PowerPoint Cannot Play Media (Video Not Playing)

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Convert to a supported format

   Copy steps
   1. 01Convert the clip to .mp4 with H.264 video and AAC audio
   2. 02Delete the old video from the slide
   3. 03Insert > Video > This Device and pick the new file
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Embed instead of linking

   Copy steps
   1. 01Keep the video file in the same folder as the deck
   2. 02Re-insert it with Insert > Video > This Device (not 'Link to File')
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Optimize media compatibility

   Copy steps
   1. 01Go to File > Info
   2. 02Select Optimize Compatibility if it is shown and wait for it to finish
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Check playback settings

   Copy steps
   1. 01Select the video, open the Playback tab
   2. 02Check Volume and Start (Automatically or When Clicked)
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

'PowerPoint cannot play media', a black box, or no sound when the slide shows.

Why it happens

• C-01Unsupported format or missing codec
• C-02Linked video moved, renamed or on another computer
• C-03Corrupted video file
• C-04Muted slide or playback setting

// this guide also covers

• powerpoint cannot play media
• video not playing in powerpoint
• powerpoint video won't play

Other Microsoft PowerPoint errors

• PowerPoint Not Responding or Freezing
• PowerPoint Won't Open or Crashes on Startup
• PowerPoint Found a Problem With Content
• An Error Occurred While PowerPoint Was Saving the File
• PowerPoint Presenter View Not Working
• How to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint
• PowerPoint Designer Not Working (Design Ideas Greyed Out)
• Copilot Not Showing in PowerPoint