Windows 10 Media Player is a popular media player that comes pre-installed on Windows 10 operating systems. While it supports a wide range of file formats, some users may encounter issues when trying to play MP4 files on Windows 10 Media Player. This blog post will provide you with several methods to successfully play MP4 files on Windows 10 Media Player, along with insights into why this issue occurs and recommendations to ensure smooth playback of MP4 files.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To successfully play MP4 files on Windows 10 Media Player, you will need the following:
1. A computer running Windows 10 operating system.
2. Windows Media Player installed on your computer.
3. MP4 files that you want to play.
What Requires Your Focus?
To resolve the issue of MP4 files not playing on Windows 10 Media Player, you need to focus on the following:
1. Updating Windows Media Player to the latest version.
2. Installing the necessary codecs to ensure compatibility with MP4 files.
3. Converting the MP4 files to a compatible format if other methods do not work.
Method 1: How to Play MP4 using Windows 10 Media Player
Windows 10 Media Player should be able to play MP4 files natively. However, if you encounter issues, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows 10 Media Player by clicking on the Start button and searching for "Windows Media Player."
2. Click on the "File" menu at the top left corner of the player.
3. Select "Open" and navigate to the location where the MP4 file is saved.
4. Double-click on the MP4 file to start playing it.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to play MP4 files.
2. Does not require any additional software installation.
Cons:
1. May require adjustments to import settings depending on the MP4 file.
2. Limited format support compared to dedicated media players.
Method 2: How to Play MP4 via VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular open-source media player that supports a wide range of file formats, including MP4. If Windows 10 Media Player fails to play your MP4 files, try using VLC Media Player:
1. Download VLC Media Player from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Launch VLC Media Player.
3. Click on the "Media" menu at the top left corner of the player.
4. Select "Open File" and navigate to the location where the MP4 file is saved.
5. Double-click on the MP4 file to start playing it.
Pros:
1. Supports a wide range of file formats, including MP4.
2. Easy to use and offers advanced playback options.
Cons:
1. Requires installation of an additional media player.
Method 3: How to Convert MP4 to a Compatible Format
If Windows 10 Media Player still fails to play your MP4 files after trying the previous methods, you can convert the MP4 files to a compatible format:
1. Download and install a video converter tool like HandBrake or Any Video Converter.
2. Launch the video converter tool.
3. Click on the "Add" or "Import" button to select the MP4 files you want to convert.
4. Choose a compatible output format, such as AVI or WMV.
5. Select the desired output folder for the converted files.
6. Click on the "Convert" or "Start" button to begin the conversion process.
7. Once the conversion is complete, open Windows 10 Media Player and play the converted files.
Pros:
1. Allows you to convert MP4 files to a compatible format for Windows 10 Media Player.
2. Provides flexibility in choosing the output format and quality.
Cons:
1. Requires installation of additional software.
2. May result in a decrease in video quality depending on the chosen output format and settings.
Method 4: How to Fix MP4 Playback Issues with Codec Installation
If you are facing playback issues with MP4 files on Windows 10 Media Player, installing the necessary codecs can help resolve the problem:
1. Download and install a codec pack, such as the K-Lite Codec Pack or the Combined Community Codec Pack.
2. Follow the installation instructions provided by the codec pack.
3. Once the installation is complete, open Windows 10 Media Player and play the MP4 file.
Pros:
1. Ensures compatibility with a wide range of video and audio codecs.
2. Resolves playback issues with MP4 files.
Cons:
1. Requires installation of additional software.
2. May need codec updates in the future due to evolving formats.
Why Can’t I Play MP4 on Windows 10 Media Player?
There can be several reasons why MP4 files may not play on Windows 10 Media Player. Some common reasons include:
1. Missing codecs: MP4 files may contain different audio and video codecs that are not supported by Windows 10 Media Player by default.
2. Outdated Media Player: Your version of Windows 10 Media Player may be outdated and lacking support for certain file formats.
3. Corrupted files: The MP4 files themselves may be corrupted or encoded in a way that is incompatible with Windows 10 Media Player.
To fix these issues, you can try updating Windows Media Player, installing the necessary codecs, converting the MP4 files to a compatible format, or using alternative media players like VLC Media Player.
Implications and Recommendations
To ensure smooth playback of MP4 files on Windows 10 Media Player, consider the following recommendations:
1. Keep Windows 10 Media Player updated to the latest version to benefit from bug fixes and improved compatibility.
2. Install a reliable codec pack to ensure compatibility with various audio and video codecs.
3. Consider using alternative media players like VLC Media Player, which provide broader format support and advanced features.
By following these recommendations, you can enhance your media playback experience on Windows 10 Media Player.
5 FAQs about Playing MP4 on Windows 10 Media Player
Q1: Why is Windows 10 Media Player not playing my MP4 files?
A: Windows 10 Media Player may not have the necessary codecs installed to play your MP4 files. Try updating Windows 10 Media Player or installing a codec pack.
Q2: Can I convert MP4 files to a compatible format for Windows 10 Media Player?
A: Yes, you can use video converter tools to convert MP4 files to a compatible format like AVI or WMV.
Q3: What is the best alternative media player for playing MP4 files on Windows 10?
A: VLC Media Player is a popular alternative media player that supports a wide range of file formats, including MP4.
Q4: Are there any disadvantages of converting MP4 files to a compatible format?
A: Converting MP4 files to a compatible format may result in a decrease in video quality depending on the chosen output format and settings.
Q5: Is it necessary to install a codec pack if I can use alternative media players?
A: Installing a codec pack can ensure compatibility with various audio and video codecs, even if you primarily use alternative media players.
Final Words
Playing MP4 files on Windows 10 Media Player may sometimes be challenging due to compatibility issues. However, by following the methods described in this blog post, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy smooth playback of MP4 files. Whether you update Windows Media Player, install codecs, convert the files, or use alternative media players, the choice depends on your specific requirements. Remember to keep your media player and codecs updated for optimal performance.