How to Fix Unsupported Video Format Error on Windows 10

There are many video formats that you may come across when you try to watch videos on your Windows computer. Some common examples are mp4, mkv, wmv, mov, avi, and the list goes on. To view video content in these formats, you will need a specific video player that supports them.

Not all media players support all types of video formats and containers. That is why when you open a video, you can come across the “Unsupported Video Format” or “Format is not supported” error message if the media player does not support the file format. In other cases will only play the audio, but the video is not available.

There are missing codecs in your player needed to play the particular format on your Windows 10, so it pops up the error. In some cases, the video file is corrupt and cannot be played at all no matter what media player you use or codecs you install.

How to Play and View Unsupported Videos on Windows 10 PC?

Fortunately, there are ways on how you can fix the video format not supported problem on your Windows 10 computer so you can open the video file. Check out the methods below to find out how to do it.

Method #1 – Use Another Video Player

The current video player you are using may not support the video file you are trying to open. You may want to switch to another player that specifically supports the format. For example, you can try the VLC player, GOM player, KM Player, Kodi Player, PotPlayer, or Media Player Classic.

Method #2 – Convert the Video Format

If you cannot play on another video player, the next solution you can try is to convert the file into a supported format. It is ideal to use a common format like mp4 or mkv.

There are different video converters available online. You can also convert the file using your VLC player. To do, follow these steps:

1. Launch your VLC player.
2. Navigate to Media/Open Media.
3. Go to Convert/Save.
4. On the File tab, click the Add button on the left side under File Selection.
5. Now, select the video file you want to convert.
6. Click the Convert/Save button.
7. Look for the Setting menu. Under Convert, select the new video file format in the Profile section.
8. Click the Start button to start converting the file.

Method #3 – Download the Correct Codec Needed on Your Video Player

Via Windows Media Player

1. Launch your Windows Media Player.
2. Open the Tools tab.
3. Go to Options.
4. Click on the Players tab.
5. Look for the Download codecs automatically. Check the box.
6. Click OK.
7. Now, try to play the video. A message will appear notifying you to install the codec.
8. Click Install.

Via VLC Player

1. Launch your VLC Player.
2. Go to Help.
3. Click Check for Updates.
4. A message will appear. Click Yes.

Which of the methods above help you fix the error? Let us know in the comments below.