Every time I try to boot Windows Media Player on Win8 it crashes on startup or when I switch to the full library view. Is there any update I need to get? How can I fix this problem?

Method 1: Run the Windows Media Player Settings and Library troubleshooters and check whether the issue is resolved.

Open the Windows Media Player Settings troubleshooter

a. Press Windows key + X and select Control Panel.

b. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting.

c. Click View all, and then click Windows Media Player Settings.

d. Also run the Windows Media Player Library troubleshooter.

If issue persists follow method 2:

Method 2 : Disable and then enable Windows media Player from the Windows Features and see if the issue persists.

a. Press Windows key + X and select Control Panel.

b. Select Programs and Features.

c. Click Turn Windows features on or off. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

d. Click on Media Features.

e. To turn Windows Media Player off, clear the check box. Click OK and then restart the computer.

To Turn Windows Media Player ON, click on the checkbox once again and click OK. And then restart the computer.