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How to fix the Your input can’t be opened VLC error
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Your input can’t be openederror is one that occurs for some VLC users when they try to play a video stream or YouTube video.
When they enter a URL for the YouTube video, an error message pops up stating:Your input can’t be opened. VLC is unable to open the MRL.
Consequently, users can’t play videos that aren’t saved on their HDDs. If that same error message pops up for you in VLC, check out some of the potential fixes for it below.
What can I do if VLC is unable to open the MRL streaming?
1. Save the Youtube.lau file in VLC’s Playlist folder
2. Turn off the Windows Firewall
TheInput can’t be openederror messages can often be due to firewalls blocking the VLC media player.
Thus, temporarily turning off the Windows Defender Firewall for VLC might fix the issue. You can turn off the Windows Defender Firewall as described above.
3. Turn off your third-party antivirus software
Third-party antivirus software can also include firewalls. As such, you might also need to turn off a third-party antivirus utility before you open VLC.
You can usually do that by right-clicking an antivirus utility’s system tray icon and selecting a disable option on the context menu.
Alternatively, open the antivirus software’s primary window to check if VLC is among the blocked applications on the firewall’s application list.
Adjust the software’s settings so that it allows VLC for all networks.
4. Check for VLC updates
Updating VLC might fix theYour input can’t be openederror if you’re currently utilizing an antiquated version of the media player.
To check for updates, clickHelp>Check for updates in VLC. The VLC media player updates window will tell you if there’s an available update.
If so, clickYes>Installto update the software.
5. Try a VLC alternative
If you keep getting the same error message that statesYour input can’t be opened, you’ll need to think of a VLC alternative.
Cyberlink PowerDVD is an all-in-one multimedia app that can be easily used to play and pin your Youtube videos. Yes, you read it right. You wouldn’t have to worry about similar errors ever again.
Aside from that, it also allows you to enjoy Seamless Playback and return to watching your videos from the exact point where you left off and TrueTheater features, for the best video and audio quality.
⇒Get Cyberlink PowerDVD
Those are some of the resolutions that might fix the error that prevents you from playing videos with the network stream in VLC.
Now, you know what to do when getting theYour input can’t be opened. VLC is unable to open the MRLmessage.
The above steps should be useful. Don’t hesitate to share your experience with us by using the comments section below.
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.
