You might have had the frustrating experience of your videos not playing on Windows 11. This is shocking because Windows 11 is the upgrade every Windows user looks forward to having.
There are several reasons that can affect playback errors on your Windows. It could range from a broken video file to corrupt videos or drivers.
In this article, you will be taken on a journey on how to fix the videos not playing errors on your Windows 11.
Check out our article on 6+ Solutions to Fix Mouse Lag on Windows 11.
Best Solutions for Videos not Playing on Windows 11
1. Change Media Player
If a video is not playing on a particular media player, you should try using another media player. Changing media players will ascertain that the problem is consistent on all video players available on your PC. If the problem is a video support error, using a different media player will only help you verify it.
The VLC media player is highly recommended because it supports many video formats, and its free app is available on Microsoft Store.
Here is how you change to a different media player:
Step 1: Place your cursor on the video file of your choice and right-click.
Step 2: Locate the ‘Open with‘ option.
Step 3: Select the video player you would like to change to from the list provided.
If after this you still have videos not playing on Windows 11, go to the next solution.
2. Troubleshoot Video Playback
If the problem is consistent on all media players, you can use the Windows troubleshooter to help resolve the issue.
The troubleshooter will let Windows search for and resolve video playback issues.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app by right-clicking the Windows Start button and selecting System.
Step 2: On the left pane, select the Troubleshoot option.
Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Other Troubleshooters’ option, and click on it.
Step 4: Click on the ‘Video Playback Troubleshooter’ to run.
Step 5: Select the Video playback issue you would like to resolve.
If after this you still have videos not playing on Windows 11, go to the next solution.
3. Windows Video Processing Should be Disabled
There is a video enhancing format installed in Windows 11 to better the experience you have with video playback. This enhancement usually requires that your PC hardware components are compatible, if not, you will have the worst experience playing videos.
It is better to avoid using it so you can fully enjoy playing videos on your Windows without hitch. Here’s how:
Step 1: Righ-click the start menu, navigate, and click on the Settings icon.
Step 2: Click on the Apps tab.
Step 3: Locate Video playback settings.
Step 4: Toggle the switch beside Automatically process video to enhance it.
If after this you still have videos not playing on Windows 11, go to the next solution.
4. The Display Drivers Needs Update
The display drivers show the videos on your PC in the best possible format. So, if there is a problem with the display drivers, screen flickering is bound to happen and your Windows 11 videos may not play.
Here is how you can optimize the function of the display drivers:
Step 1: Locate and select Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X.
Step 2: Click on the Display Adapter and expand it.
Step 3: You will find Graphics Driver, right-click on it and select Update driver.
Step 4: In the next Window, click on Search automatically for drivers.
You can then restart your device so that the changes made can take effect.
5. A Little Tweak to the Audio Playback Setting
Consider lowering the bitrate on your Windows to see if there will be any improvement in the videos.
Step 1: Right-click on the start menu and select the System option.
Step 2: Then locate the Sound settings options.
Step 3: Click on the option for more sound settings.
Step 4: Select your audio device from the list and click on the Properties option.
Step 5: Click on the Advanced tab, and under the Default format menu, select a different sample and bit rate.
Step 6: Click on the Apply button followed by OK
6. Enable Software Rendering
Sometimes, the video playback issue could be limited to streaming alone. If this is the case, you should enable software rendering that is available on Windows.
Follow the steps below to do so.
Step 1: Search for Control Panel on the Search icon on the Taskbar
Step 2: You could change the view type if you want to.
Step3: Then select and open Internet Options.
Step 4: Click to switch to the Advanced tab.
Step 5: Locate Accelerated graphics and check the box that says ‘Use software rendering instead of GPU rendering Accelerated graphics’.
Step 7: Click the Apply button for changes to be saved.
7. Windows Update
Every Windows update comes with new and improved features that fix most bug issues. Hence, you should ensure your Windows is up to date. This should resolve your videos not playing on Windows problem.
To check for Windows updates on your PC, follow the steps.
Step 1: Go to Settings on your PC or press Windows + I to open. Locate the Windows Update tab
Step 2: Click to check if there is an update available
Why are videos not playing on my Windows 11 computer?
From what we have gathered from users who faced this problem, we see that it may be linked to any of the following:
- Outdated video player – This is often a primary reason. Your video player may simply need an update.
- System resources – Problems like insufficient RAM or CPU power may trigger several issues, including videos not playing on Windows 11.
- Corrupted or outdated graphics driver -This will be the primary cause for most users. Drivers control how software interacts with hardware and could trigger video issues if bad or outdated.
- Missing or outdated codecs – Codecs are essential components of video players. They may be outdated or missing on your device.
- Damaged or corrupted video file – In line with the codec issue, you may also have bad video files, which simply will not play.
Final Thought
Having a Video error issue can change the mood of your whole day especially if you have planned around it. Having a video media player like the VLC app should help you in times of need. If not, you can always use the solutions in this article resolve video playback issues.
Lastly, we will love to hear from you in the comments. Tell me which of these fixes was most useful to you.
