Buzz
MKV files are videos encoded in the open-source Matroska format. This format offers several advantages over AVI, MP4, ASF, and others. However, the default media players on most computers often lack the necessary codecs to open MKV files, causing them to be labeled as "unknown" or "unopenable." Fortunately, resolving this issue is straightforward, and you can then enjoy watching MKV files on your computer or Mac. Read on to discover some methods for playing MKV files on your computer and Mac.
Steps
Use Compatible Media Player Software
Choose a media player that supports MKV format. There are many completely free options available. Some are well-designed, even surpassing the default software on your computer, while others may not be as impressive. Different players offer various features and functionalities for video playback—what you need is a reliable, user-friendly player that can handle MKV files without requiring much intervention.
- VLC Media Player (commonly referred to as "VLC") is a free, widely-used software that meets these requirements (and more). The following steps in this section will guide you based on using VLC.
- VLC isn't the only compatible option. Many other players can handle MKV files and offer similar functionalities to VLC. For example, Media Player Classic (MPC) and MplayerX are also excellent choices.
Download and install the media player software. While the rest of this section is written for VLC, you can apply this step to other software. Find the download link online for your chosen software. Make sure to select trustworthy and safe websites—Cnet.com is a reliable and widely-used site that hosts download links for a variety of software, including VLC Player. If you use Cnet, type "VLC Player" into the search bar to get relevant results. Download the software, open the installation file, and follow the instructions to install it on your computer.
- For convenience, create a desktop shortcut. This makes accessing the new software easier—a great option if you're not tech-savvy.
- Ensure you download the version of VLC compatible with your operating system. VLC is divided into two versions for Windows and Mac.
Launch VLC. After installation, start the software. You may be prompted to confirm allowing the software to access internet information. You'll see a black window with an orange traffic cone icon in the center. From this point, you can access all of VLC's functionalities, including video playback.
Open the video file. Click on the "Media" button on the toolbar at the top of the VLC window. Next, select "Open File." Locate and choose the MKV file. In most cases, the MKV file will open without any issues!
- Note—the instructions above are for the Windows version of VLC.
- While VLC can open most MKV files without problems, there have been reports of issues with a compressed video format called RealVideo. In such cases, you'll need compatible software to play RealVideo.
Use a Codec Pack
Understand the pros and cons of codec packs. A codec (short for coder-decoder) is a computer software used to encode and decode any digital media. In this case, you need a codec that can decode and open MKV files. Fortunately, many free "codec packs" available online provide codecs not only for MKV files but also for many other file types. These codec packs have certain advantages and disadvantages when opening MKV files.
- Advantages: As mentioned earlier, the codec packs we use often include codecs for a wide range of video formats—not just MKV. This means you can play many other video formats after downloading and installing a codec pack. If your video files are sourced from various places, using a comprehensive codec pack ensures you can handle most file formats.
- Disadvantages: Codec packs are a "brute force" method for opening stubborn video files. While they usually work, if you download unnecessary codecs just to open one video format, you're wasting hardware memory. Additionally, if something goes wrong and you can't open any video files, it can be challenging to pinpoint which part of the codec pack is causing the issue.
Download and install the appropriate codec pack. If you decide to go with this method, you need to download a safe, well-reviewed codec pack that supports MKV files. The official website recommends using the Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP) for Windows computers. Another option for PCs is the K-Lite Codec Pack, available for free at codecguide.com. Download your chosen codec pack, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- For Mac users, things are simpler—you only need to download a compatible media player. Perian, an open-source project, adds video extension functionality (including MKV support) to Quicktime Player and is definitely effective, though it hasn’t been updated since 2012. It’s no longer highlighted on the Perian website, and the developers recommend alternatives like Niceplayer, VLC, and MPlayer OS X.
- Note—before installing a codec pack, uninstall any outdated or conflicting versions on your computer to avoid errors.
Open the MKV file with compatible software. After installing the codec pack, you can play videos using most pre-installed media players on your computer. Codec pack developers recommend free, frequently updated software like VLC or Media Player Classic. However, default players like Windows Media Player should also work.
- During installation, you may be prompted to adjust "filter" settings. If you’re not tech-savvy, it’s best to stick with the default options.
- If you encounter issues opening a specific file, try opening another file of the same format. If it works, the problem lies with the original file, which might be corrupted or unplayable.
Troubleshooting
Use a free MKV diagnostic tool. Despite the efforts of its creators, MKV files can still be tricky to open, especially on computers. The developers of Matroska understand this and have created a dedicated tool to diagnose MKV file issues. This tool, called matroskadiag.exe, analyzes files and checks if you’ve installed the correct codecs and filters for playback. The diagnostic tool is completely free and can be downloaded from the Matroska website, matroska.org.
Use third-party diagnostic software. The official diagnostic tool mentioned above isn’t the only option for analyzing files. There are many free programs available that can handle a wide range of file formats. One such tool is KC’s VideoInspector, which you can download for free from afterdawn.com.
Download software compatible with RealVideo. The software and codec packs listed above can resolve most MKV file issues. However, one persistent problem they can’t address is RealVideo. RealVideo is a compressed video format. Essentially, MKV files can be compressed into RealVideo, and this format cannot be played using standard media players. To view RealVideo, you’ll need a specialized software called RealPlayer, which is available for free at real.com.
- Alternatively, if you prefer not to download the official software, you can opt for third-party solutions like Real Alternative, which can be downloaded for free from various online sources.
Tips
- Try to find a codec for your computer’s default media player. Some software, like Quicktime and Media Player Classic, can play MKV files if the appropriate codec is installed.
