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Have you ever encountered a situation where you tried to play an MKV video on VLC media player, but it just won’t play? This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re excited to watch your favorite movie or TV series. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this issue and make VLC play MKV videos smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different methods you can use to solve this problem.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of VLC Can’t Play MKV Videos
MKV is a popular video format that’s known for its high quality and flexibility. However, VLC media player users might sometimes encounter issues when trying to play MKV videos. The common symptoms of this problem include video freezing, unexpected crashes, and distorted images. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as outdated software, incompatible codecs, or corrupted files.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the different methods, there are a few essential things that you should prepare for. These include:
1. Updated VLC media player: Ensure that you have the most recent version of VLC installed on your computer.
2. Codec packs: Make sure you have the necessary codec packs installed on your computer.
Method 1: Using VLC’s Inbuilt Troubleshooter
One easy fix for VLC not playing MKV videos is to use the software’s inbuilt troubleshooter. Here’s how to use this method:
1. Open VLC media player on your computer.
2. Click on the "Tools" option on the top navigation menu.
3. Select the "Preferences" option from the dropdown list.
4. Click on the "Input & Codecs" tab.
5. Scroll down to the "Files" section and find the "Matroska" option.
6. Click on the "Matroska" option to expand the sub-menu.
7. Check the "Use custom codec" option.
8. On the "Codec" option, select the "Automatic" setting.
9. Click on the "Save" button to save your settings.
Pros:
– The method is relatively easy to follow and doesn’t require any technical knowledge.
– VLC’s inbuilt troubleshooter is a quick fix for most MKV video playback issues.
Cons:
– The troubleshooter might not address complex issues that are caused by corrupt or damaged files.
Method 2: Updating VLC Media Player
Another possible solution for VLC not playing MKV videos is to ensure that the software is updated to the latest version. Here’s how to update VLC on your computer:
1. Open VLC media player on your computer.
2. Click on the "Help" option on the top navigation menu.
3. Select the "Check for Updates" option from the dropdown list.
4. If an update is available, click on the "Download" button to download the new version.
5. Follow the instructions to install the updated version of VLC.
Pros:
– Updating VLC is an effective way to fix most MKV video playback issues.
– Updating the software ensures that it’s running on the latest features and security standards.
Cons:
– The process might take some time, depending on your internet speed.
Method 3: Converting the MKV File Format
If none of the previous methods work, you can try converting the MKV file format to a more compatible format such as MP4 or AVI. Here’s how to do it:
1. Download and install a media file converter like Handbrake.
2. Launch the Handbrake app and click on the "Open Source" button on the top navigation menu.
3. Select the MKV file that you want to convert.
4. Choose the output destination where the converted file will be saved.
5. Select the output file format you desire from the dropdown list.
6. Click on the "Start" button to begin the conversion process.
Pros:
– The method is effective when other fixes have failed to work.
– Converted files can be played on a wide range of media players.
Cons:
– The conversion process might take some time, depending on the size and length of the video.
Why Can’t I Play MKV Videos on VLC?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to play MKV videos on VLC. Here are some common reasons and fixes:
Q: Why can’t I play MKV videos on VLC?
A: MKV files need specialized codecs that might not be installed on your computer. Try installing the K-Lite Codec Pack or any other software that contains the necessary codecs.
Q: Why do my MKV videos on VLC keep freezing?
A: Check if your computer’s hardware is powerful enough to handle the video playback. If not, consider upgrading your computer’s RAM or graphics card.
Q: VLC crashes every time I try to play an MKV video. What should I do?
A: Reinstall VLC media player on your computer and try updating the software to the latest version.
Q: Why are my MKV videos on VLC playing with distorted images?
A: Try playing the video on another media player to check if the file is corrupted. If it’s working correctly, try converting the MKV file to another format using a file converter.
Additional Tips
– If all else fails, consider playing the MKV video on another media player like Windows Media Player, KMPlayer, or PotPlayer.
– Ensure that your computer’s drivers are up to date, especially the audio and video drivers, to enable smooth video playback.
5 FAQs about VLC Can’t Play MKV Videos
Q: Is VLC media player compatible with MKV format?
A: Yes, VLC media player can play most MKV video files.
Q: What alternatives are available if VLC can’t play MKV videos?
A: You can try playing the video on other media players that support the MKV format, or you can convert the file format to a more compatible one.
Q: What is the most commonly used MKV codec?
A: The most commonly used MKV codec is the H.264 codec.
Q: Can VLC media player play 4K MKV videos?
A: Yes, VLC media player can play 4K MKV videos.
Q: Are there any downsides to converting an MKV file to another format?
A: Yes, converting a file to another format might result in some loss of quality or resolution, especially if the new format doesn’t support the original file’s features.
In Conclusion
Fixing VLC not playing MKV videos can take some trial and error, but the above methods should help you solve most common issues. Remember to keep your software updated, have necessary codecs installed, and ensure that your computer’s hardware meets the recommended specifications for smooth video playback.