Windows Media Player is an easy-to-use multimedia file player that’s included in every Windows system. Users are used to playing videos and audios through Windows Media Player. However, problems may occur while you try to play multimedia files. Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file is one of the popular errors. How to fix the problem yourself? Show
On This Page : Windows Media Player (WMP) has been the default media player in all Windows platforms for a long time until Microsoft uses the new Groove Music and Movies & TV apps to replace it in Windows 10. Though these apps are great, many people are still more comfortable using Windows Media Player. Luckily, the Windows Media Player is still included in Windows 10 and you can go to manually set it as the default app for your digital media (MiniTool offers many tricks and tips on how to manage Windows well and how to fix system problems, e.g. how to set default programs in Windows 10). If you want to know more about how to install a custom version of Windows Media Player on Win10 or how to troubleshoot Windows Media Center issues, please read this page. Now, let’s focus on the topic of this article: Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file. I posted this in the audio section, but I got no responses, I really need to fix it, Sorry if any mods get super pissed but I’ve run out of ideas. In addition to the Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file error message, you can only see two buttons in the pop-up Windows Media Player prompt window: Close and Web Help (none of them can help you solve the problem directly). This is an error message you may see when trying to play a multimedia file by using WMP. Many users have this problem in Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. The Windows Media Player cannot play the file error will prevent you from playing videos and audios in WMP successfully. What’s the cause for this error? Can you fix Windows Media Player to play media files? Please find your answers in the following content. Cause 1: Unsupported File Formats and Video CodecsWhen you’re trying to play AVI, WAV, MOV, etc. by using Windows Media Player, you will be disappointed. The WMP tool doesn’t support these file formats unless you install the corresponding codec files manually or convert the files to another format that’s supported by WMP.
You may receive the following error messages when the codecs are not supported or missing. Error message 1: Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The Player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file. Error message 2: A codec is required to play this file. To determine if this codec is available to download from the Web, click Web Help. Cause 2: Video CorruptionIf the multimedia file you try to play in Windows Media Player is damaged or broken itself, you’ll receive the Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file error. In this case, you need to repair or recover the corrupt files and they try to play them again. Cause 3: Windows Media Player ProblemIf there’s a problem with your Windows Media Player on the computer, you’d better go to troubleshoot it by reinstalling/updating the WMP tool. Other Popular Causes
Fix 1: Convert the Media FileIf only videos in one or several specific formats can’t be played by WMP, you should try to convert the files to another format and then play it again. You can find a lot of free tools and online services on the internet that can help you convert a video/audio file. Using a Convert ToolMiniTool Video Converter is a good choice since it’s professional and add-free. How to convert a video (take MOV as an example)? Step 1: download and install a free converter tool properly. MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe Step 2: double click on the setup file to initialize an installation wizard. Step 3: click on the Install Now button in the middle. Step 4: wait for the installation process to complete and click Start Now at the end. Step 5: make sure the Video Convert is selected at the top (the Converting tab is selected by default). Step 6: click on the Add Files button in the upper left section or the big dotted box in the middle (the drag & drop feature is not available when you’re using the software for the first time). Step 7: browse your computer/network storage to select the video file you want to convert. Step 8: click on the Open button in the Import Media window to load it. Step 9: click on the Edit button in the dotted box under Target to select the target file format. Step 10: click on the Convert button on the far right and wait. Step 11: shift to the Converted tab when you see the Success notification under Convert. Step 12: click on the Show in folder button to check the converted file. Note: MiniTool Video Converter allows you to convert multiple files simultaneously: you should repeat step 6 ~ 8 to add all the files you want to convert and then click on the Convert All button in the lower right corner to start converting them. You can convert your MP4 files to another format and then play it in Windows Media Player. Also, converting MP3 to Windows Media audio is an easy task. Click to Tweet Using Online ConverterIn addition to downloading the video converter tool, you can also experience the online converting service.
Fix 2: Add Codec to Windows Media PlayerMany people said they have solved the Windows Media Player error by installing some Windows Media Player codec packs: DivX, XviD, Media Player Codec Pack, etc. (Do you need a free DivX converter?)
Fix 3: Repair Corrupted VideosThere are generally 3 ways to help you repair a corrupt media file. 1st Way: Perform a System RestoreYou can fix almost all problems (except for hardware failure) by restoring the system to a previous point under the promise of enabling the System Restore feature in advance.
This post tells all about how to enable System Restore and how to create a restore point. 2nd Way: Use Data Recovery Tool
How to recover data from a drive that has a corrupted/damaged/RAW file system? 3rd Way: Repair with VLC Media PlayerThe popular VLC media player can also help you repair corrupt videos.
Fix 4: Troubleshoot Windows Media PlayerThere are several useful ways to fix Windows Media Player. 1st Way: Run Windows Media Player Settings Troubleshooter
2nd Way: Disable Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
3rd Way: Disable and Re-enable Windows Media PlayerReinstall Windows Media Player through Apps & Features:
Disable Windows Media Player from Control Panel:
4th Way: Update Windows Media Player
Fix 5: Disable & Re-enable Drivers
If all these solutions failed, you should also try the following fixes to troubleshoot Windows Media Player not working:
Click to Tweet Final WordsIf your Windows Media Player stopped working suddenly and a prompt window shows up to inform you that Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file or Windows Media Player cannot play the file, you should take measures at once to try to solve the problem. Please don’t worry if you don’t know what to do. This post summarizes the common causes for Windows Media Player not working and provides many useful methods to help you fix the error yourself. |