NS_E_DRM_INVALID_SECURESTORE_PASSWORD (0XC00D2751) Fix
This error hits when Windows Media Player can't play DRM-protected files. The secure store password file got corrupted. Here's how to fix it without reinstalling Windows.
When This Error Shows Up
You're watching a video file you bought online, or playing a music track with DRM protection. Then boom — Windows Media Player pops up with "A problem has occurred in the Digital Rights Management component" and the code 0XC00D2751. This usually happens after a Windows update, a system restore, or when you move DRM files from one PC to another. I've also seen it when the PC runs out of disk space while playing DRM content.
What's Going On Under the Hood
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management — it's Microsoft's way of making sure you don't copy protected media files everywhere. The error means the secure store password file got corrupted. Windows stores DRM licenses and keys in a hidden folder called "DRM" inside your user profile. If that file gets messed up, the DRM component can't decrypt the file. The culprit here is almost always a corrupted Indiv01.key or license file in that folder. Don't bother reinstalling Windows or running a dozen registry cleaners — that won't touch this issue.
The Fix: Clear the DRM Cache
This is the only fix that works every time. You delete the corrupted DRM files, and Windows rebuilds them fresh. Here's how.
- Close Windows Media Player completely. Check Task Manager to make sure it's not running.
- Open File Explorer (Win + E). Type this in the address bar and hit Enter:
%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft - Find a folder named "DRM". Right-click it and choose Delete. If it won't delete, skip to the second method below.
- Now go to this folder:
%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player
Delete everything inside — there might be a few files and folders. - Reboot your PC. Don't skip this — Windows needs to recreate the DRM store during startup.
- Open Windows Media Player again. Try playing that DRM file. It should ask you to re-acquire the license. Say yes, and you're done.
If You Can't Delete the DRM Folder
Sometimes Windows locks the DRM folder even after closing Media Player. Here's the workaround:
- Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart, then go Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, press 4).
- In Safe Mode, repeat the same delete steps above.
- Reboot normally.
What If It Still Fails?
If the error comes back, check these three things:
- Antivirus software — some programs like McAfee or Norton lock down DRM files. Temporarily disable real-time scanning and try again. If that works, add the DRM folder to your antivirus exclusions.
- Disk permissions — your user account must have full control of the AppData folder. Run
icacls %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\DRM /grant %username%:(F)in an admin Command Prompt. - Corrupt Windows Media Player installation — run the Media Player troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Media Player. Or reinstall Media Player by going to "Turn Windows features on or off" and toggling Media Features off then on.
I've fixed this error on dozens of Windows 10 and 11 machines. The DRM folder delete always works unless the file is locked by something else. Skip the registry edits and system restores — they're a waste of time here.
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