To play a .MOV file on Windows 10, right-click it and select Open with > Movies & TV. Most .MOV files play in the apps built into Windows 10. If you see an error or hear sound with no picture, the video was probably recorded in HEVC (common on newer phones), and you need the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Open the file in Movies & TV
- Open File Explorer and find the .MOV file.
- Right-click it and select Open with > Movies & TV.
- To open .MOV files this way every time, select Open with > Choose another app, pick Movies & TV, check Always use this app to open .mov files, and select OK. See how to set default apps in Windows 10.
You can also try Windows Media Player from the same Open with list.
If the video won’t play
If Movies & TV shows an error like “This item was encoded in a format that’s not supported,” the file needs a codec that Windows 10 doesn’t include.
- Open Microsoft Store and search for HEVC Video Extensions.
- Install it. Microsoft may charge a small fee.
- Open the .MOV file again.
Only get codecs from the Microsoft Store or another trusted source. Free “codec packs” from random websites can cause problems.
Other things to try
- If the file came from a phone, check the camera settings on the phone for a more compatible video format for future videos.
- If the video is sideways, see how to rotate a video in Windows 10.
- To cut out part of the video, see how to trim a video in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .MOV file?
It’s a video file format first made for QuickTime. Many phones and cameras save videos as .MOV.
Do I need to convert .MOV to MP4?
Usually not. Once the right codec is installed, Windows 10 plays .MOV files as they are.
Microsoft’s reference is Codecs FAQ. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.