Tips to open AVI file

Can't open the AVI file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AVI files as well as a list of programs that support AVI files.

AVI file extension

File Name Audio Video Interleave Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Video Files

The AVI file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AVI files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AVI file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 8
  • 6
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is AVI file?

An .AVI file is one of the most popular video file formats, although a high-quality video track can result in a huge .AVI file size. This format is most compatible with any video player. There should be no problem playing this file, however on older operating systems additional software may be required. It is recommended to use .MP4 files for better quality. The AVI container format was introduced in 1992 by Microsoft.

How to open AVI file?

An often recurring problem with Audio Video Interleave Format is that AVI is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that AVI files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AVI file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install QuickTime Player

In this case, you should first verify that the QuickTime Player application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name QuickTime Player into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support AVI files.

Programs to open AVI file

Remember to download programs supporting AVI files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of QuickTime Player with AVI files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the AVI file still does not use the QuickTime Player program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the AVI file with the QuickTime Player application.

Step 3. Update QuickTime Player to the latest version

If, despite the association of the QuickTime Player program with the Audio Video Interleave Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Apple, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AVI file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The AVI file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to AVI files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the AVI file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected AVI files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the AVI files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged AVI files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file AVI except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the AVI file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file AVI to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the AVI file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.