How to Fix VLC WMV Playback Issues in 2024

VLC media player is a popular choice for its versatility in playing various video formats. However, you might encounter situations where VLC won't play WMV (Windows Media Video) files. This can be frustrating, but there are several ways to fix the issue. This comprehensive guide will delve into the reasons behind VLC WMV playback problems and provide solutions to get your WMV files playing smoothly in 2024.

Part 1: Why is VLC Not Playing WMV?

Several factors can contribute to VLC's inability to play WMV files. Here's a breakdown of some common reasons:

• Missing Codecs: WMV files rely on specific codecs for playback. Even though VLC supports numerous formats, outdated or missing codecs can prevent it from recognizing WMV files.
• Corrupted Files: Corrupted WMV files can also cause playback issues. Damage to the file structure can render it unreadable by VLC.
• VLC Settings: Sometimes, specific settings within VLC might interfere with WMV playback. For instance, disabled audio or video options can lead to playback errors.
• System Conflicts: In rare cases, conflicting software on your system might disrupt VLC's ability to play WMV files.

Best 5 Ways of Fixing VLC WMV Playback Issues

Now that you understand the potential reasons, let's explore solutions to fix VLC WMV playback issues:

1.Convert WMV to Another Format - HitPaw Video Converter

One effective solution is to convert your WMV files to a format more readily supported by VLC, such as MP4. Here's where HitPaw Video Converter comes in. You can take a closer look at HitPaw Video Converter in the video below.

Features of HitPaw Video Converter:

• Fast and Efficient Conversions: HitPaw Video Converter boasts high-speed conversion with minimal quality loss, ensuring a smooth playback experience.
• Wide Range of Supported Formats: HitPaw Video Converter supports a vast array of input and output formats, including WMV, MP4, AVI, MKV, and more.
• Batch Conversion: HitPaw Video Converter save time by converting multiple WMV files simultaneously, improving efficiency.
• Customization Options: HitPaw Video Converter provides various editing tools to personalize your video, including cropping, trimming, and adding subtitles.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: The user-friendly interface of HitPaw Video Converter makes it simple for anyone to convert videos, regardless of technical expertise.

By converting your WMV files to a more compatible format with HitPaw Video Converter, you can bypass VLC's playback limitations and ensure smooth video playback.

2.Adjust Video Output Settings

VLC offers some built-in settings that can potentially resolve WMV playback issues. Here's how to adjust them:

• Launch VLC media player.
• Go to Tools > Preferences.
• Click on Input/Codecs from the left panel.
• Under Demuxers, ensure WMV is checked.
• Under Decoders, make sure WMV Demuxer and WMV decoder are set to Automatic.
• Click Save and try playing your WMV file again.

3.Disable Hardware-Accelerated Decoding

VLC utilizes hardware acceleration to improve performance. However, it can sometimes cause conflicts with specific video formats. Here's how to disable it:

• Open VLC media player.
• Go to Tools > Preferences.
• Click on Input/Codecs from the left panel.
• Under Hardware-accelerated Decoding, select the Disable option.
• Click Save and restart VLC. Try playing your WMV file again.

4.Check File Integrity

Corrupted files can be a barrier to playback in VLC. Here's how to verify file integrity:

1. Right-click on the WMV file you're having trouble with.

2. Select Properties.

3. Go to the General tab.

4. Click on Check for errors. Windows will scan the file for any corruption.

5. If errors are detected, Windows will scan the file for any corruption. Unfortunately, the built-in Windows repair function might not be able to fix all types of corruption in WMV files.

5.Use a dedicated video repair tool (Optional)

If the Windows error checking doesn't resolve the issue, you can consider using a dedicated video repair tool. These tools can sometimes recover corrupt video files, although the success rate depends on the severity of the corruption. Some popular options include:

• Stellar Repair for Video
• Wondershare Repairit
• EaseUS Video Repair

Important Note: These are typically paid software solutions. Before diving in, make sure the corruption seems repairable and weigh the cost of the software against the value of the video file.

6.Check for System Conflicts

In rare cases, conflicting software on your system might disrupt VLC's ability to play WMV files. Here's how to identify and potentially resolve conflicts:

• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software or firewalls: Security software can sometimes interfere with multimedia applications. Temporarily disabling them (remember to re-enable them afterward) might help isolate the issue.
• Close other running programs: If you have many programs running in the background, they could be consuming resources needed by VLC. Close unnecessary applications and try playing the WMV file again.

Ultra-tips: How to Use HitPaw Video Converter to Fix VLC WMV Playback Issues?

Now that we've explored various solutions, let's delve into using HitPaw Video Converter to convert your WMV files for smooth playback in VLC. Here's a step-by-step guide with accompanying images:

Step 1: Download and Install

Head over to the HitPaw website and download the software compatible with your operating system (Windows or Mac). Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.

Step 2: Add your WMV files

Launch HitPaw Video Converter. Click on the large "Add Files" button in the center of the interface or drag and drop your WMV files directly onto the program window.

Step 3: Choose your output format

Click on the drop-down menu at the bottom left "Convert all to". From the list of available formats, select "MP4" (or any other format readily supported by VLC) as your desired output format.

Step 4: (Optional) Edit your video (if needed)

HitPaw Video Converter offers basic video editing features. Click on the edit icons displayed on the bottom left corner of the video preview window to access functions like cropping, trimming, adding subtitles, or adjusting video parameters (optional).

Step 5: Start the conversion

Once you're satisfied with your settings, click on the large "Convert" button on the bottom right corner of the program window. The conversion process will begin, and you can track its progress on the interface.

Step 6: Locate the converted file

After successful conversion, HitPaw Video Converter will display the location of the converted file. You can access it directly from the program or navigate to the specified folder using your file manager.

Open VLC media player and navigate to the converted MP4 (or chosen format) file. Now, your WMV file should play smoothly in VLC without any playback issues.

FAQs

Conclusion

VLC WMV playback issues can be frustrating, but thankfully, there are solutions. This guide has explored various methods to fix the problem, including adjusting VLC settings, checking for corrupted files, and identifying system conflicts.

For a guaranteed solution, converting WMV files to a more compatible format using HitPaw Video Converter ensures smooth playback in VLC. Its user-friendly interface, fast conversion speeds, and diverse format support make it an excellent choice.

So, the next time you encounter VLC WMV playback issues, don't hesitate to try the solutions provided in this guide, especially utilizing HitPaw Video Converter for effortless conversion and seamless VLC playback.