Required video codec is not installed Media Player error [EXPERT FIX]

Madalina Dinita
by Madalina Dinita
Former Managing Editor
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Windows Media Player cannot play the file because the required video codec is not installed
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Sometimes you might encounter Windows Media Player cannot play the file because the required video codec is not installed error on your PC.

This specific error is usually caused by the absence of codecs needed in order to play media files. In order to properly run media files in Windows Media Player, we came up with a few solutions from which you can use.

How to fix missing codecs error in Windows Media Player?

1. Check if Media Player is enabled

  1. Open Control Panel > choose View by Large Icons.
    large icons control panel windows media player cannot play the file because the required video codec is not installed
  2. Access Programs & Features.
    programs and features control panel windows media player cannot play the file
  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off.

  4. Make sure to have Windows Media Player box checked > press OK and see if it fixed the issue

windows media player disable windows features the required video codec is not installed

2. Enable the Download codecs automatically setting

  1. In the Tools menu > choose Options.
    tools options windows media player the required video codec is not installed
  2. Open the Player tab > make sure to have the Download codecs automatically box ticked > click OK.
  3. Try playing the media file, if asked if you want to install the codec, choose Install.

Can’t play videos on Windows 10? Check out this guide to see how to install all codecs that you’ll ever need!

3. Install K-Lite Codec Pack

install missing codecs windows media player cannot play the file because the required video codec is not installed

  1. Visit the K-Lite Codec Pack’s website and go to the Download section.
  2. You can choose between Basic, Standard, Full, Mega.
  3. Getting the standard version should provide enough support for most users, but if you want to some get extra software, you can go for the Full version.
  4. Restart your computer after the install is complete and then try playing the problematic media file.

4. Try using VLC Player

VLC player download windows media player cannot play the file

  1. If you don’t mind ditching Windows Media Player, we recommend that you give VLC Player a try.
  2. Download VLC Player and follow the simple installation steps.
  3. Once you install it, you’ll have all the necessary codecs built-in and all videos should play without any issues.

We hope that our guide on fixing the Windows Media Player error helped you fix the issue. If you found this article helpful, leave a comment in the comment section below.

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