In today’s world, flawless video viewing or streaming is a necessity. However, it’s important to remember that you might at some point encounter PC video issues and problems like no sound, screen flickering, or incorrect resolution to severe disruptions like screen artifacts, a black screen, or video file corruption on your PCs, laptops, and desktops that disrupt the video-watching experience.
Users who encounter any of these PC video issues feel confused, worried, and concerned about the video files and their devices, as well as about the solutions to resolve these issues and the costs involved.
The reasons can be anything from the simplest to the most complex, including loose or improperly connected devices or other peripherals, damaged cables, a faulty graphic card, etc. Software issues, such as outdated or corrupt drivers or codecs, outdated Media Player, or misconfigured settings, might also be the reason.
Fortunately, regardless of the issue preventing you from enjoying your favorite videos on your PC, you can resolve it. You can try various solutions, such as replacing faulty hardware devices, updating or reinstalling your operating system, Media Player, Drivers, and Codecs, or repairing your video files using a professional video repair tool like RIKVR Video Repair Software.
Let’s explore the minor and the major PC video issues users might experience while playing video files on their PCs.
Minor PC Video Issues and Computer Video Problems
Minor desktop video glitches are those problems that can be solved easily without professional help.
Problem #1: Issues with the Video Player
This is the easiest computer video troubleshooting solution out there. If you have tried to play the video file(s) on one Media Player and encountered glitches and errors, how do you know if the issue is with the video file or the Video Player?
The Answer: Try Playing the Same Video Files on a Different Media Player
Playing the same problematic video files on a different Media Player can help you understand the cause of the problem.
If you could play the videos without encountering any glitches or errors on the different Media Players, your Media Player was causing the problems.
However, if the issue continues, the problem will be caused by problematic video files.
If your Video or Media Player is problematic, I recommend updating the Media Player, Codecs, Drivers, and operating system.
However, if your video files are the source of the problem, you can try to repair them using various solutions mentioned in this article.
Problem #2: Video Issues Caused Due To Outdated Media Player
An outdated Media or Video Player can be why few users encounter issues like incompatibility with the Operating System, incompatible file format support, bugs, constant application crashes, reduced system functionality, no security patches, and prone to vulnerabilities.
The Answer: Update the Media Player
Update your Video Player(s) regularly. This will help you enhance the video viewing experience and eliminate or resolve any issues that might have been caused by using an older version of your Media or Video Player.
Problem #3: Muted Sound
Muted sound prevents audio playback or sound from being heard by Video viewers. In such scenarios, you can see the video but have issues listening to the audio or the sound part, triggering an unpleasant video-viewing experience.
The Answer: Unmute the Sound
Verify if the sound option is on and has not been disabled or muted. Unmuting the sound or audio option will help you solve the problem.
Many users have faced low or unhearable sound issues despite the high volume. In such cases, the solution can also be to unmute the option if the sound option is muted.
Problem #4: Low Sound While The Volume option is High
The volume slider is adjusted to high settings, but the audio volume remains low. This issue indicates a discrepancy between the expected and the actual audio output levels.
One might encounter this problem for various reasons, such as hardware limitations, such as speakers or headphones, which might produce low volume even when the volume is increased to high.
It can also be due to misconfigured audio settings within the application, Media Player, or Operating System.
The Answer: Adjust the Volume Settings
As mentioned earlier, you can try unmuting the sound as a first option. Later, you can move to solutions like checking if the headphones or speakers are properly connected to the audio output ports on your system. Try different speakers or headphones to see if the audio device or system settings are the issue.
You can also adjust or disable sound enhancement options to improve audio.
You can reset the audio settings and restart the system.
Problem #5: Unsupported File Format and Inaccessibility across all Media Players and Operating systems
The video file you are trying to open and play is an unsupported file format that is incompatible with your Video Player or device.
This also prevents you from accessing or using the file’s contents.
The Answer: Use compatible software or convert the file format
The first thing that you should do is verify the file extension to understand the file type. This will help you identify the appropriate software that is needed.
For example, VLC Media Player is highly recommended for playing files of any extension. However, Windows Media Player needs additional codecs to play video files for MP4, MKV, MOV, FLV, WEBM, M4V, 3GP, etc. Similarly, QuickTime Player is not recommended for playing MPG, 3GP, WEBM, FLV, WMV, MKV, AVI, etc.
Later, you can update the Media Player and install the necessary Codecs.
One can also try converting the video file format using VLC Media Player, Cloudconvert, HandBrake, or other free online video converter tools.
Moving on to the next issue, problems during the video conversion process.
Problem #6: Issues During Conversion
When files are converted from one format to another, one might encounter PC video issues such as large file sizes, incomplete conversions, poor quality, and unsupported format errors.
Conversion issues affect the accessibility and usability of the Video files.
The Answer: Use a reliable file conversion tool
Always use reliable conversion software. Unreliable video converter tools can do more harm than good.
