How to open .MOV files on Windows
To open .MOV files on Windows, right-click the .MOV file and select 'Open with'.
Step-by-step instructions
- Right-click the .MOV file and select 'Open with'.
- Choose a media player like VLC or QuickTime if installed.
Recommended software
- VLC media player (free)
- Films & TV (built in)
Common issues
MOV file won't play
The file may be corrupted or the software lacks necessary codecs.
- Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
- Ensure your media player is up-to-date.
No sound in MOV file
Audio codecs might be missing or incompatible.
- Check the volume settings in your media player.
- Install necessary audio codecs or try a different player.
A .mov video from an iPhone will not play on Windows (codec error)
iPhones record HEVC (H.265) video by default; Windows needs an extra codec for that, and older players cannot decode it.
- Open it in VLC media player, which includes HEVC support.
- Alternatively install the "HEVC Video Extensions" from the Microsoft Store.
- On the iPhone, choose Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible" for future recordings.
Still can’t open your .MOV file?
Repair a damaged .MOV file
If the file opens with errors or not at all, a dedicated repair tool can often rebuild it. Work on a copy and keep the original file untouched.
Recover a deleted or lost .MOV file
If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.
Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.
Wondershare RecoveritWindows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.
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Security note
Open .MOV files only from trusted sources.