When playing music CD's all of the artist and track information is missing in both Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy

Question

When playing music CD's all of the artist and track information is missing in both Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy

Steven Haymes 100

After a forced upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 on 2 computers, when playing music CD's all of the artist and track information is missing in both Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy (my preferred player). Both media players' settings are good. The Media Player troubleshooter found no errors. SFC found corrupted files on both computers that required DISM to repair the files, but this did not fix the problem with both media players. How do I fix this problem? Screenshot_2025-12-16_233613

Thank you,

Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2025-12-18T20:53:46.09+00:00

I already used the Feedback Hub BEFORE submitting my question as is my standard procedure. I have the same problem on VLC Media Player, so the problem is outside of Microsoft, most likely with the site that maintains the CD database. Kind of like if the Weather App was not working because the National Weather Service or where ever the app gets its' data is down.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-20T20:17:05.7166667+00:00

yup, i got this issue too, just started this week.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-20T20:18:32.4833333+00:00

come on Microsoft engineers! give us a solution.
ICE 0 Reputation points

2025-12-25T16:03:51.16+00:00

I’ve had this same problem too since the update. I deleted WMP & reinstalled it. Still having the same issue.
Daniel Longsworth 0 Reputation points

2025-12-25T21:24:53.0766667+00:00

Yes, I've gotten an Amicool External DVD Drive this Christmas and I'm trying to rip some songs from my CDs. However, I'm having the same issue.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-27T18:34:27.24+00:00

I had to use Apple iTunes, but now M4A format, oh well, just have to copy the front cover from wiki or amazon. Then cut, rename and put into windows folder. Time to start seriously considering a new Mac.
Chris 5 Reputation points

2025-12-28T00:21:11.1866667+00:00

At the end of the day, Microsoft sucks a$$. They care more about profits then customers. I have a fortune in music and MS thought it was their responsibility to phuck up everything. Just think, how many of you pay MS a sub fee for the cluster phucks they create?
Davegs 0 Reputation points

2025-12-31T12:07:49.5566667+00:00

Yeah same here
Krzysztof Trojak 0 Reputation points

2026-01-05T09:52:35.48+00:00

same on my side. Their support both telephone and online sucks..
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2026-01-14T01:46:57.72+00:00

still not working as of 1/13/2026
Hugh Danville 0 Reputation points

2026-01-15T20:20:02.15+00:00

Like all the above windows media player has been changed with recent upgrades and no longer reads the the musician's name, title of the cd and the track name(s). this makes Media player almost totally usless. I will be looking into media monkey
pierce butler jr 0 Reputation points

2026-01-22T22:10:41.3466667+00:00

this is the same problem i'm having. about 60% of my CD's have the nfo and the rest doesn't.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2026-01-23T00:46:58.5866667+00:00

Yes, it's happening to everyone. This should be a huge story. You must give them negative feedback and open a ticket to make them work on it. We need to complain.
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-21T04:13:22.5966667+00:00

This is yet another example of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish. For a big corporation like Microsoft, continuing the CD metadata lookup costs pennies while the fallout from this foolish decision will cost Microsoft much more as customers turn away from Microsoft in search of alternatives.

I made the decision to start using a non-Microsoft freeware product MusicBee music manager and player which does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base. So far, MusicBee has worked very well for me.

VLC media player which free and open source also does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base but it first requires a small settings change as follows:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server > change freedb.videolan.org to gnudb.gnudb.org

For my purposes, the equalizer in MusicBee includes an option for Jazz while VLC does not so I went with MusicBee.

The trend of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish has gone on for many years. For me, it started back in Windows XP days, when Microsoft discontinued Outlook Express which was a good lightweight email client, and I discovered Mozilla Thunderbird which I have used ever since.

Recently, Microsoft stopped supporting Link to Windows on my older Samsung phone which made me look for an alternative. I found KDE Connect which is free and opensource . When combined with WinSCP, I can do seamless file system browsing and file transfers on both my phone and Windows computers that is not possible with Phone Link. When I got a new Samsung phone, I stayed with KDE Connect.

While Microsoft continues to be a penny wise and a pound foolish, I encourage everyone to look at the opensource and freeware alternatives that are available as there are many. If you like them, please make a financial contribution to support them.
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-21T04:15:21.51+00:00

This is yet another example of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish. For a big corporation like Microsoft, continuing the CD metadata lookup costs pennies while the fallout from this foolish decision will cost Microsoft much more as customers turn away from Microsoft in search of alternatives.

I made the decision to start using a non-Microsoft freeware product MusicBee music manager and player which does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base. So far, MusicBee has worked very well for me.

