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To Play This Video, You Need a New Codec: 4 Ways to Fix it
Trying another media player can solve this issue in no time
5 min. read
Updated onAugust 13, 2024
updated onAugust 13, 2024
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A videocodecencodes digital signals so that media players can play videos correctly. Thus, media player error messages pop up when requiredcodecsare missing for some videos that users try to play.
That’s especially the case for Windows Media Player, which doesn’t incorporate much built-incodecsupport.
The following WMP error messages might pop up when a requiredcodecfor video playback is missing:
Windows Media Player users will need to install a newcodecto play specific video formats when either of the above error messages pops up. Themissing HEVC codecalso triggers theTo play this video, you need a codecerror.
That’s pretty much the only fix for either of the above two WMP error messages. Or users can try out some alternative media players instead.
How can I fix To play this video you need a new codec error?
1. Select the Download codecs automatically option
Windows XP or Vista users who are still utilizing the older Windows Media Player 11 version can select to downloadcodecsautomatically.
Then an installcodecprompt will appear when users try to play their videos, from which they can select to install the neededcodec.
So, selecting theDownloadcodecsautomaticallyoption is one resolution more specifically for WMP 11. This is how users can select that setting.
Windows Media Player 12 users can’t selectDownload codecs automaticallyoption on the Player tab. However, they can still configure the software to get more regular automatic updates.
Select the Once a day option for the most regular updates.
2. Play the video with an alternative media player
There are better alternatives to WMP that can play almost all video file formats without users needing to manually install codec packs.
Those are media players that include built-incodecsand are generally freeware software tools. So, who needs Windows Media Player in the first place?
In order to have the most qualitative multimedia experience and avoid codec errors, you should consider a media player from thebest media players for Windows 11 today.
3. Add the K-Lite Codec Pack to Windows
TheAcodecis required to play this fileerror will more likely arise for users who have not installed the K-Lites Code Pack.
K-Lite includes all the most common mediacodecs, which will ensure that WMP can play most of the more standard video file formats.
Therefore, installing K-Lite will probably resolve most WMPcodecerror messages. ClickDownloadon the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack page to save the setup wizard for K-Lite.
Then users can open the setup wizard for K-Lite from the folder they saved it to. ClickNextand then selectSimple modeto install K-Lite with the recommended defaults.
Thereafter, users can keep on clickingNextuntil they get to theInstalloption. ClickInstallto finish.
4. Install the Required Codec via VideoInspector
However, ifcodecerror messages still pop up even with K-Lite installed, users need to find acodecthat enables playback for some more obscure video file formats.
For that, the VideoInspector software might come in handy. VideoInspector is freeware software that provides detailed info for videos.
That software will tell users if the requiredcodecfor a video is installed and provide download links forcodecs. Are things any better now? Besides, it would also fix theTo play this video, you need a codecerror in Firefox.
In case you have additional problems, don’t miss our guide on how todownload the codec pack for Windows 11.
Do note that these solutions may be applied when dealing with any of these issues:
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.
