How do I get video to play in power point?

Bob Potter 0 Reputation points
2025-11-21T22:09:24.12+00:00

Embedded video in power point will not play. Receiving 'can not play media' error message.

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For home | Windows
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  1. Bob Potter 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-21T22:11:43.9+00:00

    I do not write code. Is there an easier fix?

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  2. Jeronimo Fuerte 45,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-21T22:54:12.0533333+00:00

    Hi! This error usually means PowerPoint either doesn’t like the video format/link or has lost access to the original file, on Windows, MP4 and WMV are the safest choices. Other formats like some AVIs, older MOVs, or SWF often trigger “Cannot play media.”

    On your PC, right-click the video file (the original, outside PowerPoint), Properties, check the Type of file and Size. If it isn’t MP4/WMV or it’s very large (hundreds of MB or more), convert it with a converter and try again.

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  3. John Korchok 235.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-11-21T23:38:00.5566667+00:00

    Here is Microsoft's page showing the supported formats: Video and audio file formats supported in PowerPoint.

    WMV is not a good choice if a presentation will be used on the Mac platform. The best format for compatibility is .mp4 encoded with H.264 video and AAC audio.

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  4. John Korchok 235.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-20T16:09:09.5666667+00:00

    If your video was shot on an iPhone, it uses the H.265 codec by default. You can buy the H265 codec here: HEVC Video Extensions

    You can set your iPhone to use the H.264 codec instead of the default. Then videos will automatically be compatible with PowerPoint. Choose Settings>Camera>Formats and choose Most Compatible.

    For other codecs, you'll probably have an easier time if you use an online convertor like zamzar.com to convert to MP4 format with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec.

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