2 Ways to Easily Fix VLC Media Player Not Playing Video

Watching videos on your PC or desktop requires a media player that can seamlessly handle various file formats and provide a smooth playback experience. VLC has long been a popular choice for its versatility and wide compatibility. However, like any software, it may encounter issues from time to time. One common problem users face is not playing video files as expected.

So, if you’re in a situation where your videos refuse to play, don’t worry. There are simple solutions to get it back on track. In this guide, we'll explore two effective ways to troubleshoot and fix VLC Media Player not playing videos quickly and easily.

Part 1. Why is VLC Not Playing My Videos

There could be several reasons why VLC is not playing your videos. Here are some common causes:

Corrupted Video File.

A corrupted video file occurs when the data within the file is damaged or incomplete. This can happen during downloads, transfers, or if the file was not created properly. When VLC encounters a corrupted file, it may struggle to interpret the data correctly, leading to playback issues or complete failure.

Unsupported Video Codec.

VLC supports a wide range of codecs, but if a video file uses a codec that VLC doesn't recognize or support, it won't be able to play the file. This often happens with less common or proprietary codecs.

Outdated VLC Version.

VLC developers regularly release updates to improve software performance, fix bugs, and enhance codec support. If you're using an outdated version of VLC, it might lack compatibility with newer video formats or have unresolved bugs affecting playback.

Missing Codecs.

VLC relies on codecs to decode various audio and video formats. If a video file requires a codec that is not present in your VLC installation, it may result in an error or no playback at all.

Part 2. Quick Solution to Fix VLC Not Playing My Videos

Using video repair tools like FVC Video Repair is the best method to fix VLC Media Player not playing videos. This tool is specifically designed to address issues with unplayable videos caused by various factors such as equipment damage, system crashes, virus attacks, and more. Here's why FVC Video Repair stands out:

◆ FVC Video Repair utilizes the latest AI algorithm for the automatic restoration of corrupted videos, ensuring high resolution and fidelity.

◆ User-friendly interface.

◆ Has a preview feature.

◆ Secure and Ad-Free.

To use this, follow the steps below:

Step 1. First, click the free download and install the program on your device.

Step 2. Next, add the video that is not playing on your VLC Media Player by clicking the Red Plus button. Likewise, click the Blue Plus button to add the sample video.

Step 3. Now, click the Repair button.

Step 4. Lastly, by clicking the Preview button, you can check the video if it’s now playable. Then, save the video by clicking the Save button.

FVC Video Repair is truly a versatile tool. So, if you’re having videos having issues with the VLC media player, using this tool, you can easily fix them.

Part 3. Manual Solution to Fix VLC Not Playing My Videos

The following are the manual solutions you can do to fix VLC not playing videos:

Method 1: Activate the Automatic Repair Functionality

Enabling the Automatic Repair functionality in VLC addresses the playback issues by allowing the media player to fix minor problems within corrupted video files automatically.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Click on the Tools menu in the VLC Media Player and select Preferences.

Step 2. In the Preferences menu, navigate to the Input & Codecs option.

Step 3. Finally, choose the Always Fix feature beside the damaged or incomplete AVI files drop-down menu.

This feature is designed to identify and rectify issues related to the structure or encoding of the video, ensuring smoother playback. You can also check VLC alternatives to use other players to open the video files.

Method 2: Configure Video Output Mode

Configuring the Video Output Mode in VLC is effective in resolving video playback problems by managing how the player interacts with the underlying operating system. By selecting an appropriate output mode, such as DirectX or OpenGL, or opting for automatic configuration, this method ensures compatibility with the system's graphical components, enhancing the player's ability to render and play video content seamlessly.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch the VLC player and go to Preferences in the Tools; then click on the Video tab.

Step 2. From the drop-down menu next to the Output field, select a relevant option like OpenGL or DirectX or set it to automatic.

Step 3. Afterward, attempt to play your corrupted video again and check for successful playback.

Now, try to play the video that is not playing on your VLC Media Player again and check if it is now playable.

Part 4. FAQs about VLC Not Playing My Videos

Conclusion

In conclusion, VLC video not playing is something you don’t need to stress out as there are solutions on how to fix them easily. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to pay attention to this problem, as resolving this may vary depending on the root cause.