How to View AVI Files on Windows 10
In today’s digital age, video files have become an integral part of our lives. AVI (Audio Video Interleave) files are one of the most popular video formats, and many users still rely on them for their video content. However, if you have recently upgraded to Windows 10 and find that you can’t view AVI files, don’t worry. This article will guide you through the process of how to view AVI files on Windows 10.
1. Use Windows Media Player
The first and simplest method to view AVI files on Windows 10 is by using the built-in Windows Media Player. Although Windows Media Player is not as feature-rich as some third-party players, it is still capable of playing AVI files. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows Media Player.
2. Click on “File” in the upper-left corner of the window.
3. Select “Open” and navigate to the AVI file you want to play.
4. Click “Open,” and the file will start playing in Windows Media Player.
2. Install a Third-Party Video Player
If Windows Media Player doesn’t work for you, or if you’re looking for a more advanced video player, you can install a third-party video player that supports AVI files. Some popular options include VLC Media Player, PotPlayer, and Media Player Classic – Home Cinema. Here’s how to install VLC Media Player as an example:
1. Go to the VLC Media Player website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/).
2. Download the VLC Media Player installer for Windows 10.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the player.
4. Once installed, open VLC Media Player and navigate to the AVI file you want to play. You can do this by clicking on “Media” in the upper menu, then “Open File,” and selecting your AVI file.
3. Update Your Video Codecs
If you still can’t view AVI files on Windows 10, it might be due to missing video codecs. Codecs are software components that allow your computer to play different types of video and audio files. To update your video codecs, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Microsoft website (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35).
2. Search for “Windows 10 Video Codecs” and download the appropriate package for your system.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the codecs.
4. Use a File Converter
If none of the above methods work, you can try converting your AVI files to a more compatible format, such as MP4. There are many free and paid file conversion tools available online, such as HandBrake, Freemake Video Converter, and Any Video Converter. Here’s how to convert an AVI file to MP4 using HandBrake:
1. Download and install HandBrake from
2. Open HandBrake and click on “Open Source” to import your AVI file.
3. Select MP4 as the output format by clicking on the “Format” dropdown menu and choosing “MP4.”
4. Click on “Start Encode” to begin the conversion process.
In conclusion, there are several ways to view AVI files on Windows 10. By using Windows Media Player, installing a third-party video player, updating your video codecs, or converting your files to a different format, you should be able to enjoy your AVI files without any issues.
