How to Fix Video Playback Issues in VLC Media Player
If you are experiencing issues with video playback in VLC Media Player, such as visual artifacts, breaking up, or scratches whenever you launch it, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve these problems. This article will cover various steps and solutions to ensure smooth video playback in VLC.
Graphics Driver Issues
The first step in troubleshooting video playback issues in VLC Media Player is to check your graphics drivers. Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause playback problems.
Update Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can often cause playback issues. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card. Roll Back Drivers: If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back to a previous version. This can be done through the device manager in your operating system's settings.VLC Settings
Another potential cause for video playback issues in VLC is misconfigured settings within the player.
Hardware Acceleration: Go to Tools > Preferences > Input/Codecs and try changing the Video Output Module. Playing around with these settings might help you find a configuration that works better for your system.It's also worth checking other settings like deinterlacing options and display filter settings in the same preferences section.
Corrupted Installation
If your installation of VLC is corrupt, it can also lead to playback issues.
Reinstall VLC: If the problem persists after updating your drivers, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the latest version from the official VLC website. Make sure to download and install the most recent stable version for your operating system.File Corruption
The video file itself could be corrupted, which would explain why not all videos play smoothly.
Check Media Files: Try playing different video files to see if the issue is consistent across all videos. If it shows up with other files, the problem might be with the video file itself. Use a file properties check or a file integrity checker to ensure the file is not corrupted.System Performance
System performance can also affect video playback in VLC.
Resource Usage: Check if other applications are consuming too many resources. High CPU or GPU usage from other programs can affect playback. Use task manager to monitor system resource usage. Background Programs: Close unnecessary background applications that might interfere with VLC. These can include antivirus scans, media players, and other resource-intensive applications.Operating System Compatibility
Ensuring your operating system is up to date can also resolve compatibility issues.
Update OS: Visit your operating system's settings and check for updates. Keeping the OS and installed software up to date is crucial for compatibility and performance.VLC Cache
VLC’s cache can sometimes cause playback issues.
Clear Cache: Clearing the VLC cache can help resolve playback problems. To do this, go to VLC > Tools > Preferences > Reset to default settings and confirm the reset. This will remove any temporary files that might be causing issues.Check for Conflicts
Other software can also interfere with VLC's ability to play video files correctly.
Other Software: Conflicts with other software like screen recorders or overlays can cause playback issues. Try disabling or uninstalling them temporarily to see if the problem resolves. If the issue is resolved, you can investigate why these applications are incompatible with VLC.If you have tried all of the above steps and the problem still persists, consider checking VLC forums or support pages for more specific guidance related to your operating system and hardware configuration.
How to Fix Corrupted MKV Files
If your problem is specifically with MKV files, which are notorious for corruption due to the wide range of codecs they support, follow these steps to repair them.
1. Download the Latest Version of VLC Player
Using the latest version of VLC player ensures that the codec used to play MKV files is up to date and compatible with your system.
2. Play the Video with VLC
Try playing your MKV file with the latest version of VLC. If the issue is caused by a codec, VLC should be able to handle it without problems.
3. Install Wondershare Video Repair
If the video still doesn't play, consider using a video repair utility like Wondershare Video Repair. This software is capable of repairing corrupted MKV files in a few seconds. Here are the steps to use it:
Download and install Wondershare Video Repair from their official website. Open the software and select the corrupted MKV file. Click on Repair and wait for the process to complete. Once the repair is finished, attempt to play the video with VLC or another video player.For a more detailed guide, watch the video tutorial shared below:
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most video playback issues in VLC Media Player. If you continue to experience problems, consider reaching out to the VLC community or support forums for further assistance.