Fix: “Windows Media Player Cannot Play the File” Error in Windows

The error “Windows Media Player cannot play the file” usually points to a problem with the media playback components in Windows. This issue often occurs when system files related to Windows Media Player are corrupted, misconfigured, or missing, preventing the player from running the video properly.

This can happen after Windows updates, registry conflicts, or interference from third-party software. Below are the most effective solutions to fix this error and restore playback functionality.

1. Disable and Re-enable Media Features

Media Features are built-in Windows components that manage audio, video, and recording functions. Disabling and then re-enabling them refreshes these components, removing potential corruption or incorrect configurations that might be causing the error.

1. Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
2. In the list, find and expand Media Features.
3. Uncheck the box for Windows Media Player.
4. Click OK to apply changes.
5. Restart your computer.
6. After restarting, repeat steps 1 to 3 to reopen Windows Features.
7. Re-check the box for Windows Media Player to enable it again.
8. Click OK and restart your computer once more.

2. Reset Windows Media Player

Resetting Windows Media Player restores it to its default configuration and clears corrupted data, including the media library database. This process forces Windows to rebuild the player’s core components, which often resolves playback errors.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. In the search bar, type Media Player.
4. Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Reset.

3. Check File Format Support or Install Codec Packs

Sometimes, this error appears simply because the media file format is unsupported by Windows Media Player. Before troubleshooting further, verify whether the file type (e.g., MKV, FLAC) is compatible.

If not, you can install a reliable codec pack like the K-Lite Codec Pack, which adds support for additional file formats. After installation, restart your PC and try playing the file again.

For more information on supported formats, refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

4. Use VLC Media Player as an Alternative

If the issue persists, using a third-party media player like VLC is a practical workaround. Unlike Windows Media Player, VLC uses its own built-in codecs, allowing it to play a wide range of file formats without relying on Windows Media components. This makes it an excellent choice for bypassing issues caused by missing codecs, corrupted settings, or unsupported formats in Windows Media Player.

1. Open your web browser and visit the official VLC website.
2. Click Download VLC to get the latest version for your operating system.
3. Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install VLC Media Player.
4. After installation, launch VLC.
5. Click Media in the top menu and select Open File.
6. Browse to the file that wouldn’t play in Windows Media Player and click Open.
7. Your file should now play without errors in VLC.