Videos won’t play in Internet Explorer

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When you experience problems playing videos in Internet Explorer, these problems may be caused by a number of different issues. Most video playback uses Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, or Java, and these platforms require Internet Explorer add-ons in order to play. By making sure that you have the latest updates installed for Windows, Internet Explorer, and any Internet Explorer add-ons, you can resolve most video playback problems.

To troubleshoot video playback problems in Internet Explorer, follow these steps. Test the playback behavior after each step until the issue is resolved.

1. Update Internet Explorer

Use the latest version of Internet Explorer for your operating system, and then apply any applicable updates that are offered by Windows Update.

2. Test the video in Compatibility View

Some websites may have been designed for earlier versions of Internet Explorer. Switch to Compatibility View, and then see whether the video plays.

3. Make sure that add-ons are installed and enabled

Make sure that the necessary add-ons are enabled in Internet Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:

On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
Click the Programs tab, and then click Manage add-ons.
In the Currently loaded add-ons list, click Run without Permissions.
Look for the following add-ons in the list that's displayed. If any of these add-ons are listed, make sure the Status for each is listed as Enabled.
- Shockwave Active X Control
- Shockwave Flash Object
- Java Plug-in (may be multiple add-ons)
- QuickTime Plug-in (may be multiple add-ons)
- Windows Media Player

4. Update to the latest add-ons

Update your Internet Explorer add-ons to the latest version of Flash, Silverlight, and Java. You might have to uninstall and then reinstall the add-ons to make sure that the latest version is running correctly.

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

5. Turn off ActiveX filtering and Tracking Protection

If you are using ActiveX Filtering or Tracking Protection, some games or videos might be disabled.

er add-ons, you can resolve most video playback problems.

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Advanced troubleshooting steps

Test an online video by using Internet Explorer Software rendering mode

Hardware acceleration in Internet Explorer 9 and later versions lets Internet Explorer move all graphics and text rendering from the CPU to the graphics processing unit (GPU). Sometimes it’s necessary to enable or disable hardware acceleration to check for hardware or software compatibility issues when you're viewing certain websites. To disable hardware acceleration and to use software rendering instead of hardware rendering to view the site, click the following link to view the article on the Microsoft website:

2528233 How to enable or disable software rendering in Internet Explorer 9

Get the newest device drivers

Because game performance can be affected by device drivers, make sure that you have the latest drivers for all your hardware. For more information about keeping your drivers up to date, see the recommended links for updating drivers.

Note You might also log on to the computer manufacturer's website and update the latest device driver updates for your computer, especially the graphics and chipset drivers.

Using other media applications to play videos

If you're using other media playing applications with Internet Explorer to play online videos, you may have to go to that manufacturer’s website and make sure that you have the latest version of that application and any necessary add-ons that are required for Internet Explorer 9.

Additional resources

If these steps don't resolve your issue, go to our Microsoft Community. There, you can search for answers or ask other users specific questions.

If you followed the steps in this article and searched for answers on the Answers forums, but your issue is still not resolved, you can contact Support to learn about available support options.

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References

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

Find more tips, tricks and learning opportunities at the Small Business site:

Microsoft Business Center

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