Fixing MP4 Playback Issue in Windows Media Player: A Complete Guide

Windows Media Player not playing MP4 files can be irritating and problematic. This is a common problem that can occur for several reasons, from missing codecs to outdated software to corrupted media files. Luckily, this article was created to solve this error better. The purpose of this guide is to help you systematically troubleshoot the cause and to resolve the problem. We will discuss potential problems that may be causing the issue and step-by-step troubleshooting instructions to help you get your MP4 files playing again on Windows Media Player. As you can see, we intend to help you troubleshoot the problem and then play your MP4 media without further inconvenience or difficulty.

Reasons MP4 Won't Play on Windows Media Player

Various factors may cause MP4 files to play in Windows Media Player (WMP).

Missing Codecs: Codecs, the process of coding and decoding, is pivotal for successfully encoding and decoding audio and video data. Suppose the codec necessary for MP4 is missing. In that case, Windows Media Player (WMP) has no encoding/decoding instructions and cannot play the file correctly.

Corrupted MP4 Files: Similarly, corrupted MP4 files can cause playback in WMP to fail, as corrupted files are, by definition, unable to load entirely and cannot be played by WMP. If the MP4 file is damaged, WMP may directly play C or fail to playback altogether.

Outdated Software: Outdated software, such as an older build/version of Windows Media Player, may hinder WMP in successfully handling various MP4 files due to the features missing in older builds. Various features in older WMP builds may restrict WMP's ability to decode files with newer codecs and/or MP4 formats unsupported by the older software.

File Associations: The last potential issue could arise from incorrect file associations or a not debuff default setting for MP4 type of files preventing WMP from recognizing the file format and playing the file correctly because of changes in default associations or software applications acknowledging formats.

Five Solutions to Fix MP4 Playback Issue in WMP

1. Install Required Codes

As we mentioned a while ago, one factor that contributes to why MP4 won't play on Windows is the missing MP4 codecs. The function of codecs is to compress and decompress the media container, which allows video enthusiasts to create and play video files. All media players contain relevant codecs to play certain types of files. There are different ways to update the codecs on your Windows Media Player. Luckily, the app contains an inbuilt method to acquire daily updates of the newest MP4 codecs. Find out the solution below and how you can do it.

• The initial guide to update your codecs on WMP and remove errors like MP4 won't play on Windows Media Player is to access the app's interface. Go to your Window Start button and search for the media player. Afterward, access its main interface.
• Next, once you have accessed the main facade of the media player, go to the Tools options. This button is located at the uppermost part of the media player. Then, click on it to access the dropdown menu for the Tools sections.
• Lastly, hit the Options button, and you will see a new dialogue box that contains certain WMP options. Click on the Player and access the Automatic updates. After that, select any of the Check for Updates options and install new codecs once a notification appears on your screen.

2. Convert MP4 Using AceThinker VidElement

If you are using Windows Media Player Legacy, which no longer receives any updates from Windows, then new MP4 codecs might not be suited to stream for your media player. We recommend that you convert your MP4 or YouTube to Windows Media Player files to a much more diverse file container that has suitable codecs for your Windows Media Player. AceThinker VidElement is a recommended file-converting tool that enables users to transform and convert media files into multiple formats with diverse numbers of codecs. With this tool, you can convert MP4 files with the same format with different codecs, such as h.264, HEVC, and more. The main selling point of this tool, which is most beloved by users, is its ability to enhance the video quality while it converts the codecs of your video file. Follow the steps provided beneath this description to learn the proper way to resolve the MP4 file won't play on Windows Media Player.

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Step 1 Install AceThinker VidElement

The beginning phase on resolving the MP4 issue on your WMP is to get AceThinker VideElement on your device. You can acquire its file installer on your Windows and Mac devices by clicking the link provided above. Then, run the wizards and installation prompts of the app to get access on its interface.

