How to Set 64-Bit Windows Media Player 12 (WMP12) As Default Player

Windows 7 still uses the 32 bit version of 'Windows Media Player' even though you run a x64 build of Windows 7?
Windows 7 64-bit includes both 32bit (x86) and 64bit (x64) versions of Windows Media Player 12, (WMP 12). However, to provide maximum compatibility with existing applications and codecs, 32-bit version of Windows Media Player has been made as the default media player.

What’s the advantage of using 64-bit (x64) Windows Media Player?
Using 64-bit software allows application to run natively using x64 architecture, and potentially run faster by working with larger data sets at any time. One practical consideration is for users who use Windows Media Center, which is an 64-bit app. By switching to WMP x64, users just need to install one instance of codecs (just x64 version) to playback various media files in WMC and WMP.

How to switch and set 64-bit Windows Media Player As Default Media Player?

1. Open command prompt as administrator. (Open Start Menu, type "cmd", then press ctrl+shift+enter)
2. Type "unregmp2.exe /SwapTo:64" (without the quotes and make sure to write capital letters in capital), this command is case sensitive!
3. Open the Windows 7 registry (Windows button + r, type "regedit" and hit enter)
4. Go to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\wmplayer.exe\
5. Double click the "Path" value.
6. Change the value “%ProgramFiles(x86)” to “%ProgramFiles%”
7. Close the Windows 7 registry and you are done.

Enjoy!