media Player is open.
Step 2: On the host computer, select and right-click on the media file, then choose Play to.
Step 3: From the list, select the device you want to add the media file to.
Step 4: On the Play To box window that appears, click Play.
If any issues or errors occur, it might be because you've disabled the Firewall or Homegroup access. Check the Firewall status on your computer and ensure you can share file types within the Homegroup before proceeding with the reset.
Additionally, it's advisable to equip yourself with a reliable antivirus software to safeguard your computer. There are many trustworthy antivirus programs available, such as Avas, KIS, BKAV, that you can install for 24/7 system protection.
These are the key aspects to clarify what wmpnetwk.exe is. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.
