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

by Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies... read more
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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.

3. Install K-Lite Codec Pack

  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 professional media player software

CyberLink’s PowerDVD is an innovative Windows Media Player alternative, with HDR10 support, a wide range of functions, and codecs.

The program supports numerous video formats and codecs, such as MP4, AVCHD, AVI, MKV, 360, and more. Using the TrueTheatre HD option, users can improve the quality of any video, upscaling it to a higher resolution, artifact-free version. You can easily turn a 480p video into a 1080p, change the FPS, reduce the amount of video noise, or employ motion compensation technology.

CyberLink enables you to use 3D video playback and convert 2D movies into a 3D format with ease. To use this service:

  1. Download CyberLink PowerDVD
  2. During playback, click the 3D button on your playback toolbar
  3. Follow the instructions presented on the 3D configuration window that will pop up.

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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