If you find Windows Media Player 12's Navigation Pane too cluttered, you can configure which libraries are shown such as "Music", "Videos", "Pictures", and "Recorded TV".

You can toggle the display of views inside libraries such as "Artist", "Album", and "Genre" for the "Music" library. Plus, if you don't need the Music Services link at the bottom of the Navigation Pane that may show the Media Guide or Online Stores, turn it off.


1. In the "Library" view, click the "Organize" button and choose "Customize navigation pane".

2. The "Customize Navigation Pane" dialog box appears.

* Click the pull-down to choose from configuring views for your library versus other libraries.

* To toggle the view of each major library category (in bold), click the box next to the category. If the box is blue, the category is shown.

* To toggle views inside each library category, click the box next to the view. If a box has a red X or is blank, the view will not be shown. Views with checkmarks in their boxes will be shown.

* Check or uncheck "Show Music Services" to toggle whether or not the Music Services link / pull-down at the bottom of the Navigation Pane is shown. This provides links to information such as the Media Guide and Online Stores.

* The "Restore Defaults" button restores the default library and view display.

When done with your selections, click "OK" to close the dialog box.

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Windows Media Player 12 page.