Solved: How to Fix VLC is Unable to Open the MRL Error

Part 1. Why Is VLC Unable to Open MRL?

The "VLC is unable to open the MRL" error occurs when VLC attempts to access a file or stream content located outside the local computer. Common scenarios include files stored on external drives, online servers, or streaming platforms. If VLC cannot access the resource due to restrictions or errors in the file path, it displays this message.

Below are possible error messages your VLC media player could display.

• VLC is unable to open the mrl 'bluray:///d:/'. check the log for details.
• VLC is unable to open the mrl 'bluray:///e:/'. check the log for details.
• VLC is unable to open the mrl 'dvd:///e:/'. check the log for details.
• your input can't be opened VLC is unable to open the MRL
• VLC is unable to open the MRL check the log for details
• VLC is unable to open the MRL 'dvd:///d:\'. check the log for details.
• Your input can't be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL 'dvd:///d:\'. check the log for details.
• Your input can't be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL 'dvd:///d:/'. check the log for details.

If you encounter the "VLC is unable to open the MRL" error while attempting to play a DVD movie, access a remote file, or stream content from YouTube on Windows 10/11 or macOS, try these workarounds to resolve the issue.

Part 2. How to Fix VLC is Unable to Open the MRL in Windows 10

Way 1: Check If the URL is Working

You need to be sure that the link to the video is or the path is working properly. One way to check if the URL works is to try it in another video player and see if works. If it does, then the problem is not with the link/path. You can also confirm the URL/path's working status on VLC.

• 1.Launch VLC and select Media.

• 2.Choose Open network stream from the options. You can also click CTR+N to open a network stream.

  

• 3.Highlight and copy the URL.

• 4.Paste the link in your browser and click Enter to visit the link and confirm whether it is working or not.

If the link isn't working, it may be due to an incorrect link address or streaming service issues.

Way 2. Reset VLC Preferences

Another solution to consider is resetting VLC preferences. This process can resolve any conflicting or problematic settings that might be causing VLC's inability to open the MRL file.

• Open the VLC app and go to Tools > Preferences.
• In the Simple Preferences window, click the Reset Preferences button.
• Confirm by clicking OK to reset your VLC preferences.

Way 3. Download the Latest VLC player

It has been observed that some older VLC players tend to give “VLC is unable to open the MRL BluRay” error message periodically. This error message may be rectified by downloading the latest update of VLC on the PC or other devices.

• 1.Go to the top right corner of the VLC software and click Help > Check for updates. If a new VLC version is found, you get notified.

  

• 2.Click the Yes button to install the latest update. Follow the wizard's instructions until the latest VLC player has been successfully installed.

• 3.Try streaming the video link again.

Way 4. Adjust Your Firewall Settings to Fix VLC is Unable to Open the MRL

When broken links are not the major causes of the VLC is unable to open the MRL error, strong firewall resistance could be the issue. In a bid to protect the system, some firewalls block the ports that VLC player needs to stream videos. This is often the case if you are using a third-party firewall. There are different 3rd party firewalls but we will use AVG as an example, to show how to unblock the ports preventing VLC player from streaming.

• 1.Locate Firewall. Proceed to Firewall Settings/Tools.

• 2.Click Applications on the left side of the screen.

• 3.Move the cursor to the right side of the screen to change the permissions on the VLC player to Allow for all.

  

If you are using a different type of 3rd party firewall, simply uninstall it and try streaming the video again on the VLC player. Follow the steps below to uninstall the firewall.

• Go to Programs on your computer. Check the application list to locate the 3rd party app.
• Right-click on the app and select Uninstall from the menu provided.
• Follow the wizard’s instructions until the 3rd party firewall are successfully uninstalled.
• Restart your computer so that the default Windows Defender firewall can get activated.

Try streaming the video again on the VLC media players. If you are still getting a “VLC is unable to open the MRL YouTube” error message, try the next step.

Way 5. Take Possession of the File to Solve VLC is Unable to Open the MRL

Sometimes editing Administrator Settings on your computer can get rid of the persistent "VLC is unable to open the MRL" error message. The process is quite long but very simple as outlined below.