Were your video files corrupt or damaged before you tried to convert them? Corrupt video files can also lead to an incomplete or unsuccessful conversion process. In such a case, you must repair your video files using the RIKVR Video Repair Tool.
Adjusting the conversion settings such as bitrate, resolution, frame rate, codec, and file format might help.
You might also have chosen an unsupported video format that your Video Player did not recognize or support. Refer to the last problem to learn more about the unsupported video file format.
Problem #7: Balance Issue
The balance issue occurs when the sound output from the headphones or speakers is unbalanced or uneven. One side is louder or working, and the other side sounds low or has no sound. This issue significantly affects the experience, making it uncomfortable to watch your favorite videos.
The Answer: Adjust balance settings in audio properties
Depending on the cause of the problem. You can test with different hardware devices and check the physical connection of the plugged-in output devices. Update the Audio drivers to resolve the issue.
Additionally, you can adjust the balance settings by navigating to the sound settings.
Problem #8: Static or Background Noise
Unwanted sounds (constant hiss, hum, buzz, pop, or crackle) interfere with the desired audio output. This is annoying and reduces the overall quality of the video-watching experience.
Damaged or poor-quality audio cables can introduce noise. Additionally, you can have damaged or faulty audio hardware.
The Answer: Check connections or switch to a different audio port
Check the cable connections to ensure all cables are securely connected. If you find any damaged or poor-quality cables, I suggest you replace any damaged ones and use shielded cables to minimize interference.
You can also use a ground loop isolator to eliminate any background. In case a ground loop issue caused the issue.
Problem #9: Stretched or Distorted Images Due to Issues with the Aspect Ratio
The issue of stretched or distorted images will mostly occur when the aspect ratio of the display and the media player does not match the native aspect ratio of the video being played.
The video can appear stretched, distorted, or squished whenever a mismatch occurs.
The Answer: Adjust aspect ratio settings
Adjusting the display aspect will ensure the videos are displayed with the correct aspect ratio, preventing stretching or distortion. Ultimately, this will enhance the video viewing experience and ensure the content is presented as intended.
Your system generally shows the issue. In that case, I suggest you navigate to the Display settings and select the recommended resolution from the list, making sure it matches your display’s default settings.
But if only your video player showed the issue, you must launch the video player, go to the video settings screen, and change the display resolution.
Problem #10: Inaccurate Color Representation
Inaccurate or wrong color representation mainly occurs when the colors displayed on the screen do not match the true colors. The colors lack depth and look washed out and saturated, making them look unnatural and artificial.
The problem can be anything from hardware limitations, incorrect color profile, uncalibrated display, lightning conditions, and environmental factors.
The Answer: Calibrate the Display
Calibrating your display will ensure that the colors you see on your screen are as accurate as possible. This will enhance your video viewing experience and ensure that any color-intensive part is displayed correctly.
Use the built-in display calibration tools on Windows or Mac systems. You can also use third-party or online calibration tools like the Lagom LCD test, CalMAN, Datacolor Spyder, etc.
All of these solutions can help you improve your video-watching experience.
These are all minor problems that can be solved quickly. The next section talks about major video problems.
Major PC Video Issues and Video Errors
Major computer video or video playback problems are severe issues that prevent users from watching their favorite video files on their Windows or Mac systems.
Unlike minor PC video glitches, these desktop video problems take much more time to resolve.
Problem #1: Conflicts with Other Software Applications Causing Video Issues on PC
Sometimes, your Media Player might conflict with other software applications for various reasons, like system resources.
Playing high-quality and high-resolution video files is a resource-intensive process. If your system runs short of essential resources, you might experience various computer video lags and glitches.
The Answer: Close the Background Applications
Closing the various background applications will help free up essential system resources, such as CPU, GPU, and Memory, required to play video files smoothly.
Additionally, I recommend you delete any unwanted files, folders, and data to boost disk space.
Problem #2: PC Video Issues Due to Conflicting Drivers
Frequent system or application crashes, blue or black screen, inconsistent video playback, or slow or reduced performance. These problems are triggered by conflicting drivers where one updated driver might clash with another outdated driver.
The Answer: Reinstall the Drivers
If problematic drivers caused the desktop video issues, the best solution is to roll back to an earlier version of drivers or completely reinstall them.
This helps you eliminate problematic drivers and install a fresh version of healthy drivers, fixing any issues and problems you face due to problematic drivers.
Problem #3: Incomplete System or Application Updates
At times, your computer video errors, such as “Update required,” “Incomplete installation,” or “Application not fully installed,” may occur while you are trying to play video files on your desktop or laptop.
The issue is mostly due to an incomplete, incorrect, or improper updating process.
The Answer: Complete the System or Application Process
First, restart the system. Then, proceed to try the application or system updating process once again.
Suppose these solutions do not work. Then, the application or the operating system must be reinstalled to solve the issues or desktop video errors resulting from incomplete application downloads or updates.
Problem #4: PC Video Issues Due To Missing or Outdated Drivers
Drivers are vital for the smooth functioning of Media Players, Audio/Video devices, Codecs, Graphics Cards, etc.
