How to use Windows Party Mode in Windows Media Player

I am a big fan of the Windows Media Player since it’s early days.  Microsoft Windows Party Mode for Windows Media Player turns your computer into a full-screen player with a “jukebox” functionality, while preventing guests from accessing your files and other personal programs or folders. 

The basic Media Player functionality is there like choosing tracks, volume adjustment, play, forward, rewind, stop and pause.  If you turn the privacy option on, your guests will not be able to access your personal files.  Quitting Party Mode will also bring you back to the Windows login screen so unless they know your login name and password, your personal stuff is not accessible to them.

If you turn-on the Party mode with privacy options you will get a full screen interface like the one below:

During this mode the Windows task bar and explorer is not accessible.  You will not be able to access your documents or any other programs during this mode.  

To start using the Windows Party Mode, go to Start menu of Windows, click Windows Digital Media Enhancements then choose Windows Party Mode:

This will open the Windows Party Mode settings window.  Enable the privacy mode by checking the Privacy Option which will block access to desktop and other programs:

The Now Playing options will let you set the cross fading, visualization, track information and default music content settings.  Check “guests can access my library” if you want them to be able to choose the songs to add in your play list:

The Marquee options will let you turn on/off the marquee during the Party Mode.  With Marquee turned on, your guests will be able to see and/or add comments that will display on the moving marquee:

The Skin option will let you choose the skin you prefer.  A preview is displayed so you can instantly see what it will look like on full screen mode:

Click the Start Party button to enter the Party Mode:

Here is the map of the Party Mode screen using the Nature skin:

The Marquee controls will let you edit the text being displayed on the scrolling Marquee.  The Media Player controls work like the standard play, stop and directional buttons.  Some of the themes have built in capability to change the background or visualization.  In the Nature skin for example, clicking the top-left button will change the scenery of the entire screen’s skin:

Exiting the Party Mode will prompt with a confirmation window:

If you enabled the Privacy options on the first step, it will exit the Party mode and bring you to your Windows login screen.  This way quests will not be able to access your PC’s data after quitting Party Mode.  A great way to prevent nosy guests from seeing your personal files and folders. 

I hope you have as much fun as I did with Windows Party Mode for Media Player.  Give it a try to liven up media listening with your guests!