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If you are trying to play MOV files on Windows 11 then you are at the right place. Windows 11 now comes with three different media players to choose from.

It includes Films & TV, Windows Media Player (latest version), and the new addition – Media Player.

However, the Windows Media Player may fail to recognize the MOV files with HEVC format (H.265), and can only play the MOV H.264/MPEG-4 file formats.

So, can Windows play all types of MOV files? Yes, it can, but you need to install certain codecs or convert them to WMV format to make them play.

Before we guide you on how to play .mov files on Windows 11, let’s tell you a bit more about the .mov files.

MOV is a MPEG-4 video file format, developed by Apple and is similar to the MP4, MKV, or WMV, formats. These files include videos, audio, subtitles, and timecodes.

This format was exclusively designed for their native QuickTime multimedia framework and Quicktime player. But, Windows and Linux systems can play MOV files as well.

While the MOV videos play automatically on Apple devices, you would need to install the appropriate codecs to run them on Windows.

So, answering the question, will MOV file play on Windows, yes, it will, following the below methods.

Once done, you can now play the MOV files on the Windows Media Player.

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You can also refer to our guide on how to install codecs on Windows 11 to play all types of video formats on all built-in players.

Once done, go to the file location and you can now play the .mov file in the Windows Media Player.

You have now successfully converted the MOV file to Windows Media Player format and you will be able to play it without any issues.

You can now, go to the video file and when you run it will open in the VLC Media Player, and run smoothly.

It’s completely free and one of the most popular media players that run almost all formats including MOV files without the need to install extra codecs in most cases.

Alternatively, you can go to Apple support and download the default MOV player – Quick Time Player for Windows. Install the player and now, open the MOV video file with QuickTime.

You can also refer to our guide on 5+ best universal video players for Windows 10 & 11 to play almost all video formats and avoid bumping into a missing codec error in the first place.

This will not just address your query, Why won’t MOV files play on my computer? but will also help you play the MOV file on the Windows Media Player and on other media players.

If you still encounter any errors while playing the MOV files on Windows 11 or you discover a solution, do let us know in the comments box below.

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