If these drivers become outdated, missing, damaged, or corrupt, you can try updating or reinstalling them.
The Answer: Update or Reinstall the Drivers
Updating the older drivers can be helpful if they get outdated and a newer version is available. But you need to try installing a fresh copy if they are missing. If they become damaged or corrupt, try deleting or uninstalling them first, then install a fresh version of the drivers.
This will help you fix any problems or issues caused by device drivers.
Problem #5: Blank Screen due to Lack of Video Signal
The monitor or the screen displays a blank screen instead of playing the video file. This indicates that it has not yet received any video signal from the computer or the other device.
This might be due to various reasons, such as a loose connection, problematic ports, issues with the monitor, improper power supply, or other hardware issues.
The Answer: Check the Connections and Power Supply, Try Different Ports
Checking the cable connections between your system and your monitor and ensuring a stable power supply are essential solutions to help you fix the issue.
Also, try different cables, ports, and monitors to see what might have caused the issue.
You can also check the Monitor Input Settings, update the graphics drivers, reset the monitor settings, and check for any Hardware Issues.
Problem #6: Issues with the Backlight
A backlight issue means a dim or completely dark display, even though the screen functions well.
The Answer: Adjust Backlight Settings or Check the Backlight Connection
Ensure your system is getting an adequate power supply. Use the brightness keys to increase the screen’s brightness.
Using a desktop or monitor, use the on-screen display (OSD) buttons to adjust the brightness and contrast settings.
Additionally, you should update your graphic drivers and check for any physical damages, such as cracks, dents, and other signs of damage, that might prevent you from viewing video files or doing other work.
If your screen or the backlight has been damaged, I suggest repairing or replacing it.
Problem #7: Complete Lack of Sound While Playing Videos
Is the issue only with the video or also with the audio? Many users have also complained that the sound was lacking in their files. The lack of sound might be due to anything, from low or muted volume to loose cable connections, outdated or problematic audio drivers, or issues with the audio device.
The Answer: Check Sound Settings, Cables, or Audio Drivers
Depending on the cause of the problem, you can use a different set of audio devices. Check the connection of the existing speakers or headphones. Update the audio drivers or reinstall the problematic ones.
If there’s any issue, I recommend running Windows troubleshooter. You can also check if the audio running service status is on or off.
Problem #8: Video Corruption
Your video files might get corrupt due to any reason such as improper download or transfer, the hardware device where the files were saved might have gotten damaged, corrupt, failed, or about to fail, bugs and glitches, or other issues with the software that you have used to record, edit, or play the video files. As you might have guessed, one might also find corrupt video files due to viruses and malware attacks, power failures, system crashes, etc.
All of these issues make your favorite video files corrupt or ultimately unplayable.
The Answer: Restore any Backup File or Repair the Problematic or Corrupt Video File
Irrespective of the reason why your video files have become unplayable. Then, you can either get rid of those files and restore any healthy version of the same files from backup. Or use any reliable video repair tool to repair corrupt video files.
Since we just talked about video file corruption. This brings us to the next severe problem.
Problem #9: Blue or Black Screen of Death While Playing Video Files
Blue or Black screen of death signals a critical system error in Windows that causes the system to crash and become unresponsive.
In situations like this, the screen becomes plain black or displays a blue color, while the audio works fine.
This indicates any underlying issues with the system or video files.
The Answer: Reduce the Hardware Acceleration, Reinstall the Media Player, Adjust the Settings
If the issue is with the video files, I suggest you scan for any viruses and malware. If the issue is with your video files, try solutions like the Rikvr Video Repair Tool.
However, if system issues trigger the issue, try updating the graphic drivers, the media player, or the operating system.
Suppose the issue of the black or blue screen of death (BSOD) was caused by corrupt system files. Running DISM and SFC scans can help you repair them.
Problem #10: Hardware Issues
Hardware issues usually refer to problems with the computer’s physical parts that can cause various issues, such as system instability, system crashes, and reduced performance. All of these can affect the system’s functionality, including video playback. Thereby causing PC video issues.
These issues can usually result from defective RAM, faulty graphics cards, unstable power supply problems, issues with the system’s motherboard, or a failing hard drive or SSD.
The Answer: Check and Replace any Faulty Hardware Components
Systematically checking and replacing faulty or damaged hardware components or parts can help you resolve any hardware issue and restore performance and system stability.
Power off the system and disconnect it from the power source. Open the case and use compressed air to clean out the dust and debris from the fan, heatsinks, and other components.
All of this improves airflow and helps you reduce the system’s core temperature.
You should also test, check, and replace faulty cables, output devices, memory, storage, and display devices.
Conclusion
To summarize everything we have discussed so far. The main causes of PC video issues are improperly connected devices, misconfigured settings, outdated media players, codecs, missing or outdated drivers, issues with the operating system, video corruption, and others.
The solution to fix PC video issues includes updating the codecs, drivers, Media Player, and operating system. One can also try reinstalling them. Modify and configure the audio or video settings.
