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7 Solutions to Why Your GoPro Videos Won’t Play on Your Computer
Is your GoPro video not playing on PC? Look for signs corruption & run the troubleshooter
7 min. read
Updated onMarch 21, 2024
updated onMarch 21, 2024
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GoPro is a high-resolution camera that can record 4K video. After recording footage, many GoPro users will transfer videos to their desktops or laptops so they can play the clips with Windows media players. But sometimes, GoPro videos won’t play on PC no matter what you do.
Don’t worry, we will show you how to play GoPro videos on PC or laptop even if they are reluctant at first. And speaking about firsts, we should definitely have a look at the causes for which GoPro video not playing on PC issues appear, to begin with.
Why won’t my GoPro videos play on my computer?
Let’s assume you already checked the official system requirements and that it’s a match. Even so, you might be struggling with different kinds of incompatibilities.
The media player or program you’re using might not fully support the needed formats or HEVC encoding and if such is the case,reliable software to watch GoPro videoswill definitely come in handy.
If you can’t open GoPro files on PC, resolution differences can also be blamed, or even a shortage of memory. Finally, file corruption is a regular suspect when it comes to playing videos, so you mustn’t rule that out.
Let’s quickly go through some of the most common issues reported by users:
Without further ado, here are some quick and easy methods to help you fix GoPro video not playing on PC issues in no time.
How do I watch my GoPro videos on my computer?
1. Use a video-focused program
Adobe Premiere Pro takes center stage for many video editors these days and not only. Believe it or not, it does much more than high-quality audio andvideo editing.
If Windows 10 simply refuses to play GoPro videos, Adobe Premiere Pro can be a lifesaver. Downloading the free version is incredibly easy, and then all you have to do is to open the video file in it.
Don’t hesitate to export it to another popular format on your computer and open it in a player of your choice.
And if you’re still not convinced, remember that it integrates with other Adobe products that you already use daily.
Adobe Premiere Pro
2. Check your system specifications
GoPro users record their videos at the highest 4K resolution, which is exactly why GoPro videos are not playing on computers for some users.
GoPro users need higher specification laptops and desktops to play their 4K videos in Windows. Media software doesn’t play 4K videos for users with PCs that don’t meet these minimum system requirements for 4K:
Some users will probably need to upgrade their laptops and desktops to play 4K GoPro videos. Users can check their system specs via the System Info window.
3. Play GoPro Videos with a Media Player that supports HEVC
If you’re wondering how to play GoPro 4K video on a PC, you will need amedia player that supports HEVC.
Windows Media Player doesn’t play 4K videos without the Media Player Codec Pack. 5K Player, KMPlayer, and VLC are three of the best media players for 4K clips. So, install one of those media players.
4. Open the Video Playback Troubleshooter
The Video Playback troubleshooter inWindows 10can fix video playback issues. Therefore, thattroubleshootermight come in handy if GoPro videos are not playing on the computer.
5. Convert the GoPro Video to a lower-resolution format
Those users who can’t play 4K GoPro videos inWindows 10can convert them to 1080p clips with Handbrake.
That will probably ensure the videos’ resolutions aren’t too high for a desktop or laptop, but users can also convert their GoPro clips to ones with resolutions lower than 720p.
If you want to know how to play a GoPro 4K video on PC, converting it to a lower resolution with Handbrake might be the best option, especially if you’re using a lower-end PC.
6. Fix corrupted GoPro video files
If GoPro videos are not playing on your computer, it’s possible that the videos got corrupted during the recording process.
GoPro video files can get corrupted when the camera unexpectedly shuts down. Thus, some users might need tofix a corrupted GoPro video.
GoPro cameras display SOS repair icons that highlight corrupted files. Place the SD card that includes the video which doesn’t play within the camera.
Then the camera might display an SOS signal on its LCD display when switched on. If so, press any button when you see theRepairicon to fix a corrupted file.
7. Free up RAM and disk storage
Windows 10media players usually don’t play GoPro clips because their 4K resolutions are too high. Converting the videos to lower-resolution formats will usually ensure playback.
However, some users might need to free up RAM and hard drive storage (for 4K playback) or repair corrupted GoPro videos.
4K GoPro videos also hog a lot of system resources inWindows 10. Thus, some users might need tofree up RAMandhard drive space(for virtual memory) to ensure there is sufficient space toplay their 4K footage.
More about the topics:Adobe Premiere,video issues
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
