One way is to add “Windows Media Player” as a toolbar like this. Right Click taskbar -> Properties -> Toolbar.

Even with this work around still the taskbar is not utilized fully. I don’t know why Microsoft doesn’t think about this simple option. Wondering whether there are any copyright issues. I always wanted Microsoft windows to provide multiple workspace option so that one can switch between each workspace. In this way the taskbar can be used most effectively. “Group Similar Windows” is something that is not good for users who open mutiple windows!!!

Finally I found this plugin. You can download the plugin here WMPTray Plugin1.0.

http://download.raptor.in/softwares/wmptrayplugin.zip

This plugin is available only in Portuguese. Not worries there is no issues as nothing needs to be know to use this. Once you download you need to copy the WMPTray.dll file to “C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Plugins” or which ever drive you have installed you OS.

INSTALLATION:

1) If Windows Media Player is open, close it;

2) Copy the file WMPTray.dll to the folder C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Plugins\;

3) Click Start> Command Prompt;
Note: In Vista, You must right click over command prompt and choose “run as administrator”

4) Enter: regsvr32 “C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Plugins\WMPTray.dll” and press Enter.

5) Open Windows Media Player, click Tools> Plug-ins and check the option WMPTray Plugin.

There you have it.