AnsweredWindows Media Player Cannot Play the File? Learn Reasons and Solutions

I opened my file with Windows Media Player, but I failed, as it says Windows Media Player Cannot Play the File. Why? How can I overcome the problem?

Best Answered by

Jane Zhou· Answered on Dec 01, 2023

There could be some reasons why Windows Media Player is unable to play your files. Below are some common ones you can refer to:

1️⃣The file format is not supported

WMP supports common formats like MP4, AVI, WMV, and others. If your file is in other formats that are not supported, you may need to convert the file to a compatible format using a separate video conversion software.

2️⃣Lack of Codecs

Sometimes, Windows Media Player may not have the necessary codecs to play certain file formats. You can try installing codec packs, such as K-Lite Codec Pack or Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP), which provide additional codecs for WMP to support various file formats.

3️⃣The Version of WMP is Low

Ensure that you have the latest version of Windows Media Player installed on your system. You can check for updates by opening WMP, clicking on the Help menu, and selecting "Check for Updates."

4️⃣Your File is Corrupted

If the file is corrupted, Windows Media Player may not be able to play it. Try playing the file on a different media player or download a fresh copy of the file.

As you can see, you can check and fix the problem according to the solutions above. If none of the solutions work, you'd better try an alternative that supports for a wide range of file formats. In view of my experience, I recommend EaseUS RecExperts.

This software supports many common media formats, and allows you to open and play your files at your desired speed. Besides, it is also an excellent screen recorder that allows you to capture anything on your desktop! Just have a try!

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