FIX: Windows ten/eleven can't play MP4 files [VLC, Media Thespian]

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Updated:

Posted: September 2020

  • Can't play MP4 on Windows 10? We sympathise how frustrating it tin can be, and so today we're going to testify yous how to fix it.
  • The simplest way to fix this problem is to utilise a video conversion software to convert the MP4 file.
  • If your MP4 videos are not playing, you can also endeavour switching to a different media player.
  • Codecs can be a reason why MP4 files are not playing, so we advise y'all to check them.

can't play mp4 on windows 10

We all savor multimedia content on our Windows ten devices, and every bit you know, multimedia comes in all sorts of formats.

Speaking of multimedia formats, users accept complained that Windows 10 can't play MP4, so let's fix this problem.

Before we starting time, nosotros need to explain how MP4 file format works. This file format is a digital multimedia container format, like to MKV.

In fact, not that long ago, we've covered what to do when y'all can't play MKV videos in Windows 10, so yous might want to read that every bit well.

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

MP4 files are groovy, simply sometimes bug with them tin occur. Speaking of MP4 files and issues, in this article we're going to comprehend the following topics:

  • VLC non playing MP4 Windows 10
    • It's virtually likely a settings issue.
    • To set up the problem, you lot but need to go to the configuration page and change a few settings.
  • How to play MP4 on Windows ten
    • You should download 3rd-party codecs and install them.
    • If yous don't feel comfortable downloading codes, you can e'er install VLC Role player and utilise information technology to play MP4 files.
  • Windows Media Player won't play MP4 video
    • You might exist able to set the problem simply past disabling video acceleration in Windows Media Player.
  • Can't play MP4 in Movie Maker
    • Y'all can fix 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 you.

Adobe Premiere Pro is a not bad tool that supports pretty much any type of video file format for both import and consign.

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

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

one. Install the necessary codecs

Every bit we have already mentioned, MP4 files rely on different codes in guild to work properly, and if y'all don't have these codecs installed, you won't be able to play MP4 files on your Windows x PC.

To ready this upshot, it's brash that you download and install a codec pack on your reckoner. One of the well-nigh used codec packs is Yard-Lite Codec Pack, and you tin download information technology from Codec Guide.

If y'all wish to use whatsoever other codec pack, feel free to practice and then. 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 nearly likely caused by codecs, so be sure to install the required ones.

3. Convert your files

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, with the batch conversion characteristic, you can queue dozens of files and convert them with simply one click.

WinX HD Video Converter Palatial

Now yous can have full control over videos in SD, HD and 4K resolution on your PC with WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe!

4. Reinstall Microsoft Live Essentials

If you can't play MP4 files in Windows Movie Maker, the upshot might be related to Microsoft Live Essentials. Co-ordinate to users, they had issues with this app, merely they fixed the problem by reinstalling it.

To remove a sure awarding from your PC, along with all of its files, we recommend using defended uninstaller software.

These remove all files related to the awarding y'all want to uninstall, including temporary files and installer wizards.

Later removing Microsoft Live Essentials, download the latest version and install information technology. Afterwards doing that, you should be able to play MP4 files in Windows Movie Maker again.

5. Plow off WMV DirectX video acceleration

  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 Employ and OK to save changes.
    Can't play MP4 in Movie Maker
  5. Restart Windows Media Actor.

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

six. Change the file extension

  1. Locate the video that you want to play.
  2. Brand sure that file extensions are revealed.
  3. Click on View and select File proper name extensions.
  4. Optional: Create a backup of the video file before yous alter its extension.
  5. Locate the file and rename it.
  6. Alter the extension of the file from .mp4 to .mp4v.
  7. Click Yes to confirm.
    How to play MP4 on Windows 10
  8. Play the video again.

7. Alter VLC settings

  1. Open VLC Role player.
  2. Navigate to Tools and select Preferences.
  3. At present select Input and go to Codecs.
  4. In the Codecs department, locate Hardware-accelerated decoding and change it from Disabled to Automatic.

After doing that, the trouble with VLC and MP4 files will be resolved, and they should start playing over again without whatsoever issues.

8. Switch to a 3rd-party media player

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

Windows ten doesn't accept native support for all MP4 files, therefore, it relies on video codecs. If you don't wish to install video codecs, you can always install a third-party media player.

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

If you're looking for a good 3rd-party media actor, we recommend downloading the CyberLink Power DVD.

This is a wonderfully featured all-around media player, that supports a big diversity of media formats.

It offers a unique CyberLink Cloud characteristic (in the Pro versions) that allows yous to upload and stream from a cloud storage space of your own.

CyberLink Power DVD is a groovy player, and if MP4 won't play, be certain to attempt it.

⇒ Get CyberLink Power DVD

As y'all tin run across, problems with MP4 files aren't related to Windows 10 itself, they are related to video codecs that might non be installed on your computer.

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

If yous take any further suggestions on this topic, experience free to drop us a line in the comments department below.

Ofttimes Asked Questions

  • MP4 is a digital multimedia container format most normally used to store video and sound. If you're running on Windows ten and can't utilize MP4 files, meet this guide for alternatives.

  • The easiest way to play MP4 files is to use a video player since this is ane of the most common file formats available.

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