Why can’t I play AVI files on my computer?
For the following reasons, the inability to play AVI files on Windows is a common problem.
AVI files mostly use MPEG, DIVX, and XVID codecs; the Windows media player does not widely support these codecs.
Compatibility issues between video codecs and software cause the error unable to play AVI files on Windows.
Are AVI files still in use?
Despite the issues in AVI files, It is still widely used in the market because of its compression capabilities which are ideal for short films, advertising, and promotions.
Despite the common issue of Windows being unable to play AVI files, the format is still widely used for a few reasons.
Causes for Windows not playing AVI files
Here are the reasons why Windows can’t play AVI files:
| Missing Codec | Suppose the codec required to play AVI files is missing on the media player. You will encounter the error. |
| Corrupt/Damaged File | If your AVI files are damaged, then you will not be able to play on Windows. |
| Outdated Media Players | If the media player you use is outdated, it will not allow AVI files to play correctly. |
| DRM issues | Sometimes AVI files are restricted by DRM, stopping AVI files from playing correctly. |
What are the Major Symptoms of AVI Video Not Playing on Windows?
Audio and Video Sync Issues:
The corrupted videos might have audio and video out of sync, resulting in mismatches between video and audio.
Distorted Video:
If an AVI video is damaged, it will display errors like pixelation, grainy videos, color distortion, etc.
Video Freezing:
Your media player or any video editing software could crash, freeze or display error messages if your video file is severely corrupted.
Missing Footage or Frames:
There might be some instances in which specific frames or footage of a video file go missing, which result in choppy or incomplete playback.
Playback Issues:
You might be unable to play corrupted videos or only be able to play them for some time before they crash or freeze.
Issues in File Size:
A corrupted video can be unusually small or large compared to similar video files with the same quality and length.
How to Fix AVI files not playing on Windows?
We have discussed various solutions to fix the error of AVI files not playing on Windows.
Method 1: Update the Media Player
As discussed above outdated media player causes the error and cannot play AVi files on Windows. Try updating the media player to play AVI files properly.
- Open the Windows Media Player.
- Click on Help and Check for updates.
- Now, the Windows media player will check for updates. If you find any updates click on install updates.
- After the completion of installation, Restart your computer.
Method 2: Update Windows drivers
Another method to solve the problem of Windows cannot play AVI files is to update the Windows drivers.
Follow the steps to update the Windows drivers:
- Open Device manager.
- Choose the device you want to update and select Update driver.
- Select the option to search automatically.
- Once the installation is done, Restart your computer.
Method 3: Try playing in another media player
VLC media players support all video formats, so try to play AVI files on a Windows media player.
- Right-click on the video and click on the Open With option.
- Select the option Open with VLC media player.
Method 4: Convert the AVI format to a different format:
Here are the steps to convert AVI to another format using VLC:
- Open VLC media player.
- Click on Media and select Convert/Save.
- Click on ADD and select the AVI file.
- Now, click on convert/save.
- Below the profile, choose the format you want to convert.
- Click on start.
Method 5: Installing Codec Pack to Play AVI Files on Windows
Corrupt video or incomplete audio and video formats issues can be resolved using Video codec packs.
Alternatively, download the codecs from the Microsoft store or let the Windows Media player download them automatically.
Method 6: Repair using VLC
Use the VLC Media Player to repair your corrupt AVI file :
- Launch the VLC, Click on Tools, and choose Preference.
- Go to Input & Codecs in the Damaged or incomplete AVI file and choose Always Fix
- Save the changes and try playing the AVI video file.
Method 7: Fix Windows Noting Play AVI Files using Yodot Video Repair
Using the Yodot Video Repair tool, one can quickly repair the corrupt AVI file not playing on Windows speedily and hassle-free. This tool is built with powerful technology to repair not only AVI files but also MOV, XVID, DIVX, and MP4 files. Yodot Video repair tool also helps you to evaluate the results by previewing the repaired AVI files before restoring them. Download and try this tool for free.
Steps to Repair AVI File Not Playing on Windows:
- Download and install the Yodot AVI Repair tool.
- Once you launch the application, click the Browse button to select the corrupted AVI file and hit the Repair button.
- Now the software starts repairing the selected corrupt AVI file.
- Once the repair process is complete, you will get an option to Preview it.
- Finally, you can Save the repaired AVI file not playing on the Windows system in the desired location.
Conclusion:
We hope by the end of this article you were able to play the AVI files on a Windows PC without any hiccups. You can try any solutions listed in this article, and to avoid such issues in the future, keep the media players and Windows updated to have an uninterrupted video experience.
