FIX: Windows 10/11 can't play MP4 files [VLC, Media Player]

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Updated:

Posted: September 2020

  • Can't play MP4 on Windows 10? We sympathize how frustrating it tin be, so today we're going to show you how to fix information technology.
  • The simplest way to fix this problem is to use a video conversion software to convert the MP4 file.
  • If your MP4 videos are not playing, you can also endeavor switching to a different media thespian.
  • Codecs can be a reason why MP4 files are not playing, and so nosotros propose you to check them.

can't play mp4 on windows 10

We all relish multimedia content on our Windows x devices, and as you lot know, multimedia comes in all sorts of formats.

Speaking of multimedia formats, users have complained that Windows x tin can't play MP4, so allow's fix this trouble.

Before we start, we need to explain how MP4 file format works. This file format is a digital multimedia container format, similar to MKV.

In fact, not that long ago, we've covered what to do when you can't play MKV videos in Windows 10, and then you might want to read that as well.

Since an MP4 file is a multimedia digital container, information technology relies on unlike codecs in social club to work properly.

MP4 files are great, but sometimes issues with them can occur. Speaking of MP4 files and issues, in this article we're going to comprehend the following topics:

  • VLC not playing MP4 Windows 10
    • It'due south most likely a settings issue.
    • To prepare the problem, you only need to go to the configuration page and change a few settings.
  • How to play MP4 on Windows ten
    • You should download tertiary-party codecs and install them.
    • If you don't feel comfortable downloading codes, you can e'er install VLC Actor and use information technology to play MP4 files.
  • Windows Media Role player won't play MP4 video
    • You might be able to fix the trouble simply by disabling video dispatch in Windows Media Player.
  • Can't play MP4 in Flick Maker
    • Y'all tin can set it by reinstalling Windows Live Essentials.

Quick tip:

Before starting searching for codecs, players, and problems on your OS, we would recommend you to let third-party software do the job for y'all.

Adobe Premiere Pro is a peachy tool that supports pretty much whatever type of video file format for both import and export.

It is perfect for opening, viewing, editing MP4 and other video-format files, besides as for converting popular video formats into MP4.

How do I fix a mp4 file that won't play?

1. Install the necessary codecs

As we have already mentioned, MP4 files rely on different codes in order to work properly, and if y'all don't accept these codecs installed, you won't exist able to play MP4 files on your Windows 10 PC.

To fix this event, it's advised that you download and install a codec pack on your computer. One of the most used codec packs is K-Lite Codec Pack, and you can download it from Codec Guide.

If you wish to use any other codec pack, feel complimentary to do so. Once you download and install the necessary codecs, MP4 files should work in all media players.

If you cannot play MP4 on Windows 10, the issue is most likely acquired by codecs, so exist sure to install the required ones.

3. Catechumen your files

If MP4 files are not playing, you might want to consider converting your MP4 files to a different format.

There are many great applications that tin can catechumen your MP4 files to other formats, and one of the best ones is WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.

Keep in listen that file conversion tin can take a while, usually a couple of minutes depending on the size of your video.

If you lot tin can't play just a couple of MP4 files, y'all can catechumen all of them using this tool which conveniently improves conversion time compared to similar software.

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Click here to download and outset repairing.

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe you can easily catechumen MP4 video to AVI, WMV, MOV, M2TS, H.264, and other 420+ video formats and codecs.

By utilizing the GPU dispatch tech, it can convert a video at the fastest speed without any quality loss.

Besides, with the batch conversion feature, you lot can queue dozens of files and convert them with only one click.

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Now you can accept full control over videos in SD, HD and 4K resolution on your PC with WinX Hd Video Converter Palatial!

iv. Reinstall Microsoft Live Essentials

If you can't play MP4 files in Windows Movie Maker, the issue might be related to Microsoft Alive Essentials. According to users, they had problems with this app, but they fixed the problem past reinstalling it.

To remove a certain application from your PC, along with all of its files, nosotros recommend using dedicated uninstaller software.

These remove all files related to the application you want to uninstall, including temporary files and installer wizards.

After removing Microsoft Live Essentials, download the latest version and install it. Later doing that, yous should be able to play MP4 files in Windows Movie Maker over again.

five. Turn off WMV DirectX video dispatch

  1. Open Windows Media Player.
  2. Click on Organize and go to Options.
    Windows Media Player won't play MP4 video
  3. Navigate to the Performance tab and disable Turn on DirectX Video Acceleration for WMV files.
  4. Click on Apply and OK to save changes.
    Can't play MP4 in Movie Maker
  5. Restart Windows Media Player.

Few users reported that turning off this feature helped with MP4 files non playing

half dozen. Change the file extension

  1. Locate the video that y'all want to play.
  2. Make sure that file extensions are revealed.
  3. Click on View and select File name extensions.
  4. Optional: Create a fill-in of the video file before you alter its extension.
  5. Locate the file and rename it.
  6. Change the extension of the file from .mp4 to .mp4v.
  7. Click Yeah to confirm.
    How to play MP4 on Windows 10
  8. Play the video again.

7. Change VLC settings

  1. Open VLC Player.
  2. Navigate to Tools and select Preferences.
  3. Now select Input and go to Codecs.
  4. In the Codecs section, locate Hardware-accelerated decoding and alter it from Disabled to Automatic.

After doing that, the problem with VLC and MP4 files volition exist resolved, and they should start playing again without any problems.

viii. Switch to a 3rd-party media player

Windows Media Thespian doesn't come with the necessary video codecs, and this is why Windows x won't be able to play mp4 files on your computer.

Windows 10 doesn't have native support for all MP4 files, therefore, information technology relies on video codecs. If you don't wish to install video codecs, y'all can always install a tertiary-party media player.

Virtually of these players come with all the necessary codecs, and they'll exist able to play all MP4 files without any issues.

If y'all're looking for a skilful 3rd-party media histrion, we recommend downloading the CyberLink Power DVD.

This is a wonderfully featured accommodating media player, that supports a large variety of media formats.

It offers a unique CyberLink Deject feature (in the Pro versions) that allows you to upload and stream from a deject storage space of your own.

CyberLink Power DVD is a peachy player, and if MP4 won't play, be sure to try it.

⇒ Go CyberLink Power DVD

As you can see, problems with MP4 files aren't related to Windows 10 itself, they are related to video codecs that might not be installed on your computer.

And the only solution is to download and install the codecs, or to use a 3rd-party multimedia player.

If you have any farther suggestions on this topic, feel free to drib us a line in the comments section beneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • MP4 is a digital multimedia container format most commonly used to store video and audio. If y'all're running on Windows 10 and can't use MP4 files, see this guide for alternatives.

  • The easiest way to play MP4 files is to use a video player since this is one of the well-nigh common file formats available.

  • Yes, MP4 is still a very mutual video file format, especially when it comes to portable multimedia devices. Music players usually convert them to MP3.