The sleek and modern Movies & TV application is the built-in video player that comes with Windows 11. It offers a clean interface for watching videos and movies on your PC.
However, some users report launch issues and problems setting it as the default player for media file types.
Ways to Fix Windows 11 Movies & TV App Not Showing Up as Default Video Player
If you double click an MP4 video in File Explorer and a different program opens it instead of the Movies & TV app, this post explains how to troubleshoot and solve the problem.
Method #1 – Use Built-In Troubleshooting Tools
Instead of aimlessly Googling the issue, your first step should be to leverage Windows’ own troubleshooting capabilities. The operating system includes automated tools that can detect and repair problems with apps and system components.
Here is how to run the relevant troubleshooter:
- Open the Start Menu and type “troubleshooting” to find the Troubleshooting section
- Click on “Other Troubleshooters” to expand more options
- Locate and select the “Windows Store Apps” troubleshooter
- Click the “Run” button and follow the onscreen instructions
After completing its automated checks, the troubleshooter might detect issues affecting the Movies & TV app and make necessary repairs. If you still can’t set it as the default player afterwards, proceed to the next solutions.
Method #2 – Update the Movies & TV Application
An outdated version of the Movies & TV app could potentially cause loss of functionality or integration issues.
Follow these steps to check for and install updates:
- Launch the Microsoft Store application
- Click the “…” icon to access the menu
- Select “Downloads and updates”
- Click “Get updates” to force a refresh of available app updates
- If an update is available for Movies & TV, click “Update”
- Wait for the app update installation process to complete
Once updated to the latest version, see if you can set it as the default for playing video files.
Method #3 – Verify System Locale Settings
The Movies & TV player is a “Universal Windows Platform” (UWP) app designed specifically for Windows 10 and 11. If your system locale, region, language, or date/time settings are configured incorrectly, UWP apps can fail to open or behave oddly.
Here’s how to double check your configuration:
- Go to Start Menu > Settings > Time & Language
- Confirm your “Region” settings match your physical location
- Check that the system “Language” matches your language
- Ensure “Date & time” settings show the current accurate date/time
Correct any erroneous settings you find to prevent conflicts with the Movies & TV application.
Method #4 – Clear Temporary Application Files
Sometimes caching or temporary files become corrupted preventing apps like Movies & TV from integrating correctly across the operating system. Removing these files forces Windows to rebuild them properly.
To wipe the Movies & TV temporary data, follow these steps:
- Launch the Run dialog by pressing Windows Key + R
- Type in %localappdata%\Packages\ and click OK
- Locate the folder path for the “Microsoft.ZuneVideo” package
- Delete the entire folder to remove temporary files
- Next, reopen the Movies & TV app to trigger file regeneration
With the application’s temp files cleared out, check if you can now set it as the default for playing media files.
Method #5 – Contact Microsoft Support for Further Troubleshooting
If you still cannot get the Movies & TV application to become the default player after trying all of the above solutions, you should reach out to Microsoft Support for additional troubleshooting assistance.
When you contact support, have the following information ready to accelerate the issue resolution process:
- Windows 11 version/build number
- Hardware PC make and model
- Exact wording of any error messages
- Screenshots demonstrating the problem
- Details on troubleshooting steps attempted
Microsoft’s support engineers have additional diagnostics tools and expertise beyond what’s available to the general public. By promptly and accurately describing your issue along with previous troubleshooting, they will be well equipped to investigate root causes and provide specialized video player troubleshooting guidance.
Method #6 – Set Default Video App Via the Registry
As a last resort, those comfortable editing the Windows Registry can override the system default video player manually by adding a custom key.
Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can prevent Windows from functioning properly. Backup beforehand and proceed carefully.
Here is the basic process:
- Launch the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start Menu
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp4\UserChoice
- Create a new Progid string value, set to AppXh9v289vp3bs88vbj868sz2esgag3bd66
- This forces MP4 to always use the Movies & TV app for playback
Adjust the file extension (.mp4) or application ID as needed for your circumstance. Notably, this doesn’t fix underlying issues – but should successfully associate media files with the Movies & TV player.
