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FIX: Windows Media Player cannot open WAV/MP3/MP4/AVI/MKV
4 min. read
Updated onJuly 5, 2024
updated onJuly 5, 2024
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Key notes
AlthoughWindows Media Playeris becoming increasingly outdated, quite a few users still utilize it for playing videos and audio.
However, the reality struck when users see thatWindows Media Playercannot open WAV, MP3, MP4, AVI, MPG, MKV, and MOV videos and music for some users even though thesoftwaresupports thosefile formats.
Why can’t I play video/audio files on Windows Media Player?
1. Switch to a different video player
While Windows Media Player is still a solid video player and it does come preinstalled with the Windows OS, it lacks many of the tools and features that third-party video players have. That’s why you may need tochange your media player.
For instance, some of thebest universal video players for PCcome with more advanced libraries that let you create and manage your media files into easy-to-find collections and folders.
Some alternatives may even support more media formats and even recover and replay damaged files.
The good news is that when it comes to user experience, alternative players are generally just as straightforward.
Among other additional features that most third-party software offers we have to mention subtitle libraries, advanced audio settings, and support for 4K, 5K, and even 8K resolutions.
2. Fix corrupted video files
Sometimes the reason behind a video not being played back is not the video player, but the file itself. As such, if you notice that multiple video players don’t work on it, then maybe you should consider performing a video file repair.
There are several ways to fix corrupt files in Windows 10. You can use the SFC or the DISM tools, replace the files yourself, or use the system restore.
These will most likely help you solve the issue, but they are quite time-consuming and require minimal computer knowledge.
If you want to make sure that you safely fix your corrupt files and do not create any additional risks, we recommend you usededicated video file repair tools.
They are easy to use and support multiple formats. In just a few steps, you will be able to recover and replay your media files.
3. Open the Video Playback Troubleshooter
First, check outWindows 10’s Video Playback troubleshooter, which might come in handy for fixingWindows Media Player’s video playback.
4. Install the K-Lite Codec Pack
Windows Media Player still needs a K-Lite Codec pack to ensure it plays even all of its supportedfile formatsok.
To install K-Lite, clickMirror 1orMirror 2on theDownload K-Lite Codec Mega page. After downloading it, click K-Lite_Codec to open the pack’s installer.
Then users can go through the setup wizard to install the codec.
5. Reinstall Windows Media Player
ReinstallingWindows Media Playermight resolve playback issues for both video and music.
By following these steps, you should be able to watch movies again, but whether this is with the Windows Media Player is entirely up to you.
Let us know which solution helped you most by leaving us a reply in the comments section below.
More about the topics:windows 10,windows media player
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