VLC media player which free and open source also does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base but it first requires a small settings change as follows:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server > change freedb.videolan.org to gnudb.gnudb.org

For my purposes, the equalizer in MusicBee includes an option for Jazz while VLC does not so I went with MusicBee.

The trend of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish has gone on for many years. For me, it started back in Windows XP days, when Microsoft discontinued Outlook Express which was a good lightweight email client, and I discovered Mozilla Thunderbird which I have used ever since.

Recently, Microsoft stopped supporting Link to Windows on my older Samsung phone which made me look for an alternative. I found KDE Connect which is free and opensource . When combined with WinSCP, I can do seamless file system browsing and file transfers on both my phone and Windows computers that is not possible with Phone Link. When I got a new Samsung phone, I stayed with KDE Connect.

While Microsoft continues to be a penny wise and a pound foolish, I encourage everyone to look at the opensource and freeware alternatives that are available as there are many. If you like them, please make a financial contribution to support them.

6 answers

Your answer

Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2025-12-18T20:53:46.09+00:00

I already used the Feedback Hub BEFORE submitting my question as is my standard procedure. I have the same problem on VLC Media Player, so the problem is outside of Microsoft, most likely with the site that maintains the CD database. Kind of like if the Weather App was not working because the National Weather Service or where ever the app gets its' data is down.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-20T20:17:05.7166667+00:00

yup, i got this issue too, just started this week.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-20T20:18:32.4833333+00:00

come on Microsoft engineers! give us a solution.
ICE 0 Reputation points

2025-12-25T16:03:51.16+00:00

I’ve had this same problem too since the update. I deleted WMP & reinstalled it. Still having the same issue.
Daniel Longsworth 0 Reputation points

2025-12-25T21:24:53.0766667+00:00

Yes, I've gotten an Amicool External DVD Drive this Christmas and I'm trying to rip some songs from my CDs. However, I'm having the same issue.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-27T18:34:27.24+00:00

I had to use Apple iTunes, but now M4A format, oh well, just have to copy the front cover from wiki or amazon. Then cut, rename and put into windows folder. Time to start seriously considering a new Mac.
Chris 5 Reputation points

2025-12-28T00:21:11.1866667+00:00

At the end of the day, Microsoft sucks a$$. They care more about profits then customers. I have a fortune in music and MS thought it was their responsibility to phuck up everything. Just think, how many of you pay MS a sub fee for the cluster phucks they create?
Davegs 0 Reputation points

2025-12-31T12:07:49.5566667+00:00

Yeah same here
Krzysztof Trojak 0 Reputation points

2026-01-05T09:52:35.48+00:00

same on my side. Their support both telephone and online sucks..
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2026-01-14T01:46:57.72+00:00

still not working as of 1/13/2026
Hugh Danville 0 Reputation points

2026-01-15T20:20:02.15+00:00

Like all the above windows media player has been changed with recent upgrades and no longer reads the the musician's name, title of the cd and the track name(s). this makes Media player almost totally usless. I will be looking into media monkey
pierce butler jr 0 Reputation points

2026-01-22T22:10:41.3466667+00:00

this is the same problem i'm having. about 60% of my CD's have the nfo and the rest doesn't.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2026-01-23T00:46:58.5866667+00:00

Yes, it's happening to everyone. This should be a huge story. You must give them negative feedback and open a ticket to make them work on it. We need to complain.
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-21T04:13:22.5966667+00:00

This is yet another example of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish. For a big corporation like Microsoft, continuing the CD metadata lookup costs pennies while the fallout from this foolish decision will cost Microsoft much more as customers turn away from Microsoft in search of alternatives.

I made the decision to start using a non-Microsoft freeware product MusicBee music manager and player which does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base. So far, MusicBee has worked very well for me.

VLC media player which free and open source also does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base but it first requires a small settings change as follows:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server > change freedb.videolan.org to gnudb.gnudb.org

For my purposes, the equalizer in MusicBee includes an option for Jazz while VLC does not so I went with MusicBee.

The trend of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish has gone on for many years. For me, it started back in Windows XP days, when Microsoft discontinued Outlook Express which was a good lightweight email client, and I discovered Mozilla Thunderbird which I have used ever since.

Recently, Microsoft stopped supporting Link to Windows on my older Samsung phone which made me look for an alternative. I found KDE Connect which is free and opensource . When combined with WinSCP, I can do seamless file system browsing and file transfers on both my phone and Windows computers that is not possible with Phone Link. When I got a new Samsung phone, I stayed with KDE Connect.

