By Jennifer | Last Updated
“Can’t play MP4 files in my Windows Media Player. How to fix it?”
If you're facing issues with MP4 files not playing, don't worry—there are several potential causes and solutions. In this article, we’ll explore why MP4 files not playing and offer a variety of solutions to help you get them working again.
There are several reasons why MP4 files might not play on your system. You can check them below:
The MP4 file is corrupted
Corruption may occur during the download process, due to system crashes, or from incomplete file transfers.
Outdated or missing codecs
MP4 files use video and audio codecs to compress and decompress the content. If your media player doesn't have the right codecs installed, the MP4 file won't play.
Incompatible Media Player
Not all media players support MP4 files natively. If you're using an outdated or incompatible media player, it may fail to open the file properly.
Outdated Graphics or Audio Drivers
Issues with outdated graphics or audio drivers can interfere with media playback. If the drivers are not up to date, your device may struggle to process the MP4 file correctly.
File Permissions or Restrictions
Sometimes, MP4 files may have restricted access due to file permissions. If your user account doesn't have proper access rights, the file may fail to open.
Sometimes, the issue lies with the media player itself. If you're using a built-in player, like Windows Media Player, try installing a more robust third-party media player like VLC Media Player or MPC-HC. These players have better codec support and are more likely to handle MP4 files smoothly.
VLC Media Player is free and supports almost every audio and video format, including MP4. You can download and open the software, click on Media> Open File to choose the MP4 file to play.
MP4 files often require specific video and audio codecs to play correctly. If your media player doesn’t have the right codecs installed, it will struggle to open the file. You can install a codec pack like the K-Lite Codec Pack, which includes a variety of codecs for all popular video and audio formats, including MP4.
Simply download and install the K-Lite Codec Pack, and it should solve the problem of missing codecs.
If you're still having trouble with the MP4 file, you might want to consider converting it to a different format. There are several online tools and desktop applications available that can convert MP4 files to other formats like AVI, MOV, or MKV, which may play better on your device.
If you suspect the MP4 file is corrupted, you can attempt to repair it. There are specialized programs designed to fix corrupted video files, such as iSunshare XRepair Genius. This video repair tool can help repair the corrupted videos at batch, which might salvage the video content and allow you to play it properly.
Follow the step-by-step guide to fix MP4 file not playing issue with iSunshare XRepair Genius:
Step 1: Run XRepair Genius on your computer. Click “Video Repair” and import the corrupted video file by clicking “Add Video”.
Step 2: Move the pointer to a video and you can find the Repair button for this video. Click this Repair button to start the single video repairing process. If you want to repair all videos at once, go to the bottom right corner and hit the Repair button.
Step 3: Minutes later, you can get the repairing result. You can click the preview icon to preview the videos. Or save a single video by hitting the save icon. To save all repaired video, click the Save button on the lower right corner.
Step 4: If the normal repair fails, you can take advantage of the advanced repair mode. Click “Advanced Repair” behind the video section and add a sample video. After that, click the Next to repair the video.
Outdated graphics or audio drivers can prevent MP4 files from playing. Updating your drivers can fix issues related to media playback and improve overall system performance. You can update the drivers to check whether the issue is resolved or not.
Windows: Open the Device Manager, locate your Display Adapters and Sound, Video and Game Controllers, and right-click to select Update driver.
Mac: Go to System Preferences > Software Update to ensure your drivers are updated.
If you’re unable to play the MP4 file due to permission issues, make sure you have the right access. Right-click on the file, select Properties, and go to the Security tab. Here, you can check the permissions and make sure your user account has access to open the file.
Q1: Windows Media Player won’t play MP4 file, what to do?
Windows Media Player doesn’t natively support all MP4 file formats or codecs, which could be the reason your file isn’t playing. You can install the required codecs, or update the Windows Media Player to get it resolved.
Q2: Why is my MP4 file not playing on Mac?
If the MP4 file is not playing on your Mac, the reasons can be: incompatible codecs, corrupted MP4 file, and outdated media player.
Q3: Why is my MP4 file not playing on my mobile device?
If an MP4 file isn't playing on your mobile device, it could be due to an incompatible video resolution or bitrate. Some older or lower-end devices might not support high-resolution MP4 files. You can try converting the file to a lower resolution or a different format using an online tool or a video converter app.
Q4. How do I play MP4 files on VLC Media Player?
VLC Media Player supports MP4 files natively. If your MP4 file isn't playing, ensure you have the latest version of VLC installed. If the issue persists, check the file for corruption or try reinstalling VLC.
If you’ve followed these steps and your MP4 file still won’t play, consider trying a different device or reaching out to support services for assistance. With the right tools and troubleshooting techniques, you can get your MP4 files playing smoothly again and enjoy your videos without any hassle.
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