Summary: Are you searching for a solution for your iPhone videos that are not working on Windows PC? So, how to play iPhone videos on Windows PC? This blog will explain to you the most common reasons and the simple methods to fix iPhone videos that won’t play on Windows.
‘I downloaded a couple of videos from my iPhone 8 to Windows 10 PC. But the video files won’t play on Windows Media Player. They are MOV files, visible in the folder, but I get the error – ‘Windows Media Player cannot play the file.’ while trying to play it. How can I resolve this issue of iPhone Videos not playing on Windows PC?’
You usually transfer videos from iPhone to PC and watch them through Windows Media Player. But sometimes, these videos may not play on your Windows computer, although they are playable on iPhone.
There could be many reasons for your iPhone videos not playing on PC after transfer. It could be due to improper transfer, absence of supporting codecs or even corruption of the video file after it was transferred to PC.
Some of the common reasons as to why iPhone videos won’t play on Windows PC are:
Below are the methods you should try, if your iPhone videos are not playing on any Windows PC. These methods are applicable for videos transferred from any iPhone or iPad to Windows computers.
Are you sure your iPhone videos were transferred to PC properly? Was there any kind of interruption during transfer of video files such as disconnection or sudden shut down of PC/ iPhone? Any kind of disruption during download or transfer can damage the video file. Try to transfer your videos again on Windows from iPhone.
Unfortunately, if you have deleted the video from iPhone, and you are left with a corrupt video on your Windows PC, then a video repair software is your only way out.
If you are trying to play iPhone videos in Windows Media Player, update the player to ensure it supports the file format of your video. The latest Windows Media Player 12 is available on Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 while Windows Media Player 11 is for Windows XP.
Go to Microsoft’s official download center and get the latest Windows Media Player version based on your Windows version.
If Windows player is not working, play the videos in another media player. You can download VLC Media Player, RealPlayer, KMPlayer, JetVideo Player or any other player for your Windows computer.
Any video including those from iPhone won’t play, if your system lacks the supporting video codecs. Thus, try by converting your video to a different format for which the PC has the codecs. Use free video converters available online.
Codecs are necessary to play any video on computer. It compresses or decompresses video files. Media Players use these codecs to play videos.
You can download video codec pack on your PC to avoid unsupported video format issues. If using Windows Media Player, configure it to automatically download codecs or consider downloading a video codec pack from Internet.
Some popular Windows video codec packs are K-Lite Codec Pack, Media Player Video Codec Packs, Shark007X Codec Pack, and X Codec Pack among others.
If the above methods don’t fix the iPhone videos playing issue on Windows, there are chances your video has turned corrupt.
A professional iPhone video repair software such as Stellar Repair for Video can fix corruption in the files making them playable again.
The software can repair all the formats supported by iPhone. You can repair corrupt h264 videos of MOV, AVI, MP4, ASF, WMV, MKV, MPEG and other file types.
Watch the video to know how to repair corrupt iPhone video on Windows PC
Other than a professional video repair tool, you may opt for free VLC Media Player. Your VLC Media Player can repair your corrupt videos as well. Although it fixes minor issues, but still once worth a try.
4. Select Always fix in the dropdown
5. Click Save
Methods like playing iPhone videos in different media player, downloading codec pack or converting the videos to a compatible format have mostly proved fruitful. Using one of the above methods, you can fix this issue of iPhone Videos not playing on Windows PC.
However, if the iPhone video is corrupt, software such as Stellar Repair for Video are the effective solution. You can instantly repair any type of iPhone video on Windows PC. The DIY software can also fix issues such as flickering, stuttering, black screen, missing sound, out-of-sync, or any other problem in your iPhone video.
The software is also available for free trial. Try it here and see your repaired videos.
Sumona is a tech blogger, avid photographer, & technogeek with vast experience in writing about media file recovery tips and tutorials. She has over 10 years of experience in media file recovery/media file repair technology. She is passionate about Photography, Creative Designing, Music, and Exploring lesser-known destinations.
Hi, I had the same problem, I can’t watch videos on windows media player because it’s doesn’t understand the format. What program to use to play these videos? Please help!
Hi David, you can try to convert the file with the help of VLC Media Player. Open Menu, then go to Preferences, and convert the video files to the supported format.
My iPhone isn’t playing videos I had made videos from it. Is it possible if I transfer iPhone video files to windows computer and try your software to fix this issue? Please advice!
Hi Wikerson,
Yes you can. Download the Windows version of Stellar Video Repair software on your PC to repair corrupt iPhone videos. Thanks!
I had downloaded photo and videos from my iPhone 8 on Windows 10 PC without any error. When I play the video files on WMP, it could not play and I tried to play the file on VLC Media Player but still have the error. I followed your methods but still have the problem. Any idea/suggestion would be appreciated!
Hi Lora,
If the video file is not playing on any media player, try to repair it using Stellar Repair for Video.
Thanks!
Hi, I had now try for first time to transfer and play recorded videos with my iPhone 8 on the PC. When transfer to PC via drag & amp and drop the video file. I cant play on Windows Media Player or VLC media player. How to play iPhone videos on Windows? Any suggestion would be appreciated!
Hi Stefan
Try the given methods to play iPhone videos on Windows PC.
I had getting “unsupported video format” error message when I playing couple of video footage’s on my iPhone all footage’s are recorded with Go-pro, Mavic and other cameras. Any help would be appreciated!
Hi David, Many an iPhone user reported this problem the best ways you need to convert the file with your iPhone supported format and play another media player. If video file corrupt I would like to suggest you can try our software demo version and see the preview of repaired video files. Thanks!
I had saved many videos of my iPhone 5 to windows 10. But when I open the video on WMP files won’t play. Any idea how do I play the files in WMP?
Hi Sarah, you need to install the latest video codec on your windows 10 pc or update the windows driver then play files on WMP. Thanks!