While Microsoft continues to be a penny wise and a pound foolish, I encourage everyone to look at the opensource and freeware alternatives that are available as there are many. If you like them, please make a financial contribution to support them.
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-21T04:15:21.51+00:00

This is yet another example of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish. For a big corporation like Microsoft, continuing the CD metadata lookup costs pennies while the fallout from this foolish decision will cost Microsoft much more as customers turn away from Microsoft in search of alternatives.

I made the decision to start using a non-Microsoft freeware product MusicBee music manager and player which does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base. So far, MusicBee has worked very well for me.

VLC media player which free and open source also does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base but it first requires a small settings change as follows:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server > change freedb.videolan.org to gnudb.gnudb.org

For my purposes, the equalizer in MusicBee includes an option for Jazz while VLC does not so I went with MusicBee.

The trend of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish has gone on for many years. For me, it started back in Windows XP days, when Microsoft discontinued Outlook Express which was a good lightweight email client, and I discovered Mozilla Thunderbird which I have used ever since.

Recently, Microsoft stopped supporting Link to Windows on my older Samsung phone which made me look for an alternative. I found KDE Connect which is free and opensource . When combined with WinSCP, I can do seamless file system browsing and file transfers on both my phone and Windows computers that is not possible with Phone Link. When I got a new Samsung phone, I stayed with KDE Connect.

While Microsoft continues to be a penny wise and a pound foolish, I encourage everyone to look at the opensource and freeware alternatives that are available as there are many. If you like them, please make a financial contribution to support them.

Answer 1

Ron Y L 850

This seems like a widespread issue: https://www.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/comments/1pnn8qz/anyone_elses_media_player_having_trouble_updating/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5666798/wmp-find-album-info-no-longer-working-in-windows-1

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5665699/windows-media-player-album-database-offline

Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2025-12-17T09:29:26+00:00

Thanks Ron, I am getting the same problem on VLC Player too which suggests that whoever out on the Internet manages this CD database is having a problem. It could be off-line at this time.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-20T20:20:51.4166667+00:00

this is my error
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-26T21:35:01.4+00:00
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-26T21:37:31.48+00:00

and another pic for research
Hugh Danville 0 Reputation points

2026-01-15T20:22:10.56+00:00

why don't you provide the number folks that answered No to the question "Was this answer helpful?" ?
Bobby 5 Reputation points

2026-04-21T01:16:16.03+00:00

https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-media-player-cd-metadata-lookup-goes-offline-how-to-tag-ripped-discs.396292/
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-21T04:09:42.86+00:00

Thanks for this excellent summary.

This is yet another example of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish. For a big corporation like Microsoft, continuing the CD metadata lookup costs pennies while the fallout from this foolish decision will cost Microsoft much more as customers turn away from Microsoft in search of alternatives.

I made the decision to start using a non-Microsoft freeware product MusicBee music manager and player which does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base. So far, MusicBee has worked very well for me.

VLC media player which free and open source also does CD metadata lookup and has a big international user base but it first requires a small settings change as follows:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server > change freedb.videolan.org to gnudb.gnudb.org

For my purposes, the equalizer in MusicBee includes an option for Jazz while VLC does not so I went with MusicBee.

The trend of Microsoft being a penny wise and a pound foolish has gone on for many years. For me, it started back in Windows XP days, when Microsoft discontinued Outlook Express which was a good lightweight email client, and I discovered Mozilla Thunderbird which I have used ever since.

Recently, Microsoft stopped supporting Link to Windows on my older Samsung phone which made me look for an alternative. I found KDE Connect which is free and opensource . When combined with WinSCP, I can do seamless file system browsing and file transfers on both my phone and Windows computers that is not possible with Phone Link. When I got a new Samsung phone, I stayed with KDE Connect.

While Microsoft continues to be a penny wise and a pound foolish, I encourage everyone to look at the opensource and freeware alternatives that are available as there are many. If you like them, please make a financial contribution to support them.
Bobby 5 Reputation points

2026-04-22T22:09:41.5633333+00:00

VLC still not working.

Media Monkey free works right away.
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-22T22:33:30.03+00:00

To make VLC read the CDDB info:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server > change freedb.videolan.org to gnudb.gnudb.org
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2026-04-23T16:56:12.97+00:00

That's probably what i needed to do when I tried VLC, but didn't like it, so went with media monkey. I'm still mad at Microsoft for doing this to life long customers.

Answer 2

eron n 10

I just found the same issue with WMP Legacy when I started to rip some CDs.
Switched to Media Monkey, which is pulling full information for the CDs.
My VLC player is also loading CD information on playback.

Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2025-12-21T06:50:52.81+00:00

I have tried VLC media player on 2 of my computers and I do not see CD information, so VLC is not the solution to the problem. I do not see CD info with Media Player, Windows Medial Player legacy and VLC media player.
Bobby 5 Reputation points

2026-04-21T01:14:24.37+00:00

Latest VLC still a no go. Downloaded free MediaMonkey and bam found everything. Brand new BTS album. If this app can do it why can windows not do it. Sad. Wonder why my VLC is not showing this info anymore.
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2026-04-21T03:23:54.13+00:00

VCL will work you just need to change a setting as follows:

Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD > CDDB Server - freedb.videolan.org change to gnudb.gnudb.org

Answer 3

Chris 5

I came back to modify/update my comment, but the Gestapo deleted it. Go &^%&^%&^% self

0 comments

Answer 4

Norah-L 6,685 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Steven Haymes,

Welcome to the Q&A forum and thanks pointing this issue out.

From what you shared, I understand you're running into an issue with missing artist and track information while playing CDs in both new and legacy version on your Windows 11 25H2.

As Ron P mentioned above and my research, it looks like many users have recently started experiencing the similar issue where Windows Media Player can’t download album or media information or can't read CD, ...

At the moment, Microsoft hasn’t shared any official documentation or announcements explaining the cause of this behavior.

Please note that this is a user‑to‑user community forum, so we can only raise questions or provide suggestions to other users. Therefore, for this issue, I recommend submitting feedback through the Feedback Hub, which is the official way to report issues directly to Microsoft’s engineering team for investigation.

Also, keep an eye on upcoming Windows updates or Microsoft announcements, as a fix or adjustment may be included in future releases.

Thank you for your time and for sharing your experience!

Dean Peterson 10 Reputation points

2025-12-21T20:44:17.3266667+00:00

I have the same problem on all three of our computers! If the problem can't be fixed, can I be refunded my monies on the new computers I bought with Windows 11? I will buy Apple products from here on out!
Norah-L 6,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-24T00:30:05.7066667+00:00

Hello Dean Peterson,

I'm so sorry you're facing that.

For refund policies and eligibility, please visit Microsoft Support and follow the steps shown in the picture to reach out the Support Team. Since this is a user‑to‑user forum, no one here can process refunds.

Thank you for your understanding and your time!

Sincerely.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-27T03:14:50.0766667+00:00

Why can't you give us answer and not a refund? You are representing Microsoft.
Norah-L 6,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-28T03:04:51.9066667+00:00

Hello darran kaminski,

I'm really sorry for the inconvenience caused to you, but please note that this is a user‑to‑user community forum where members share questions and answers/suggestions about Microsoft products. No one here including moderators has the ability to process refunds.

Therefore, please follow the steps above to reach out Support Team who are authorized to handle refund requests.

Thank you so much for your understanding!

Kind regards.

Answer 5

Willis, Peter 0

In VLC 3.0.21 the track information is visible for a disc that did not display in both Media Players.

User's image

Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2025-12-23T04:20:21.0433333+00:00
Pete Willis, I am not able to see CD titles and tracks on 2 installations of VLC media player (along with Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy) in Windows 11 25H2.

My VLC settings: Preferences > All > Input/Codecs > Access Modules > Audio CD >

Musicbrainz Server - musicbrainz.org

CDCB Server - freedb.videolan.org

CDCB port - 80

What are you VLC settings for the above? Please post!

Apparently with Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy, changing this requires a Registry edit:

FIX Windows Media Player With Wrong Find Album Info Link [Solution]

MDTechVideos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krEulugjrF8

Also, good to see Miles Davis in your playlist!

Thanks,

[REMOVED PII]
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-26T21:36:38.9966667+00:00

we are talking about Media player
Steven Haymes 100 Reputation points

2025-12-26T22:26:29.8033333+00:00
Darran:

FYI, I started this thread.

All media players (Media Player, Windows Media Player legacy, and VLC) are reaching out to probably the same CD database on the Internet.

Knowing the successful VLC settings as to which CD database can be reached is helpful. There is more than one.

In VLC, this is in the settings which are easy to find and edit.

In Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy, this requires editing the Registry, which is less easy.

Your answer was not helpful.
darran kaminski 30 Reputation points

2025-12-27T03:18:26.6833333+00:00

Well" thanks for posting this, I just didn't want people to start talking about all the other music apps.
Dave 0 Reputation points

2026-01-10T18:11:16.8066667+00:00

I've just checked in foobar2000 and it is finding the info OK at freedb.dbpoweramp.com

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When playing music CD's all of the artist and track information is missing in both Media Player and Windows Media Player legacy

6 answers

Your answer