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FIX: Windows Media Player won’t play AVI files

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Windows Media Player supports most of the mainstream video formats, but it doesn’t play all media files.

AVI is onefile formatthatWindows Media Playershould play without anyerrors, but someWMPusers still can’t play AVI videos with it. WhenWMPdoesn’t play AVI videos, it will return anerror messagestating,WindowsMedia Playercannot play the file.

This is how you can play AVI videos inWMPif it’s returning that playbackerror message.

What can I do if Windows 10 won’t play AVI files?

1. Install the K-Lite Codec Pack

K-Lite is one of the most comprehensivecodecpacks, and it will surely help if you can’t play AVI files on Windows 10.

2. Fix AVI Files With DivFix++

If you still cannot play AVI files in Windows 10 with the K-Litecodecpack, it might be the case that the AVI file is corrupted.

Try playing numerous AVI video files inWindows Media Player. If it’s the case that one is corrupted, you can fix it with the DivFix++ software. This is how you can fix AVI videos with DivFix++.

3. Convert the AVI File to another media format

Alternatively, you could also convert the AVI file to another supportedWMPformatsuch as WMV.

This isn’t exactly a fix, but it’s a workaround that will probably help you if AVI files are not playing.

You can convert AVIs to WMV by openingthis page, clicking theChoose filebutton to select AVI, and then pressingConvert file.

4. Open AVI files with Adobe Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro is an industry-leading video editor used by professionals from YouTube to Hollywood.

It is capable of handling any type of video format you thought at it with ease, and it gives you complete control over editing clips and creating your own quality content.

Take your work to the next level, by using the accompanying app, Premiere Rush, which allows you to continue your work uninterrupted on your mobile device.

Additionally, it perfectly integrates with the rest of the Creative Cloud apps to make life easier and your videos better. Moreover, you can tryAdobe Premiere Pro completely freefor 7 days.

With its array of powerful features, Adobe Premiere Pro is a great choice if AVI files are not playing on your PC.

Here are just some of the powerful features thatAdobe Premiere Proboasts:

⇒Get Adobe Premiere Pro

5. Open the AVI with VLC

You can also fix broken AVI files with theVLC media software. If it’s more of a compatibility issue, VLC will certainly play the AVI as it’s almost auniversal media player.

However, note that VLC only temporarily fixes the video, but it’s a decent workaround if you can’t play AVI files on Windows 10.

6. Restore Windows to a restore point

IfWindows Media Playerwas playing AVI videos without any issues a few months back, restoring Windows to an earlier restore can be helpful if you cannot play AVI files in Windows 10.

As long as you’ve had System Restore enabled, you can utilize that tool to revert Windows to a time when AVI files were playing inWMP.

Those are a few resolutions that will fix AVI videos that aren’t playing in Windows 10’sWindows Media Playerand other media software.

If you’re utilizing older versions ofWMPin Vista or XP, update thesoftwareand check that the AVIformatis selected onWMP‘s File Types tab. For further details on how to add an AVIcodectoWindows Media Player, check outthis post.

More about the topics:video software,windows 10 fix

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.