“Can't view GoPro footage on Windows 10”? Encountering the same problem? The GoPro video not playing on PC problems can be frustrating. Luckily, there are solutions you can try to fix these playback issues.

This guide will discuss the steps to troubleshoot and resolve these common problems. Follow along to get your videos playing smoothly and make the most of your GoPro experience.

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In this article
    1. Fix 1: Repair Damaged GoPro Videos Not Playing with Video Repair Tool
    2. Fix 2: Convert the GoPro Video to A Lower-Resolution Format
    3. Fix 3: Utilize the Video Playback Troubleshooter
    4. Fix 4: Clean up RAM and Disk Storage
    5. Fix 5: Compress Larger GoPro MP4 Videos

Part 1. Why Are My GoPro Videos Not Playing On PC?

Before we look at solutions, let's understand why GoPro videos might not play on your PC:

  • Many players and devices can't handle GoPro's HEVC format, especially at high resolutions.
  • The GoPro CineForm codec might not be widely compatible with most media players or devices.
  • High-resolution videos (4K) need powerful hardware and compatible players.
  • Lack of space can slow down or prevent video playback.
  • Video files may be damaged due to improper edits, power loss during transfer, or other issues.

Part 2. Top 5 Fixes For GoPro Mp4 Files Not Playing

Based on the causes discussed, here are the top 5 fixes to help get your GoPro videos playing smoothly on your PC. Try each workable solution one at a time to resolve the issue.

Fix 1: Repair Damaged GoPro Videos Not Playing with Video Repair Tool

If your GoPro video doesn't play in VLC or other media players, the file is likely corrupted. This can happen due to interrupted recordings, faulty memory cards, or unexpected power loss. Thus leaving you unable to view your videos on your PC.

When faced with these issues, Repairit Video Repair is the best-recommended solution. Repairit is designed to fix corrupted, damaged, or unplayable videos from popular action cameras like GoPro. Repairit Video Repair not only fixes playback issues but also restores the full functionality of your files, setting a new standard in the industry with its innovative repair technologies.

Key Features:

  • Repairit introduces the first gyroscope data repair feature, restoring damaged GoPro gyroscope parameters with an impressive 98.15% success rate. This innovation significantly enhances the usability of repaired files, outperforming other competitors in the market.
  • Repairit’s encoded GoPro video repair offers unmatched efficiency, restoring videos with a 99.47% improvement in repair quality compared to competitors. This feature ensures that even complex encoded videos are recovered effectively.
  • Repairit’s advanced repair quality has been optimized, surpassing competitors in GoPro video repair success rates.
  • Repairit has significantly improved its performance, especially on Mac, with up to 85% faster installation speed and 73% faster startup.

Step 1. Run Repairit Video Repair. Next, press +Add within the Video Repair section to fix GoPro video in the repair list.

add gopro video

Step 2. After uploading the GoPro video, click Repair to start the repair process.

repair gopro video
icon note
Note: You must use the Advanced Repair feature to repair GoPro gyroscope data and the regular steps can't achieve this.

Step 3. See the Preview option to view the repaired GoPro videos. If the GoPro videos appear great for you, select Save and choose a file location.

advance gopro repair mode
Repair Damaged GoPro Videos Not Playing

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Fix 2: Convert the GoPro Video to A Lower-Resolution Format

If your GoPro 4K video isn't playing, it may be due to compatibility issues with the HEVC format. Convert the video to H.264, a more widely supported format, using VideoProc Converter AI.

VideoProc Converter AI is a powerful yet easy-to-use video processing software that lets you reduce file size, transcode videos, change resolution, and repair corrupted videos, helping to fix GoPro playback and editing issues.

Follow these steps to convert GoPro HEVC Video to H.264 with VideoProc Converter AI:

Step 1: Download and run VideoProc Converter AI.

Step 2: Click the Video processing panel.

video processing panel

Step 3: Click +Video to add your GoPro HEVC video.

Step 4: Choose MP4 H.264 under the Video tab.

Step 5: Press RUN to start the conversion.

convert gopro to mp4

Tip: Enable Nvidia/Intel/AMD acceleration to speed up the conversion process.

Fix 3: Utilize the Video Playback Troubleshooter

If you're still having trouble with GoPro video playback, try running the Video Playback Troubleshooter on Windows 10.

This is a built-in tool that helps fix common video playback issues. It detects software conflicts, adjusts video settings, updates or reinstalls outdated drivers, and suggests changes to improve video compatibility and performance. Running this tool can resolve errors that prevent smooth playback of GoPro videos on your PC.

Follow these steps to do so:

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings. Next, select System.

Step 2: Scroll down to Troubleshoot and click it.

click troubleshoot

Step 3: Click Other Troubleshooters.

click other troubleshooters

Step 4: Scroll to Video Playback and click it. Then, enable Run.

run video playback

Step 5: Check if the GoPro video plays properly.

Fix 4: Clean up RAM and Disk Storage

Cleaning up RAM and disk storage on your PC ensures smooth performance and resolving issues with playing GoPro videos. Insufficient RAM or cluttered disk storage can lead to slow performance, choppy playback, or even failure to play videos. By freeing up resources and optimizing your system, you can enhance video playback and overall system stability.

Here's how to clean up RAM and disk storage on your PC:

Step 1: Close unnecessary programs and background applications.

Step 2: Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end high-RAM processes.

task manager

Step 3: Use Disk Cleanup. Uninstall programs you don't need. You can also move excessive large files to an external drive or cloud storage.

disk cleanup

Fix 5: Compress Larger GoPro MP4 Videos

Sometimes, high-resolution or high-frame-rate videos can be demanding on your system, leading to playback issues. By compressing these videos, you reduce their file size, making them easier to handle and ensuring smoother playback. This can help prevent choppy or stuttery video, improve performance, and free up valuable storage space on your device.

You can use VideoProc Converter AI for an easy process.

Step 1: Select Video. Click +Video to load your GoPro videos.

Step 2: Choose an output profile and adjust settings:

  • Select HEVC for about 50% size reduction while maintaining quality.
  • Use Option to lower resolution, bit rate, and frame rate.
compress larger gopro mp4 videos

Step 3: Click RUN to start compressing the video.

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Conclusion

If your GoPro videos aren't playing on your PC, try the solutions mentioned above. You can repair damaged files with Repairit Video Repair, convert videos to compatible formats with VideoProc Converter AI, use the Video Playback Troubleshooter, clean up RAM and disk storage, and compress large files. These steps will help resolve playback issues and improve your GoPro video experience.

FAQ

  • How can I ensure my GoPro video files are not corrupted during transfer?
    To minimize the risk of file corruption, always use reliable cables and card readers when transferring files from your GoPro. Ensure that the GoPro is turned off before removing the SD card to avoid file corruption.
  • Can I play GoPro videos on a different operating system?
    Yes. GoPro videos can be played on different operating systems (e.g., macOS, Linux) if you use compatible media players and have the necessary codecs installed.
  • Are there any specific settings I should use when exporting GoPro videos to ensure compatibility?
    When exporting videos, choose common formats like MP4 with H.264 codec for maximum compatibility. Ensure that the resolution and frame rate are standard (e.g., 1080p at 30 fps) to avoid playback issues.
Mack Wilson
Mack Wilson Sep 24, 24
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Mack Wilson
Written by Mack Wilson
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