MOV File Not Playing? Fix It with 5 Tested Methods

MOV is a format for movie files that is incompatible with all the platforms. If the MOV file not playing on a Windows PC or Mac, you can use alternate software to convert it into MP4 files and then play it anywhere. We have also suggested what you can do when you cannot play it on macOS

Unsupported video format and missing video codecs can lead to this MOV not playing error. That is why it is a great choice to convert the video format or install needed codecs may be great solutions. You may change the video format to a mainstream format like MP4, MKV, or AVI.

The MOV video format is widely used and is typically supported by most well-known multimedia devices, including the Mac, iPod, camcorder, digital camera, etc. It is especially popular among Mac users because it is entirely compatible with the QuickTime/iMovie video player.

However, the .mov files occasionally will not play on a PC for several reasons. In this situation, you must fix the MOV playback issue with iMovie/QuickTime. Even Windows users need to know how to play .mov files on Windows, as Windows Media Player would experience the same issue. This post from EaseUS will help you solve MOV file not playing and repair corrupted MOV files.

Fix 1. Repair Not Playing MOV Videos with Video Repair Software

The EaseUS Fixo Video Repair software can help you watch videos without interruption by repairing their errors. The tool can also repair damaged videos and is easy to operate.

You can repair MOV files, and MP4, MOV, M2TS, MKV, MTS, 3GP, AVI, FLV, and M4V. You can also restore damaged videos while being shot, recorded, transferred, edited, converted, or processed. This all-in-one video repair software can help you resolve many video problems and supports advanced video repair. It can solve MOV audio and video out sync, MOV not opening, MOV no sound, and other issues.

So, let us move on to how to fix a damaged video using the EaseUS Fixo Video Repair software.

Step 1. Open Fixo on your local PC. Click "Video Repair" and add the corrupted MP4/MOV/AVI/MKV/3GP/FLV/MKV/WMV video files by clicking "Add Videos".

Step 2. Move the pointer to a video and click the "Repair" button to start the single video repairing process. If you want to repair all the videos, click "Repair All".

Step 3. Wait a few minutes, and the corrupted videos will be repaired. Click the play icon to preview the videos. You can save a single video by clicking the "Save" button next to the play icon. If you want to save all the repaired videos, choose "Save All".

Step 4. If the quick repair fails, you should utilize the advanced repair mode. Click "Advanced Repair" and add a sample video. Choose "Confirm" to ensure.

Step 5. A list of detailed information on corrupted and sample videos will show up. Click "Repair Now" to start the advanced video repair process. When the repair is complete, you can view the videos and click the "Save" button to save the repaired video files to an appropriate destination.

If you found these methods helpful, please share this page on social media for people who might find it helpful.

Fix 2. Repair .mov Files Online and Solve MOV Not Playing

The EaseUS Online Video Repair tool is free and can repair damaged videos online. It can fix videos that have stopped playing, even those destroyed by malware or attempts at recovery.

Using this online video repair tool, you can restore corrupted videos easily. You can repair damaged videos recorded on CCTV, videos from NAS servers, videos shot by drones, and action cameras.

The online video repair does not require downloading and installing the software, you just need to visit the website and upload the damaged videos. Your videos will be repaired no matter what operating system you use. Now, follow the tutorial below to repair corrupted MOV videos online with EaseUS Online Video Repair:

Step 1. Upload MOV video or you can drag & drop video directly from the specific location.

Step 2. Input your valid email address on the box and click "Start Repairing".

Step 3. Wait to take some time for uploading.

Note: If it is takes long, you can keep this webpage open and do your other things. There will be an email notification after the repair is completed.

Step 4. Go to your email to check the extraction code. Enter the extraction code and download the repaired MOV video.

If you have successfully repaired the damaged videos with the EaseUS online tool, you can recommend it to more users!

Fix 3. Use VLC to Convert MOV Videos and Fix MOV Won't Play

The VLC media player is an open-source freeware built by VideoLAN. VLC is compatible with a wide range of multimedia file formats. VLC can be used as both a player and a video converter because, unlike most media players, it comes with an integrated conversion tool.

For a Windows PC, MOV is probably not the best format. However, if you have VLC, you can quickly convert the .mov videos with its assistance or perform the VLC video repair. Learn how to convert MOV to MP4 on a PC by using VLC by following the steps below:

Step 1. Open VLC Media Player and click the "Media" tab.

Step 2. Click the "Convert/ Save" option from the context menu.

Step 3. In the Open Media pop-up window, click the "Add" button and select the MOV file you want to convert. Next, click the "Convert/ Save" button to begin the conversion process.

Step 4. In the Convert pop-up window, choose "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" from the Profile drop-down menu. You can choose any option based on your video quality and format requirements.

Step 5. Click the "Browse" button to choose the destination to save the converted MOV file.

