not open media player

kavindu danjaya 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T12:54:27.6033333+00:00

when i open a film the media player says cannot open please visit www.support/microsoft.com. what i do now

Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video
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  1. DaveM121 932.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-04T13:30:51.2033333+00:00

    1

    There are usually two versions of the Media player installed in Windows, the old Legacy Windows Media Player and the new Player app, have you tried playing the video file in both of those apps, and if so, do you see the same error?

    Is this problem only occurring with one video file or all video files?

    2

    If the problem is only occurring with one video file, that may be encoded in a format the media player cannot play, right click that file, and select Properties, please provide a screenshot of the resulting properties dialog box.

    3

    If this problem is occurring with all video files, open the Settings App.

    Go to Apps - Installed Apps.

    Scroll down to find the new Media Player app and select it, then click 'Advanced Options.

    Perform the Repair option and the Reset option on that app.

    Then try playing a video file to test if the app is then working correctly.

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  2. ApexNáV 275 Reputation points
    2026-09-04T13:05:46.84+00:00

    I recommend using VLC media player instead of Windows Media Player for videos. VLC includes most codecs by default and handles MP4/MKV/HEVC files better. You can download it from its official website and install it.

    After installation, Right‑click a video → Open with → VLC media player → check Always use this app for that file type. Now, whenever you open in same type file, it will open via vlc.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-04T12:54:43.15+00:00

    This usually means the file needs a codec that is not installed.

    Try this in Windows Media Player:

    1. Open Windows Media Player.
    2. Select Tools > Options.
    3. Open the Player tab.
    4. Turn on Download codecs automatically.
    5. Select OK.
    6. Try to play the film again.

    If prompted to install a codec, select Install.

    If it still does not open:

    1. In Now Playing, right-click the file and select Properties.
    2. Open the File tab and note the Audio codec and Video codec.
    3. Go to Help > About Windows Media Player.
      • If Help is not visible, select Organize > Layout > Show menu bar.
    4. Select Technical Support Information and check whether that codec is listed.

    Useful checks:

    • Some file types need codecs that Windows Media Player does not include, such as Blu-ray Disc files, FLAC files, or FLV files.
    • If a codec was installed but playback still fails on a 64-bit version of Windows, the installed codec may be 32-bit and not usable by the player.
    • On a work-managed PC, Group Policy or an administrator may block codec installation.

    As an alternative, try the Microsoft Movies & TV app from Microsoft Store.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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