error code 0x80070002 cant play video this error code comes up

Tommy Furlong 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T10:47:16.8966667+00:00

i try play video error code 0x80070002 comes up, widows media player

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-16T10:47:36.3233333+00:00

    Error 0x80070002 when playing a video in Windows Media Player is commonly caused by a missing or unsupported codec.

    Try this first in Windows Media Player 11:

    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 video again.
    7. If prompted to install a codec, select Install.

    If it still does not play:

    1. In the Now Playing area, right-click the video and select Properties.
    2. Open the File tab.
    3. Check the Audio codec and Video codec fields.
    4. Then go to Help > About Windows Media Player.
    5. Select Technical Support Information.
    6. Check whether the codec listed for the file appears in the installed codec list.

    If the codec is not installed, use Web Help from the playback error message to look for the codec. If that does not find it, the codec might need to be obtained from a third-party vendor.

    If this is a work-managed PC, codec installation might be blocked by an administrator.

    Also check whether Windows is 64-bit. A 32-bit codec might not work for files that require a 64-bit codec.

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

    References:

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

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  2. ApexNáV 170 Reputation points
    2026-09-16T12:15:48.9633333+00:00

    It means that the system can’t find a required file or codec for that video, or the Media Player database is corrupted.

    A better and faster solution is to use another video player such as VLC. VLC Media Player includes its own built‑in codecs for MP4, AVI, MKV, etc., so it doesn’t rely on Windows’ codec system the way Windows Media Player does. which you can download directly from the Microsoft Store. Set VLC as the default app for videos and movies, then play your files normally.

    For Setting VLC as default (Windows 10/11):

    • Install VLC from the Microsoft Store.
    • Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
    • Under Video, choose VLC media player (or set by file type: .mp4, .avi, etc.).
    • Open your videos; they should now launch in VLC automatically.

    Alternatively Right‑click the video file, choose Open with > Choose another app, select VLC media player, check “Always use this app to open .mp4 (or .avi) files”, then click OK. After that, double‑clicking videos of that type will open and play in VLC automatically.,

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