Playing MP4 files on Windows 11 is a breeze. With built-in support for a wide range of formats, including MP4, you can easily use the Movies & TV app to get the job done. If you’d prefer a more robust media player, downloading a third-party app like VLC Media Player is also a great option. Follow these steps to start watching your MP4 videos seamlessly.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Play MP4 on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps required to play MP4 files on Windows 11, whether you prefer using the pre-installed Movies & TV app or an alternative like VLC Media Player.
Step 1: Locate Your MP4 File
First, find the MP4 file you want to play in your file explorer.
Navigate to your file explorer by clicking on the folder icon on your taskbar. From there, browse to the location where your MP4 file is saved. This could be in your Downloads, Documents, or any other folder.
Step 2: Right-Click the MP4 File
Right-click on the MP4 file to open a context menu.
By right-clicking the file, you’ll see a menu with various options. This is where you choose how you want to open your file.
Step 3: Select ‘Open With’
From the context menu, select ‘Open with’ to see a list of available programs.
Clicking ‘Open with’ will bring up a list of programs that can play your MP4 file. This typically includes the pre-installed Movies & TV app.
Step 4: Choose ‘Movies & TV’
Select ‘Movies & TV’ from the list of programs.
The Movies & TV app will open and start playing your MP4 file. This app is designed for smooth playback of various video formats, including MP4.
Step 5: Download VLC Media Player (Optional)
If you prefer a more versatile media player, download VLC Media Player from the official website.
Go to the VLC Media Player website, download the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. VLC can handle almost any video format, making it a great alternative.
Step 6: Set VLC as Default (Optional)
To make VLC your default player, right-click your MP4 file again and select ‘Open with’ > ‘Choose another app’ > ‘VLC Media Player’.
This step ensures that VLC will always be used to open your MP4 files, saving you time in the future.
After completing these steps, your MP4 file will start playing in the selected media player. Enjoy your video without any fuss!
Tips for Playing MP4 on Windows 11
- Update Your Apps: Ensure that your Movies & TV app or VLC Media Player is up to date for the best performance.
- Check File Integrity: Sometimes, MP4 files may be corrupted. Verify the file’s integrity if it fails to play.
- Adjust Playback Settings: Customize your viewing experience by adjusting playback settings such as brightness, contrast, and volume.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn keyboard shortcuts to enhance your media player experience. For instance, in VLC, you can use spacebar to pause/play.
- Explore Alternative Players: Don’t hesitate to explore other media players like KMPlayer or PotPlayer if you encounter issues with the default ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Playing MP4 on Windows 11
Why won’t my MP4 file play on Windows 11?
Your MP4 file might be corrupted, or there could be an issue with the media player. Try using a different player like VLC to see if the file works.
Can I use other media players apart from Movies & TV or VLC?
Yes, you can use other media players like KMPlayer, PotPlayer, or Media Player Classic.
How do I update my Movies & TV app?
Go to the Microsoft Store, search for ‘Movies & TV’, and click on ‘Update’ if an update is available.
Can I play MP4 files from an external device?
Yes, simply connect your external device to your computer and navigate to the MP4 file in your file explorer.
Is there a way to fix corrupted MP4 files?
You can try using video repair software to fix corrupted MP4 files. However, results are not guaranteed.
Summary
- Locate Your MP4 File
- Right-Click the MP4 File
- Select ‘Open With’
- Choose ‘Movies & TV’
- Download VLC Media Player (Optional)
- Set VLC as Default (Optional)
Conclusion
Playing MP4 files on Windows 11 is straightforward and hassle-free, thanks to the built-in Movies & TV app and versatile third-party options like VLC Media Player. Whether you’re watching a family video or the latest movie, the steps outlined above will get you set up in no time. Remember, keeping your software updated and exploring different media players can help you get the most out of your viewing experience. So go ahead, locate that MP4 file, and enjoy your video. For more tips on enhancing your multimedia experience, consider checking out related articles or guides. Happy watching!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.