Fix Video Error 0x80070057 in Windows

The “Failed to play video” message with error 0x80070057 can appear when Windows cannot read a video file or when an app, codec, or storage location has a problem. Work through the checks below in order, starting with the file and player; most are reversible and do not require extra software.

What You’ll Need

• The video file and, if possible, another device or player to test it.
• Access to Windows Settings and File Explorer.
• An internet connection if you need Windows or an app update.
• Administrator access for system repair commands, if you reach that step.

Step-by-Step

1. Check whether the file itself is the problem. Try playing a different video in the same app. Then try the affected file in another trusted player or on another device. If only one file fails everywhere, it may be incomplete, damaged, or encoded in a format the available players do not support. Get a fresh copy from its original source rather than repeatedly changing Windows settings.
2. Copy the video to a local folder. If it is on a USB drive, network share, cloud-synced folder, or removable card, copy it to a folder such as Videos or Desktop. Wait for the copy or cloud download to finish, then open the local copy. Confirm that the drive has free space and that the file size is not zero or unexpectedly small. A playback failure from a remote location can be caused by an interrupted connection or an unavailable file, not a Windows video setting.
3. Restart the player and Windows. Close the video app completely, reopen it, and try again. If that does not help, restart Windows from Start > Power > Restart. A restart can release a file that another process is holding and clear a temporary app or device issue.
4. Try a different built-in playback app. Right-click the video, choose Open with, and select another available player. If no suitable alternative appears, check the Microsoft Store for a reputable player that supports the file’s format. Avoid installing codec packs or downloading individual codec files from unfamiliar sites. If another player succeeds, the file is likely readable and the original player may need repair, an update, or a supported format.
5. Update Windows and the playback app. Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates; install available updates and restart if asked. For an app installed from Microsoft Store, open Store, go to Library, and select Get updates. If the app came from elsewhere, use its built-in update feature or its official publisher’s site. Menu wording can vary slightly by Windows version.
6. Repair or reset the app that fails. In Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps; in Windows 10, open Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Select the affected app, open its advanced options if available, and choose Repair. Test playback. If Repair is unavailable or ineffective, consider Reset, but note that reset can remove the app’s local settings or data. Do not reset an app until you know how to restore anything important.
7. Check the file name, extension, and permissions. In File Explorer, right-click the file and open Properties. Check that its size is plausible and that it is not marked as blocked; if Windows shows an Unblock checkbox, use it only if you trust the file’s source. An extension such as .mp4 or .mov is not proof of the actual format, so do not simply rename the extension to try to fix playback. If the file is in a protected folder, copy it to Videos and test there.
8. Check the drive for errors if multiple files on it fail. Back up important data first. In File Explorer, right-click the drive, choose Properties > Tools > Check, and follow the prompts. If Windows reports drive problems, avoid repeatedly copying or editing files on that drive until important data is backed up. Do not interrupt a scan or repair that is already in progress.
9. Repair Windows system files if playback fails across apps. Search for Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator, and run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Let it finish, then run sfc /scannow. These checks can take time; keep the computer powered on and connected to the internet for DISM. Restart Windows after both commands complete, then test a known-good video. If you cannot use an administrator account, ask the device administrator rather than trying to bypass permissions.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming the error proves the file is corrupt. Compare it with other videos and another device before concluding that.
• Renaming the extension. Changing a file name from one video suffix to another does not convert its contents.
• Installing random codecs. Untrusted downloads can introduce unwanted software and may not support the file.
• Resetting or reinstalling before trying Repair. These actions can remove settings or local data and may not address a damaged source file.
• Running repair commands on a failing drive without a backup. Protect important files first, especially if the drive is making unusual noises or disconnecting.

Tips

• Write down the exact app, file location, and whether other videos play; this makes the cause easier to narrow down.
• Keep an untouched copy of a video before attempting conversion or editing.
• If you need to convert a video, use a reputable application and preserve the original. Conversion can reduce quality and will not recover missing or damaged data.
• When a video is still downloading or syncing, wait for completion and test the local file before troubleshooting codecs.

Troubleshooting

Only one video fails: Check its size and source, download or copy it again, and test it in another player. If it fails on other devices too, ask the person or service that supplied it for a fresh file.

Every video fails in one app: Try another player, update the original app, and use its Repair option. If the alternative player works, focus on the original app’s settings or supported formats.

Videos fail in every app: Test a known-good local file, restart Windows, install updates, and run DISM and SFC as described above. If the issue began after a display or graphics driver change, check Windows Update for an appropriate driver update or use the computer maker’s support guidance. Avoid downloading drivers from unofficial sites.

Files on a USB or external drive fail: Try a different port and cable, if applicable, and test a copy on the computer’s internal drive. Back up data if the drive is unreliable; a different cable or port will not repair a damaged video.

The error continues after these checks: Record the Windows version, app name, file type, and results of testing another file and drive. Contact the app publisher or device support with those details. Do not delete system folders or use registry-cleaning tools as a general fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 0x80070057 mean for a video?
It is a general Windows error, not a diagnosis of a specific video problem. The file, app, storage location, or Windows components could be involved.

Does 0x80070057 mean my video is permanently damaged?
No. Test a different player, a local copy, and another device. A fresh copy may resolve an incomplete download or transfer.

Do I need to install a codec?
Not necessarily. First try a current, reputable player that supports the file’s format. Avoid codec downloads from unfamiliar websites.

Will resetting the video app delete my videos?
Resetting an app usually affects its settings or local app data, not separate files in Videos, but check the app’s guidance and back up important data first.

Can I fix the error by changing .mp4 to .mov?
No. Renaming changes only the displayed file extension; it does not convert the video’s encoding or container.

What if the file plays on another device but not on this PC?
Update Windows and the player, test another app, and repair the affected app. If all apps still fail, check Windows system files and the storage location.

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