Share this article
Improve this guide
3 Quick Ways to play MOV files on Windows 10
The only codecs you need for MOV files
5 min. read
Published onJuly 20, 2024
published onJuly 20, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
The Windows Media Player in Windows 10 is a handy tool but it won’t play MOV files. If you’re lucky, it will play audio alone, but this beats the essence if you want to enjoy video playback as well.
MOV files are developed for Apple devices but you can also play them on Windows 10 and 11. Most MOV files are encoded with codecs hence why they won’t play on Windows Media Player. However, with a few tweaks, you can install the necessary codecs and get them to play.
How do I play MOV files on Windows 10?
1. Download necessary codecs
1.1 HEVC codecs
Once done, you can now play the MOV files on the Windows Media Player. Unfortunately, the HEVC codecs pack from the Microsoft Store is limited and may not be compatible with all MOV files. If not, proceed to download a comprehensive codec pack.
1.2 K-Lite codecs to play MOV files
And it’s not just for MOV files. We have a comprehensive guide onhow to install codecs on Windows 11to play other types of video formats on all built-in players.
1.3 Play using Windows Media Player
2. Play the MOV file using the VLC media player
3. Convert the MOV file to MP4 using a third-party video converter
Once done, go to the file location and you can now play the newly converted .mov file in the Windows Media Player. You can also check out other ways toconvert your MOV files to MP4. There are also lots ofcross-platform media playersyou can try out if VLC fails to do the job.
Additional tips to avoid issues with MOV files
Should you experience anyissues playing MOV files on Windows 10, refer to our article on how to fix it. And if you’d like toplay MOV files on Windows 11, we also have a dedicated article.
That’s all for this article but do let us know which of the above solutions you found easiest to play MOV files on your Windows 10.
More about the topics:windows 10
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
