How to Fix ‘MOV Files that Won’t Play’?

A MOV file in Windows is a type of video file developed by Apple Inc. It’s called a “QuickTime Movie.” It stores video and audio data and is commonly used for high-quality media content. While it’s associated with Apple’s QuickTime player, you can also play MOV files on Windows using compatible media players.

They are popular for movies and digital videos due to their ability to hold video, audio, and other multimedia elements.

Common Causes for MOV Files Not Playing on Windows

Sometimes, MOV files might not play on Windows due to certain reasons. 

• Codec Incompatibility: MOV files often use specific video and audio codecs that may not be supported by default media players on Windows, leading to playback issues.

• Format by Apple: The MOV file format is developed by Apple and optimized for their ecosystem, requiring additional software or codecs on Windows for proper playback.

• Limited Software Support: Windows Media Player, the default media player on Windows, may lack built-in support for MOV files, causing them not to play without additional software or updates.

• License and Legal Issues: Some codecs required to play MOV files may not be included by default in Windows due to licensing and legal considerations.

Quick Fixes to Solve the “MOV File Won’t Play” Issue on Windows

• Install a codec pack that includes support for MOV files, allowing the media player to properly decode and play them.

• Consider using alternative media players like VLC media player, which have built-in support for a wide range of file formats, including MOV.

• If the above-mentioned method does not work, download and use the Yodot MOV Repair tool.

By addressing these common causes and following the suggested fixes, you can resolve the issue of MOV files not playing on Windows.

4 Methods to Fix MOV Video Files Not Playing Issue

• Video Repair Software
• VLC media player
• QuickTime Player
• Windows Media Player

Method 1: Fix MOV Files Won’t Play on Windows Using Video Repair Software

Yodot MOV Repair is an easy-to-use software that fixes damaged MOV video files. It helps you play your videos again if they aren’t working correctly. This tool is designed to handle common issues like corruption or file errors, making your MOV files playable once more. With just a few simple steps, you can repair and recover your valuable video content.

Steps to fix MOV File won’t play using the Yodot MOV Repair tool

Step 1: Download and install the Yodot MOV Repair tool

Step 2: Give the healthy MOV file as a reference and a corrupt MOV file to repair and hit Repair

Step 3: The tool starts the repairing process and shows the repaired file contents.

Step 4: Click on Preview to preview the repaired MOV file.

Finally, click on Save to save the file in the desired location of your choice.

Other Troubleshooting Methods to Fix MOV Files that Won’t Play

Method 2: Play MOV Files on Windows Using a VLC media player

VLC Media Player is more than just a media player; it has useful features. It’s available for Windows and Mac users and can repair some corrupted video files, but only for certain minor issues and bugs

Step 1: Open VLC Media Player and click on “Media.”

Step 2: Choose “Convert/Save” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Add the video by clicking “+Add” and select “Convert/Save” again.

Step 4: In “Settings,” pick the right codecs and choose AVI as the format.

Step 5: Click “Browse” to select a save location, then hit “Start.”

Step 6: Go to Preferences from the main menu, choose “Always fix,” and save the settings.

If the previous method doesn’t work, you can use QuickTime Player to fix the MOV file that won’t play. By following these easy steps, you can repair your corrupted MOV files and increase your chances of playing them successfully.

Method 3: How to Play MOV Files on Windows Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a multimedia software developed by Apple that supports various file formats, including MOV. Primarily known for its usage on macOS, it can also be used to play MOV files on Windows computers.

Step 1: Download QuickTime Player from the Apple website and install it on your computer.

Step 2: Open QuickTime Player after installation.

Step 3: Click on “File,” then “Open File…” and choose the MOV file you want to play.

Step 4: QuickTime Player will now play the MOV file, and you can watch the video with ease.

By following these simple steps, you can successfully fix a MOV file that won’t play, converting it to a playable format using QuickTime Player.

Method 4: Play MOV File on Windows Using Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a free program in Windows that can play videos and music. It works with different file types, like MOV. You don’t need to download anything extra to play MOV files on your Windows computer using Windows Media Player.

Step 1: Search and open “Windows Media Player” on your computer.

Step 2: Check the version by clicking “Help” on the top toolbar and selecting “About Windows Media Player” (If the version is below 12, go to the next solution).

Step 3: Find the MOV video you want to play in your folders.

Step 4: Right-click on the MOV video and choose “Open with” > “Windows Media Player” to play it.

Also Read: How to fix MOV Files playing only audio issue?

Conclusion:

Fixing corrupt .MOV files shouldn’t be difficult at all if you know about the solutions correctly. If you can’t play the MOV file, then follow the solutions that we have shared with you. If none of the solutions work, you should try Yodot MOV repair – Video Repair software. This is an easy-to-use tool and is highly recommended by many users. Just upload your files and the tool will take care of the rest. We hope you have understood some of the easy ways to fix corrupt MOV files.

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