How to fix Microsoft Windows Media Player cannot play certain files that won't even read.

Question

How can you get Windows Media Player to play supported formats? Will you please fix this?

Answer 1

Hi DJ

If Windows Media Player is unable to play certain files that it can't even read, you can try the following solutions to resolve the issue:

Update Windows Media Player: Ensure that you have the latest version of Windows Media Player installed on your computer. Microsoft periodically releases updates that address compatibility issues and improve functionality. You can check for updates by following these steps: a. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app. b. Click on "Update & Security" and then select "Windows Update" from the left sidebar. c. Click on "Check for updates" and allow Windows to search for and install any available updates.

Install necessary codecs: Sometimes, Windows Media Player may lack the required codecs to play certain file types. Codecs are software components that encode and decode audio and video files. You can try installing a codec pack such as K-Lite Codec Pack or VLC Media Player, which includes a wide range of codecs and can enable Windows Media Player to play various file formats.

Convert the file format: If the file format is not compatible with Windows Media Player, you can convert it to a compatible format using a third-party media converter software. There are several free and paid converters available online that can convert files to popular formats like MP4 or MP3, which are typically supported by Windows Media Player.

Try a different media player: If Windows Media Player continues to have issues playing certain files, you can try using an alternative media player such as VLC Media Player or MPC-HC. These players have built-in support for a wide range of file formats and codecs and may be able to play the problematic files.

Repair or reinstall Windows Media Player: If none of the above solutions work, you can try repairing or reinstalling Windows Media Player. Here's how to do it: a. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. b. Type "appwiz.cpl" (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Programs and Features window. c. On the left sidebar, click on "Turn Windows features on or off." d. Scroll down and locate "Media Features." Expand it. e. Uncheck the box next to "Windows Media Player." f. Click "OK" and wait for the process to complete. g. Once done, restart your computer. h. Follow the same steps to re-enable Windows Media Player, checking the box next to "Windows Media Player." i. Restart your computer again.

Answer 2

Hello there,

This problem occurs if a codec that's required to play the file isn't installed on the computer.

Typically, that happens when Windows Media Player lacks the codecs required to decode specific media file types. Several other reasons, such as outdated codecs and obsolete hardware drivers, can also cause problems.

To resolve this problem, configure Windows Media Player to download codecs automatically. To do so, follow these steps in Windows Media Player 11:

On the Tools menu, select Options.

Select the Player tab, select the Download codecs automatically check box, and then select OK.

Try to play the file.

You receive a codec error message, or audio plays but video doesn't play when you play media files in Windows Media Player 11 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/shell-experience/media-player-11-not-play-video

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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