Step 2 Import the MP4 File

Next, go to the AceThinker VidElement interface and access its features. To import a video or MP4 file, click on the Add Files options located at the left side part of the tool. Browse on your PC folder and select the video you wanted to import.

Step 3 Convert MP4 Video

Lastly, once the MP4 is already uploaded on the app, click on the file output format which is at the right most part of the file. Here there will be a tab that provides all the available codecs and video quality for your MP4 file. Choose that suits your WMP and hit Convert All to finish the process.

3. Troubleshoot on Windows 11

The Troubleshooter in Windows 10 is a built-in tool developed to support users to diagnose and resolve common problems with their computers. It can automatically find and fix issues related to hardware and devices, internet connectivity, Windows updates, audio playback, printer problems, and more. The Troubleshooter works by running a series of diagnostic tests and then offering potential solutions based on the results. It's a user-friendly tool that empowers you to fix and resolve typical issues without needing to be an expert in computer troubleshooting. Therefore, it is a potential solution to fix MP4 will not play on Windows Media Player.

• Begin accessing the Troubleshooter option on your Windows device by accessing the Start option. Click on the Start Menu to access all the Menus and functions on your Windows device. Then, check on the System option to access the System settings of your PC.
• Afterward, scroll down and access the Troubleshoot option. Click on it to get access to its functionalities. Hit the Other Troubleshooting button to access more features and apps to troubleshoot with.
• Finally, scroll down on the page and look for the Windows Media Player. Hit on the Run icon to diagnose and troubleshoot the media player. Complete the entire process and wait for it to finish.

4. Try Another Media Player

When it comes to the issue that MP4 won't play on Windows, using another media player is much better suited than troubleshooting the error. VLC is another option and viable solution to serve as an alternative media player for WMP. Why? It holds multiple compatible codecs for different video formats. It has old and new codecs for MP4, which enables any MP4 file to play and be previewed on this media player. In addition, https://www.acethinker.com/edit-video/vlc-merge-videos.html VLC merge videos is a completely free and reliable alternative for Windows, Mac, and any other device. What is more, this application can provide troubleshooting as well on the corrupted MP4 files that you have on your computer.

5. Turn Off DirectX Video

Disabling DirectX Video Acceleration can be a potential solution to address video playback issues in Windows Media Player. If you are encountering problems such as stuttering, freezing, or other playback issues, turning off this feature may help enhance the overall performance of the media player. By disabling DirectX Video Acceleration, you can potentially alleviate the playback issues and enjoy smoother video playback.

• First, access your Windows Media Player on your device. Locate its interface and access the features within the media player. Then, click on the Organize option to access the dropdown menus.
• Second, go to the last function on the dropdown menu and click on the Option button. You will be directed to the new dialogue box. After that, click on the Performance tab.
• Lastly, locate the Turn on DirectX Video Acceleration for WMV files. Untick the option and click apply. Afterward, click the OK button and play the MP4 file again in your WMP.

Additional Tips for Successful Playback

Here are some of the helpful tips that you can also consider when troubleshooting Windows Media Player will not play MP4.

Software updates: Updating software regularly is important to boost security and performance, as it allows you to use the newest features and security patches to protect you from vulnerabilities and threats.
Check file integrity: Checking file integrity is the process of checking a file has not been altered or corrupted. This provides assurance that data is accurate, complete, and secure. This is particularly important for the files that contain critical or sensitive information.
Media repair tools: Media repair tools are software applications that can repair and correct corrupted or damaged media files so that the media files can be used without interference. Media repair tools are important tools that maintain the integrity and usability of media files.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this post has offered troubleshooting methods to play MP4 on Windows Media Player (WMP). You now understand the reasons behind the failure to play MP4 on Windows Media Player; namely, missing codecs, corrupt files, up to date software, and bad file associations. The troubleshooting options for WMP were: install needed codecs via WMP's interface, use AceThinker VidElement to convert the MP4 file, update WMP, other media players, and repair MP4 files. We encourage you to try each troubleshooting option until you have solved the issue on your MP4.