Fix: Unsupported Video Type or Invalid File Path Error in Windows

Windows natively supports only a limited number of file formats. For other types, you’ll often need to use third-party software. The “Unsupported Video Type or Invalid File Path” error generally shows up when trying to play videos either online or offline. This issue is usually caused by problems with the media plugin, unsupported codecs, or the browser itself.

It’s important to note that the “Unsupported Video Type or Invalid File Path” error can also occur if the video file you’re trying to access has been moved, renamed, or deleted. Before attempting other troubleshooting steps, make sure that the file path is correct and that the file still exists in the specified location. This simple check can sometimes resolve the issue without the need for additional interventions.

1) Run the In-Built Troubleshooter

Windows’ built-in troubleshooter is a great starting point for diagnosing this issue, especially for users who aren’t very technically proficient. If you’re using Windows 11, the “Get Help” app is another good option. It allows you to type in your issue and provides recommended troubleshooting steps.

The troubleshooter handles most of the diagnostic process automatically, so there’s not much manual input involved. It can also help with more complex problems by asking relevant questions and guiding you step-by-step toward a solution.

2) Check for Pending Updates

It is recommended that you frequently check for new Windows updates, as a bug or an issue may be causing the problem in the first place. Such issues are often quickly patched, either via a Windows or software update. If you’re having this issue with your browser, check to see if it is up to date.

Older versions of Windows had limited support for specific types of codecs and file formats, but this functionality has improved over time with regular updates.

3) Use a Third-Party Video Player

When Windows 10 was first released, its built-in media player had a heap of issues, primarily because it didn’t support many file types or codecs. Over time, Microsoft has added more codecs and file format support to improve compatibility. However, if you’re still having trouble playing a specific file, it might be time to try a different media player.

Some of the most popular third-party alternatives are:

• VLC Media Player
• MPC
• PotPlayer

4) Enable IIS

On the internet, some website servers may not have a Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME) type to play MP4 video files. A MIME essentially tells the browser the plugin to use to display or play a particular type of content.

To enable Internet Information Services (IIS) on Windows:

1. In the Windows Search bar, type “Turn Windows features on or off.”
2. Scroll down and enable the feature “Internet Information Services.”
3. Expand the feature folder, and enable “FTP Server.”
4. Click “OK” to confirm the changes.

5) Reset Your Browser

In most cases, this issue stems from using the default Microsoft Edge browser. To check if that’s the problem, try using a different browser. If the issue doesn’t persist in the new browser but you prefer to keep using Edge, you can try manually resetting it. This can help resolve bugs or glitches that might be causing the problem.

To reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-right corner.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
3. In the sidebar, click on Reset settings.
4. Choose Restore settings to their default values.
5. Confirm by selecting Reset.

6) Re-install Windows

If nothing else works, you might need to do a fresh installation of Windows on your computer. Many users on online forums have reported that a clean install often resolves the problem, but this should only be done as a last resort.

Before proceeding, make sure to back up all your important data. Before committing to a full reinstall, try resetting Windows first; it might resolve the issue without requiring a complete reinstall. Appuals has an in-depth guide on resetting Windows, either from within or outside the OS.