Step 6. Change the file's extension name from .mov to .mp4 and click "Save".

Step 7. Click the "Start" button to convert the MOV file to an MP4 file.

You can see the progress of the conversion process through the VLC Media Player's blue progress bar. Once the conversion is complete, your MOV video will be converted to an MP4 file and saved in your chosen destination folder.

Fix 4. Change File Extension to Resolve MOV File Not Opening

You may be able to resolve the problem of MOV not playing by changing the MOV file's file extension. Given below are steps on how to change the file extension of an MOV file:

Step 1. Start by making a copy of the problematic MOV file. Next, right-click the copy of the MOV file and choose "Properties" from the context menu.

Step 2. Change the file extension from .mov to .avi and click "OK". Click "Yes" on the prompt window that appears to save the changes.

Step 3. Open VLC Media Player and click the "Tools" tab. Choose "Preferences" from the context menu.

Step 4. Click the "Input/ Codecs" option in the Simple Preferences window.

Step 5. Click the drop-down box next to the Damaged or incomplete AVI file and select the "Always fix" option from the drop-down menu.

Step 6. Click the "Save" button. Next, open the .avi file and check whether the file works.

If these methods worked for you, please share this article on social media with others looking for solutions to a similar problem, and you can repair MP4 files with the same methods.

Fix 5. Fix Corrupted MOV with QuickTime on Mac to Solve MOV Cannot Play

Did you know you can use QuickTime Player to fix damaged MOV files on your Mac? It is vital to understand that QuickTime uses the MOV file format to save and play video files. Besides, it works perfectly with both Windows and Mac.

However, several reasons can lead to the MOV files being unable to play on QuickTime. Luckily, you can fix it with ease. All you have to do is follow the steps listed below:

Step 1. Use QuickTime to open the corrupted MOV file.

Step 2. From the top menu bar, select the Windows option.

Step 3. Choose Show Movie Inspector from the drop-down menu.

Step 4. Wait for the inspection window to arrive.

Step 5. You will be able to see the information you need.

Step 6. Search for the error code message. If there's any error that can be resolved, you will see it here.

You can check more solutions in the following passage if you have encountered an MOV file not playing on a Mac computer:

Why Do My MOV Files Won't Play

What are the reasons that may cause MOV files not to play on the PC?

• 🔋Power cuts: Internet outages or power outages during the download of MOV files could cause the files to be incomplete or corrupted. You can download the entire files once more when online networks are accessible.
• 💽Bad sectors: MOV files with bad sectors on the hard drive will not play accurately. Also, your computer's specifications may be insufficient to play 4K or 8K MOV files. So you can upgrade and fix the computer's configuration.
• 🗂️Changing format: Changing the MOV files to a different format may corrupt them. So, restore the MOV files to their original file format. You must download the MOV file again if it still does not work.
• 💻Outdated drivers: Your media player may not support the MOV format as it may be outdated. So, install the most recent version of MOV media players.
• ❌Missing codecs: Only MOV files containing MPEG-4, H.264 video, and AAC audio are supported by some players. The .mov file will not play on those devices without an H265 codec. So, try installing the remaining codec packages, convert video to a generally supported h.264 ACC, or try other free MOV media players.

MOV Won't Play FAQs

Do you have more questions about why the MOV files will not play on your PC? Check out the frequently asked questions and their answers given below:

1. Why are my MOV videos not playing?

The MOV files might not be laying; for example, you might be unable to play it on QuickTime as an essential video component might be missing. The MOV file will not play if the EOF or header is missing or damaged. A frozen frame is another frequent problem that might hinder the MOV file from playing. This happens when the file is interrupted while downloading.

2. What software can play MOV files?

You can play the MOV file using several media players, and most of them are free. VLC Media Player, QuickTime Player, Windows Media Player, 5KPlayer, PotPlayer, KMPlayer, etc. are some of the examples.

3. How do I open an MOV file that won't open?

You can try several fixes to solve the issue of an MOV file not playing or not opening. You can use VLC to attempt to repair faulty MOV files online, use a professional video repair program like the EaseUS Fixo Video Repair software, use QuickTime to repair the damaged file, experiment with different MOV file extensions, try raising VLC's cache levels, etc. to solve the issue.

4. Can I convert MOV to MP4 in VLC?

Yes, you can convert an MOV file to an MP4 via VLC. VLC offers a COnvert option where users can convert MOV files into Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). The conversion time will depend on the size of the MOV files.

Conclusion

If you thoroughly comprehend the solutions, fixing corrupt MOV files will not be challenging. If none of the other methods work for you, use the EaseUS Fixo Video Repair software or the EaseUS Online Video Repair online tool. These programs are simple to use, free of cost, and highly recommended by many users. You only need to upload your files; the tool will handle the rest. We hope you have understood and tried the solutions to solve the issue of the recovered MOV file not playing on your PC.