What to Do When Windows 10 Won't Play WMV Files

Has the problem ever occurred to you that Windows 10 won't play WMV files when you try to open any kind of WMV video files after updating to Windows 10? Relax, you are not the only one who finds out it is astonished. We are here to answer you the question that why Windows 10 won't play WMV files and some good solutions of how to play a WMV file on windows 10.

Part 1: Why Windows 10 Won't Play WMV Files

The first question to start is, what is WMV format? WMV is a common format on the Windows system. It actually comes from the full name as Windows Media Video, which is the original video compressional part of WMV files, with other two distinct video codecs as WMV Screen and WMV image, forms the video compression format of WMV files. If you have downloaded some movies online, most of them are of WMV format that allows the file to be protected and the quality to be preserved because this format can break down the large files into small pieces in a handy way. Its original purpose was to sell video content online via HD Blu-ray and DVDs and for online stream apps.

You may naturally think that in this case, it would be no problem for you to play WMV files on Windows. Well, you could be disappointed if you really try it on Windows and find out you cannot play WMV files. Why? It is not necessary that all WMV files could be played with Windows Media Player as it may not have the right codec. So there are some suggestions for you and you may solve the issue on Windows Media Player.

1. Turning on/off WMP through Control Panel>Programs>Programs & Features>Turn Windows Feature On or Off.

2. Disabling / enabling "Turn on DirectX Video Acceleration for WMV files" in WMP Options.

3. Troubleshooting Fix via Control Panel>All Control Panel Items>Troubleshooting>All Categories>Windows Media Player Settings.

If you still can't solve the issue, then you may seek the help from other players which can easily play WMV files on your computer.

Part 2: 5 Best Alternatives to Play WMV Files on Windows 10

For those want to save time and have better experience to play WMV files on windows 10, we have the best alternatives for you on the list.

1. Leawo Blu-ray Player

As our top first recommendation program, this Leawo Blu-ray Player illustrates its potential to solve any playback issues even there is barely any problem popping up during testing and it works out with any task easily and effectively. For WMV files, it handles all of these files like a piece of cake with its excellent image processing and decoding. No doubt, it is a professional alternative to play WMV files on windows 10. Apart from WMV file problems and some popular formats, it also supports playing the newest DVD disc and more than 180 video formats. This free Blu-ray player software can enable you to play Blu-ray/DVD discs, Blu-ray/DVD folders, Blu-ray/DVD ISO files, and IFO files smoothly on Windows. During playback, you are able to adjust subtitles, audio tracks, and other videos settings.

2. VLC

VLC is renowned as a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player. It runs simple and easy while offering most multimedia files such as WMV, MP4, RMVB, MKV, MP3, WMA and so on. You can also play DVDs, audio CDs, and VCDs. It contains various streaming protocols and plays most codecs without codec packs including WMV files so that there will be no such problem of windows 10 won't play WMV files, and it also works on Mac operating systems without spyware and annoying ads, very green but you can't customize too many settings as you like.

3. KMPlayer

This KMPlayer can provide some of the best audiovisual effects within its light body and a clear interface of simplicity. Changing brightness and contrast and screening capture are all available. One amazing thing about these apps is the supporting team working behind the scenery and they collect data to build up a strong user base and help forum. So when Windows 10 won't play WMV files, you can also ask for help.

4. MPlayer

MPlayer is another free media player program compatible with Windows 10 and can play WMV files quickly and stable. The binary builds of MPlayer and MEncoder can save you lots of concerns about playing other media video formats except for WMV files, for example, AVI, MPEG, WMA, OGG, OGM, etc. It is also lightweight and makes you feel easy-going by its interface.

5. DivX Player

You can download DivX Player freely and play WMV files on windows 10 by running this program since high-quality digital videos can be performed nicely via its codec. It is multifunctional as a converter which your videos from the cloud can be converted to a different profile and web player which you can take advantage of the availability of tons of plug-ins so that you can sync videos from Google Drive and Dropbox.

Part 3: 5 Best WMV Player for Mac Users

We would like to offer some more solutions for you if you are a Mac user and you find out that you also can't play WMV files on your computer, which is a common issue since WMV is developed by Microsoft. Well, here are some WMV player recommendations for Mac users and it is highly suggested to download a WMV player on your Mac system as there are a lot of WMV files on the Internet.

1. Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac

This version of Leawo Blu-ray Player also works perfectly the same as the version on Windows and you are able to enjoy the first-class high quality delivering of any WMV files exactly as the original one. Featuring practical and user-friendly functions such as virtual remote control, power manager, screenshots, changeable aspect ratio and more, it supports more than 180 formats like the Windows version. It will display the cinema-like picture and totally compatible with HD or 4K videos. In addition, it is a region free player for Mac so you can play any source media data you want.

2. VLC

This is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player that supports most multimedia files including DVDs, audio CDs, and VCDs as well as other various streaming protocols. It is simple, fast and powerful, plays everything, and plays most codecs without codec packs including WMV files. It runs on all operating systems and is completely free with no spyware and no annoying ads.

3. Flip4Mac

This program comes from Telestream company and only works for the Mac operating system as a digital media software and mainly recognized as the only QuickTime component for Mac. Notice that this is not free after they released the version in 2014, and there are four packages of different prices up to your need. The standard one that supports playing Windows Media files directly through QuickTime as well as viewing contents from Windows Media via a web browser. A pro version offers direct import for WMV files.

4. Elmedia Player

What this WMV player for Mac users can offer is versatile as it is convenient with audio playback as well as advanced technology for enjoyable video playback such as full-screen mode. HD playback is also featured and with no interruptions. You can also sync with audio in the original video file without any problems.

5. DivX

As this player supports Windows 10 system, the Mac version also drives people's attention whereas it is able to play a wide variety of video and subtitle formats. Free for download and enjoy WMV files in high quality. Else like stream clips are available to all types of DLNA compatible devices.

Part 4: Conclusion

Hope this article solve some of your concerns of Windows 10 won't play WMV files and comes with a better solution for you to how to play a WMV file on windows 10. As final, we want to have our attention that if you still have problems playing WMV files, it is highly likely that the format is not WMV file since the extension could be messed up such as WVM, WMF, and AMV. For some irregular formats opening, we strongly recommend using the Leawo Blu-ray Player as it supports most formats at the same time. No need more plug-ins, the Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac is also the best choice as most media video files can work on your mac in no time.