Your daily fix of iTunes Plugins, Tips and Scripts for Windows XP and Vista
mmKeys.dll – Use a multimedia keyboard with iTunes
Tags: Keyboard
Added On: 4th Jan 08
Links: [site] [download]
Makes your multimedia keyboard buttons work with iTunes when the program isn’t currently in focus, or is minimised.
It is common to find that, when it’s not maximised, iTunes will not recognise your media or gaming keyboard shortcuts as commands to play, pause, skip song, etc. This simple plugin fixes the problem in most cases. It saves you having to bring iTunes up on screen each time you want to use the keys.
To use this plugin, simply copy the mmKeys.dll file into your plugins folder.
- For XP Users, this is found in “C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins”
- For Vista Users, it’s “C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins” and you may have to show hidden files (or use the search) in order to see the AppData folder. One commenter also reported that it works when put in “C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins”.
- For Windows 7 Users: follow Vista instructions above.
- For linux+wine Users: This reportedly doesn’t work. Most likely a Wine bug though… what are you using iTunes for anyway?!
- In each case, you have to create this folder if it doesn’t already exist.
You also need to restart iTunes to load the dll. Some commenters have also reported a short delay after the button-press. I’m not sure why this could be..
Other Notes:
+ You still need to install the correct drivers for most keyboards in order to use the MultiMedia keys in the first place. This dll does NOT replace those drivers.
+ There’s also a reported glitch where the windows maximises, on both Windows 7 and Vista… anyone care to confirm this, or list what other apps they have running at the time? Also reportedly doesn’t work again until iTunes is restarted.. OR only pops up with PLAY and PAUSE, but not NEXT_TRACK… Please give more info in your comments!
+ This may be achievable using a registry hack. See this comment.
+ Some users have issues while playing full-screen games, where the keys no longer work. Please elaborate on this problem in the comments too.
+ If it’s not working, try killing “ituneshelper.exe” from within Task Manager. (press Ctrl+Alt+Delete)
+ If when you press a multimedia key, Windows Media Player (WMP) pops up, you need to make sure that iTunes is your default media player [how?].
+ Apparently the issue was fixed in an early version of iTunes 7, but with the later releases the problem has re-surfaced.
+ This plugin is great if you want your multi-media keyboard to be able to control iTunes when it’s behind another window or hidden in the system tray.
+ Apparently, this works in all flavours of Windows XP, Vista and 7, and both 32- and 64-bit varieties!
* Updated to reflect comments * – Please keep the comments rolling in!
There is no such file “C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins” I downloaded the .dll file and just put it in the “iTunes” folder because there were other .dll files there, but it did not work.
Am i missing something?
Yes. You have to create the “Plug-Ins” folder.
Sorry for not being clearer. Post Updated.
PERFECT! LOVE IT!
Excellent. Perfect solution… dont even have to install anything.
Brian, it doesnt go in Program Files.
For XP Users: “C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins”
Vista Users: “C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins”
In each case, you have to create this folder if it doesn’t already exist.
Doesn’t work for me. I followed your instructions perfectly. I’m using Windwos Vista Ultimate and the latest iTunes 7.6. Any ideas?
Yay! Thanks, works great on XP!
Thanks, this works a charm. Bear in mind you need to restart iTunes to load the dll.
A simple solution for a simple problem. Wish everything was this easy. Thanks
Works well with XP Pro and Itunes 7.6.2.9 and easy as well, chers man.
Thanks, just a simple solution… great!
working on XP pro and itunes 7.6.2.9
did not work for me either i have vista and i followed instructions exactly also
Thanks this is exactly what ive been searching for
Brilliant, works perfectly in Vista (after a program restart) Thanks a lot!
You rock!
I love you all. I have been searching on this topic for 2 days and this finally did it. I was very please to not have to install an additional program
This is amazinggggggg. WOW thank you so much. i was really bummed when the media buttons started not working with the itunes 7.xx versions but now, it is perfect. Thanks alot. For those who can’t find the directory, create “plug-ins” folder in itunes folder and paste the mmkeys.dll in there then restart itunes. Works flawlessly
Terrific, thanks very much! :)
thank you so much it was so simple and easy!
[...] mmkeys.dll [...]
Exellent! works on vista ultimate. Thanks for the guide.
Worked perfect in Vista Business. Thanks for the awesome fix.
For Vista Users: I just instaled iTunes onto my Vista notebook and my iTunes AppData was a “hidde folder” so go press alt > tools > views > show hidden files/folders
and proceed~
Works great on Vista 64 Ultimate and itunes64 7.7! Thanks
i have Xp and i followed everything and it’s not working i made folder called Plug-ins and all and it’s still not working any help?
Nice Work!
Very good dll! Worked well, don’t forget, everyone. In vista you have to show hidden folders in order to see the appdata folder. (Control panel>folder options>Show hidden files (Radio button)) Thanks again!
nice one. works on XP fine. doesn’t associate the volume controls (those remain with system volume), but i’m happy.
Excellent, thanks man!!
cool i didnt find app data so i made one plugin folder in program files and afta a restart of itunes it worked THNX
Thanks for all the help man… I’d been looking for days to try to find something to fix this. Like Jon, above, my folder was hidden and i followed his directions exactly and this worked perfect! Thanks again…
Thanks so much!!
This works fine for the skips but it causes iTunes 8.0 to maximize anytime I hit the Play/Pause button instead of responding how it should… Any suggestions?
THANK YOU!
I just got a new keyboard and was totally pissed when I had to keep maximizing the window to pause/play the song. Which was taking the whole point of the functions on the keyboard!
Haha.
Thanks dude.
works great thanks
Thanks :) i’ve been using windows media player just because itunes wouldn’t work with multimedia keyboards.
But is it normal for the songs to load a little slow?
love it
[...] found the page http://www.everythingitunes.com/os/windows/2008-01-04/mmkeysdll/ and decided to give it a try. It is a simple .dll file that iTunes loads up, and wallah. They [...]
Thanks! Microsoft IntelliType was being very stupid…. this is a much better solution!
Worked on Vista Business 64bit, but there was half a second delay on my keypresses. Media player doesn’t do this. Also, my itunes and (for some reason) firefox became sluggish, so I deleted it again.
You are a programming god. Worked great with the Dell enhanced usb keyboard (Y-UK-DEL1)!
mmKeys.dll FTMFW!!!!
i have to maximize itunes for the media controls to work, i created the plug-ins folder, but it doesnt work for me when it is in toolbar or minimised, some help?
thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
Legend.
Thanks.
Although a small delay.
will it stay if i update itunes, or will i have to do this for each version?
Just what I’ve been looking for my HP Notebook! Cheers!
Thank you! Apple iTunes is great. I’m surprised they missed this!
Worked well. I have windows vista and just followed directions for XP users. and that worked.
Did this stop working for iTunes 8? I’m following the instructions for Vista but can’t get it to work.