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why did video stop playing in windows 11?

Rob D 5 Reputation points
2026-03-01T00:21:34.4166667+00:00

Was working fine, now loads, begins to play then stops. Youtube and media player

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-01T00:21:50.0666667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Several issues in Windows 11 can cause video to start and then stop (both in YouTube via a browser and in Windows Media Player). Use these targeted checks and fixes:

    1. Check video playback settings in Windows
      1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Video playback.
      2. If Process video automatically to enhance it is turned on, toggle it off and test playback.
      3. If using multiple monitors with different refresh rates, set all monitors to the same refresh rate (mismatched refresh rates can cause stuttering or start/stop playback). Use the Change the refresh rate link from that page if needed.
    2. Update graphics and audio drivers
      1. Update your GPU driver from the device manufacturer (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA) – outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of playback problems.
      2. Update audio drivers as well; audio driver issues can cause pops, stalls, or hangs when playback starts.
    3. Fix Windows Media Player playback If the problem also occurs in Windows Media Player:
      1. For codec-related issues (audio plays but video stops or never shows):
        • In Windows Media Player, go to Tools > Options > Player.
        • Enable Download codecs automatically, select OK, then try the file again and allow codec installation if prompted.
      2. If you get codec-related error codes (0xC00D11xx):
        • Right‑click the media file > Properties > Details and check the Video and Audio codec information.
        • Install or update the required codecs using a reputable codec pack as described in the documentation.
      3. If playback errors persist (0xC00D0BC2, 0xC00D36FA, 0xC00D10B3, 0xC00D1059):
        • Clear the Windows Media Player database:
          • Close Windows Media Player.
          • Press Windows + R, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player\ and press Enter.
          • Delete all files in that folder (not the folder itself).
          • Reopen Windows Media Player and test.
        • Repair or reset Windows Media Player:
          • Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
          • Find Windows Media Player, select the three dots > Advanced options.
          • Select Repair; if that fails, select Reset (this removes custom settings but not media files).
    4. Check for system-level video issues If video windows go blank/black/white or hang while audio continues, or video hesitates and starts/stops:
      1. Ensure Windows Video Compression / video components are correctly installed by making sure Windows is fully updated.
      2. If issues started immediately after installing or updating multimedia software, restart Windows and test again.
    5. Additional troubleshooting
      1. Run the Windows Media Player troubleshooter: go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then run Windows Media Player.
      2. Run System File Checker and DISM if system corruption is suspected:
        • Open an elevated Command Prompt and run: sfc /scannow.
        • After that completes, if problems persist, run: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.

    If YouTube in the browser still stops while other apps work, test in another browser and disable any media-related extensions or third‑party security tools that might interfere with streaming.

    References:

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 61,635 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-01T00:57:43.1533333+00:00

    Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Did this start after a Windows update? Are you using Wi-Fi or ethernet?
    2. Does this happen in all browsers (Edge, Chrome), or just one?
    3. In Media Player, does it happen with all videos or just a specific file?

    For YouTube:

    • Try opening it in a different browser.
    • Clear the browser cache.
    • Disable browser extensions (especially ad blockers).

    For Media Player:

    • Restart the PC first.
    • Check if the video file works on another device.
    • Update your graphics driver (Device Manager > Display adapters > right-click > Update driver).

    Also, please confirm your Windows 11 version. Press Win + R, type winver and tell me the version number.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Regards,

    John J.D.

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