How to Play MOV Files on Windows PC

Streaming MOV files on Windows computer systems, including Windows 10 can be challenging. Because the MOV format is not compatible with the Windows system. And, the MOV files may be damaged with an incompatible portable player, or there are no right plugins to stream your .mov files.

Now, get the tips below to stream or play MOV files on Windows 10/11 with lossless quality!

Why Is MOV File Not Playing on Windows 10?

Before we start exploring the various ways to play or stream MOV files on a Windows computer system, let’s discuss why MOV files aren’t playing on Windows 10. Check out the reasons for such below:

Damaged MOV File

One of the common reasons why your Windows 10 computer may fail to stream a MOV file is when the file is damaged or has lost some parts for playback. If this is the case for your MOV file, then you shouldn’t expect Windows to play or stream it.

Outdated, Corrupt, or Incomplete Installation of Media Players

Here is another reason you may struggle to stream or play MOV files on your Windows 10 computer system. All media files, including MOV, require the most recent media player with a complete installation for them to work. Failure to stream via a reliable or up-to-date media player would result in MOV files not playing on Windows 10 issues.

Alongside the reasons given above, you may also experience MOV files not working with Windows 10 for the following reasons:

• Absence of the plug-ins needed for streaming.
• Incorrect installation of the codec needed to play a file on Windows Media Player.

How to Play MOV Files on Windows

Now you know why your Windows 10 may fail to play MOV files, kindly confirm none of these are the reasons why you experience such. That said, let’s proceed to how to play MOV files on Windows 10:

Method 1. Play MOV on Windows with QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is the native streaming application for Apple computer systems, Mac. It lets you stream/play a number of media files, such as MP4 and more.

This application also comes in handy when you need to stream or play the content of a MOV file on your Windows computer system. You might be wondering how possibly Windows integrates with QuickTime Player. Well, Apple did a great job creating a Windows-compatible QuickTime Player app, so as to resolve MOV files not working issues, since the media format was introduced by her company.

Here’s a simple guide to follow for you to play MOV on Windows via QuickTime Player:

Step 1: Make sure you go to the official website for QuickTime Player to download a suitable version of the application on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 2: After downloading the file, choose a destination path, and hit the Save button to export to your computer’s local drive. Click the QuickTime launcher and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.

Step 3: Head to where you have the MOV file on your Windows computer system, right-click on it, and select Open from the options that pop up.

Step 4: Choose QuickTime Player as your preferred streaming app to proceed. Without further ado, QuickTime Player will start playing the content of the MOV file.

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Method 2. Play MOV on Windows 10 and later with Photo App

For folks who don’t want to install a third-party app like QuickTime Player because of security issues, the Photos app on your Windows computer is another cool option you can switch to when you want to stream MOV files. Worrying how possible this is?

Well, the Microsoft Photos app isn’t limited to viewing images as its functionality also extends to video streaming services. This system app allows you to view several formats of video files such as AVI, MP4, and more. You can also count on it to help you edit or manipulate your images, and videos giving them those nice touches so they appear stunning.

You can follow the instructions shared below to play MOV files on Windows 10 or later OS via the built-in Microsoft Photos app:

Step 1: Go to the path where you have the MOV file on your Windows computer system, right-click on the file, and select Open with.

Step 2: Next, a flyout menu with several streaming options you can select from to view your MOV file will come up. Choose photos from the options to proceed.

Step 3: Now Microsoft Photos app will start playing the MOV file on your Windows 10 or later, depending on the OS you are running on your computer system.

Method 3. How to Play MOV on Windows 10 with Windows Media Player

Besides the Microsoft Photos app on your Windows computer system, you can count on the built-in Windows Media Player to help you stream the content of your MOV file. This multipurpose program lets you play MOV, MP4, and other video formats on your Windows 10 computer system with minimal hassles.

Alongside its capability to stream videos, Windows Media Player can also be used for playing audio files, as it lets you listen to .mp3 files and others. You are also allowed to rip music via this program. Window Media Player permits you to extract or rip music from a plethora of discs, from compact to recordable discs.

Follow the steps given down here to play your favorite MOV files on Windows 10 via Windows Media Player:

Step 1: Navigate your computer cursor to the bottom left corner of your screen, and click on the Quick Start taskbar. Enter Windows Media Player in the search field, and click on the corresponding icon.

Step 2: Tap on the Help button, which is situated at the top toolbar. On the next interface that shows up, click About Windows Player to view your current version. The page shown down here will automatically display on your screen:

If the version is 12 or later, click OK, and jump to the next stage of this guide. If not, kindly do the needful by installing the latest update.

Step 3: Go to the folder where you have the MOV file on your Windows computer system, right-click on it, and hit the Open with the icon. Choose Windows Media Player from the flyout menu options displayed on your screen.

Method 4. Play MOV Files on Windows with VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is your go-to option if you are looking to stream your MOV files on Windows via an open-source media player. This streaming tool lets you view different formats of video files, be it MP4, MP3, AVI, etc. It offers a simple yet safe way to play MOV files, as it displays your video content in high quality.

Besides video streaming, you can also use VLC Media Player for video conversion operations. This tool allows you to switch your videos from one format to another without spending a dime. It’s a very versatile tool with a simple interface that enables you to navigate without involving a third party to assist you.

Use the procedure below to play your MOV files on Windows via VLC Media Player:

Step 1: Open a browser and visit the official website of VLC Media Player. Click on the appropriate buttons to download the program on your Windows computer system.

Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions provided to install VLC Media Player, then run it to stream MOV files.

Step 3: When VLC comes up, head to the top left corner of your screen and click on the Files button. Choose the Open Files button, or hold down the Ctrl + O hotkeys.

Step 4: Next, VLC Media Player will direct you to your local drive where you have the MOV files. Click on the file you want to stream, and hit the Open icon at the bottom of the windows that come up.

Now VLC will start streaming the MOV file in no time.

Final Words

Playing MOV files on Windows 10 is pretty simple with the guide above at your disposal. Choose any of the techniques shared in the post and start streaming your favorite MOV files without issues.