Windows Media Player Won't Play Movies

Before your Windows Media Player can play videos, you must have the proper codec installed. Windows Media Player automatically downloads the right codec for the movie before you play it, but the software's ability to download the codec depends on your Internet settings. Internet Explorer's security settings control and block automatic downloading by Media Player. To fix this issue and play your movie, you must edit the security settings on your computer.

• 1

  Click the Windows "Start" button and select "All Programs." Click "Internet Explorer" to open your web browser.

• 2

  Click the "Tool" button at the top of the software and select "Internet Options." This opens a configuration window.

• 3

  Click the "Security" tab. Click the "Custom Level" button to open a new window. Scroll down to the option labeled "Download unsigned ActiveX controls" and select "Enabled."

• 4

  Click "OK" to save your settings. Close Internet Explorer and then open your Media Player movie again. Media Player opens the video and downloads the codec so you can view it.