Tips to open MKV file
Can't open the MKV file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MKV files as well as a list of programs that support MKV files.
MKV file extension
| File Name |
Matroska Video Format |
| File Developer |
Matroska |
| File Category |
Video Files |
The MKV file is supported on 5 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MKV files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MKV file on each system platform.
What is MKV file?
The .MKV file is a Video file. It is currently one of the most popular video file formats along with .AVI and .MP4. Its popularity is due to the possibility of embedding additional paths in the file. These can be video, audio or subtitle tracks. You can switch between the indicated paths or cancel them altogether. The .MKV format is not recommended for physical players as not all devices support it. It is also worth noting that when converting, you must select the path to be used in the target file.
How to open MKV file?
The most common problem when using Matroska Video Format is that a specific MKV is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open MKV, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MKV 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 Elmedia Player
The first step is to check if the computer has the Elmedia Player program installed. This can be achieved by typing Elmedia Player into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support MKV files.
Programs to open MKV file
Remember to download programs supporting MKV files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Elmedia Player with MKV files
If, despite the installed application, the MKV file does not start in the Elmedia Player application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the MKV file with the Elmedia Player program.
Step 3. Update Elmedia Player to the latest version
If, however, after binding Elmedia Player with Matroska Video Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Eltima Software GmbH. website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MKV file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the MKV file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
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. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our MKV file. However, remember that not every infected MKV file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the MKV files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged MKV files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Matroska help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file MKV 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 of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move MKV to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MKV file again. However, some background programs may block the MKV file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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