• Go to the file location and right-click on it. Choose Properties.
• Click Security > Advanced.
• Select Change around the Owner option.
• Click Advanced > Find Now > Administrators > Ok.
• Choose Administration MyPC and click OK once again.

• Tick the box which says "Replace owner on sub containers and objects.

  
• Return to Advanced Security Settings to Apply all the changes.
• Open Advanced Security Settings again and click Edit.
• Choose MyPC Administrator and uncheck all the boxes that deny permissions.
• Click Apply > OK.

You can now try accessing the video file again using your VLC media player.

Way 6. Uninstall and Reinstall the VLC Media Player

If you have tried the steps above and you're still getting the VLC is unable to open the MRL error message, use this method.

• Go to My Programs on your computer. Scroll down to locate VLC Media Player.
• Right-click on the program and choose Uninstall from the menu.

• Follow the wizard to uninstall VLC Media Player from your computer.

  
• Download the latest update of the VLC Media Player and install it.
• Try accessing the file this time without hassles.

Way 7. Use Another Media Player

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue with VLC being unable to open MRL files, consider switching to an alternative media player. The error can stem from various causes, and for those who prefer to avoid complex troubleshooting, a different player like HitPaw Video Converter (or other media players) can be a straightforward solution to address the problem permanently.

Way 8. Download Videos to Computer for Offline Playback

If you're unable to stream YouTube videos with VLC, consider downloading them to your computer instead. HitPaw Video Converter is a great option, allowing you to download YouTube videos and playlists in MP4 or MP3 formats for free.

Part 3. Best VLC Alternative to Play, Convert and Download Videos

Without a doubt, VLC is a great open-source media player that can play a variety of video formats. Nevertheless, it can't deal with all tasks perfectly. When you are faced with the error unable to open MRL and can't find a good solution, HitPaw Video Converter is a great VLC alternative. This great quality-oriented media converter can convert all files (video, music, images, DVD, blu-rays) easily.

The Outstanding Features of HitPaw Video Converter

• Play video, audio and DVD files of any format
• Rip DVD and blu rays to 1000+ formats and devices. You even don't need a blu-ray drive to convert blu ray discs to MP4, MOV, etc.
• Convert video and audio files to different formats
• Download online videos from 10000+ sites, so you can convert YouTube to MP4 or MP3, download songs from SoundCloud, download 4K movies, etc.
• Batch download and convert are supported.
• Both ordinary codec (H264) and advanced codecs (VP9, H265, ProRes,etc.) are supported.
• Batch compress videos and images with decent quality.
• GPU acclerated and user-friendly.

How to Convert Files in HitPaw Video Converter

Here, we will show how easy it is to convert an video file to the format you desired.

• 1.First of all, please install and open this program on a PC or Mac computer. Import the file(s) you need to convert.

  

• 2.From the format list, we can select an format. There are hundreds of preset formats and devices/platforms. It is not necessary to adjsut the video parameters. However, if you have specific requiremnts for resolution, codec or frame rate, you can also customize these parameters.

  

• 3. Finally, click the Convert button. This program utilizes full GPU acceleration and lossless conversion. The conversion speed can be 120x faster speed.

  

• 4.After conversion, you can access the converted files from the Converted tab. Here you can play the files using the HitPaw player, or open the files in VLC.

  

The conversion of audio, and DVD files are similar. All you need is to import the file and choose an ouptut format. Free download HitPaw Video Converter for free trial now.

Part 3. FAQs about VLC and MRL

The Bottom Line

We have explained different ways you can fix VLC is unable to open the MRL windows 10/11. Try these approaches in the listed order. You should be able to view the video by the time you reach the last method. Meanwhile, if you are looking another good VLC alternative, HitPaw Video Converter is here to help. It deals with all tasks that can be completed in VLC like playing media files, converting videos/audio, downloading streaming, but also provides more features like batch conversion, video editing features, AI tools, Spotify/Deezer music converter, etc. Download it free now.