How to Open AVI Files on WMP: A Step-by-Step Guide

AVI files have been a staple of digital media for decades, allowing users to store and play back videos and audio files with ease. However, despite their widespread use, some users may encounter issues when trying to open AVI files on Windows Media Player (WMP). In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this issue and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.

The Problem: Can't Play AVI Files on WMP

If you're using a Windows 10 operating system, you may have noticed that AVI files open with the new TV and Films application instead of WMP. When trying to play an AVI file, you might encounter the error message 'Can't Play – This item is encoded in a format that is not supported.' This issue can be frustrating, especially if you're used to playing AVI files using WMP.

Possible Causes: Why Can't I Open AVI Files on WMP?

There are several reasons why you may experience difficulties when trying to open AVI files on WMP. Some possible causes include:

* Installation of a third-party media player

* A new Windows update

* Tweaking in Windows settings

To resolve the issue, let's take a closer look at each of these potential causes.

Solution 1: Check for Third-Party Media Players

If you've installed a third-party media player on your computer, it may be interfering with WMP's ability to play AVI files. To fix this issue, try uninstalling the third-party media player and see if that resolves the problem.

Solution 2: Update Windows

If you're using an older version of Windows, updating to the latest version may resolve the issue. Windows updates often include bug fixes and improvements to file format support, which could help resolve the AVI file playback issue.

Solution 3: Check Windows Settings

In some cases, tweaking in Windows settings can also cause issues with AVI file playback. To check if this is the case, go to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Change how we free up space on this device. Under 'Free up space now,' click on 'View files' and look for any unnecessary files or folders that may be interfering with WMP's ability to play AVI files.

AVI files are an essential part of digital media, allowing users to store and play back videos and audio files with ease. However, despite their widespread use, some users may encounter issues when trying to open AVI files on Windows Media Player (WMP). In this article, we've explored the reasons behind this issue and provided step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it. By checking for third-party media players, updating Windows, and tweaking in Windows settings, you should be able to resolve any issues with opening AVI files on WMP.

How to open avi files on wmp