Converting the MKV files to a different format should save you further troubleshooting; however, if you must use VLC media player, try the fixes below.

1. Install the MKV Codec for VLC

You may be missing the appropriate MKV codec for VLC. If this is the problem, your fix should be straightforward. Download the missing codec and run the exe file.

2. Update VLC

If you have an old or outdated VLC player, it is possibly the reason MKV files are not playing. You may simply update your version.

1. Launch the VLC media player.

2. Click the Help menu and click Check for Updates.

3. After the update, confirm that the problem is fixed.

3. Reinstall VLC Player

If an update does not work, you may have certain corrupted files. This may require a total reinstallation. You should uninstall the app and reinstall it from a fresh download.

1. Press Windows + R.

2. Type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.

3. Click on VLC Media Player and select the Uninstall/Change option. Then, follow the wizard to complete the process.

4. Download and install a new VLC version and see if the MKV problem is fixed.

4. Increase the Value for File Caching

VLC generates a minimal quantity of cache files to guarantee uninterrupted playback. If the player consistently skips MKV files or has trouble playing them, other apps or the operating system are likely using up disk space.

To ensure seamless playback in this scenario, you can raise the cache size and let VLC obtain additional data before the buffer is full.

1. Launch VLC.

2. Click the Tools menu, then click Preferences.

3. At the lower left corner, click All, click Input/Codecs on the left pane, then on the right, under the Advanced section, set File caching to 1000.

4. Click Save to check if VLC is playing your MKV files.

Why is My VLC App Not Playing MKV Files?

The primary cause is problems with the MKV codec. The codec may be damaged or not installed for VLC, which means the application cannot recognize MKV files.

You may also encounter problems due to your VLC version. An old or outdated app may be unable to handle certain data streams.

You may also have configurations that are not favorable for VLC files. If you have tried changing certain VLC settings, this is a likely cause.

That will be all for this guide.

The post Best Fixes When VLC is Not Playing MKV Files in Windows 11 appeared first on Next of Windows.

In this guide, we explore the best freeware for Windows 11.

We hope freeware excites you as much as it excites us. However, there is much to choose from on the new Windows OS. We plan to take the stress away from you. So, we have done all the necessary research and compiled the absolute best in this guide. Let us get to it.

Productivity Boosters

1. LibreOffice – Open-Source Office Suite

If you prefer not to subscribe to Microsoft 365, try LibreOffice, the open-source office productivity suite. The suite has word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and drawing applications.

The word processor gives extensive processing tools and supports multiple formats, including ODT, DOCX, RTF, and PDF.

You will be able to do complex calculations on the spreadsheet as well as create very beautiful charts and graphs.

→ Download

2. FocusWriter – Great Writing App option

If you seek distraction-free writing software, you must try FocusWriter. It is great because it will hide every toolbar and menu item, allowing you to focus only on writing.

You may also enjoy its basic features that help you keep track, like the word counter and pomodoro counter.

→ Download

3. Clipchamp – Video Editing

Video editing software can be very expensive, yet for many Windows users, they are indispensable. Clipchamp is a great freeware alternative for Windows 11 users.

This application is great for mixing photos into visually striking slideshow films that stand out on social media.

It is an excellent app for improving your media, adding dynamic text or frames, and using filters to change the colors of the movie. You may also use its video templates to create customized meme videos quickly and easily.

→ Download

4. Download OBS Studio – Live Streaming and Recording

Download OBS Studio is so feature-rich that you will hardly believe it is a Windows 11 freeware. It is about the best option available for live streaming and recording software.

It is highly beneficial for creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or live streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Some core features we love include screen recording, adding text, encoding, and graphic overlays. OBS uses community-developed plugins that are great for extending functionality.

→ Download

Security and Privacy

5. Malwarebytes Free – Antivirus

You may consider many anti-malware programs for Windows 11; Malwarebytes is an option that offers free features that would protect your computer.

Some features we love include malware scans, phishing protection, ransomware, exploit protection, and browser guard.

→ Download

System Utilities

6. Defraggler – Great for Drive Optimization

The hard drive is a common culprit when your computer becomes slow and performs poorly. You may use the Defraggler Windows 11 freeware to defragment entire drives, individual files, or folders.

It is very robust, especially for freeware. It allows you to analyze drives and will visually analyze fragmented files to make them more understandable.

You may even configure automatic defrag sessions, a handy way of doing the work when you are not really busy on the computer.

→ Download

7. Speccy – Temperature Monitor

If you have heard of the popular Ccleaner tool, then you may know Speccy. They share the same creator.

This freeware app offers detailed monitoring and information about your computer hardware and software.

You will get an in-depth view of your RAM, CPU, motherboard, graphics card, and storage drives. However, it excels most at offering comprehensive data displays like temperatures and fan speeds.

→ Download

Entertainment

8. VLC Media Player – Multimedia Player

VLC Media Player combines two of the things we love the most, free and open-source. It, however, competes very well with paid options as it processes an extensive feature list.

VLC plays almost everything you throw at it, including DVDs, CDs, VCDs, audio files, and most video and audio codecs.

This tool offers robust subtitle support, customization options, and advanced features like video conversion, screen recording, and playback speed adjustment.

→ Download

9. Steam – Gaming Distribution Platform

Technically, Steam may not be freeware, but it is a conduit to so many free-to-play games on Windows 11. This makes it a vital tool if you need diverse and engaging gaming experiences.

It, however, extends beyond free gaming. Steam offers paid titles through demos, tweaks existing games with user-created mods, and connects with fellow gamers via forums, groups, and chat functions.

With some Settings tweaks, you get the most expansive gaming experiences on Windows 11.

→ Download

Enjoy Premium Experiences with Windows 11 Freeware

Not everything has to be paid. And on Windows 11, some of the coolest tools are often offered for free. In this guide, we have covered some of the best freeware you may download on Windows 11.

Did we omit any of your favorites? Lastly, let us know in the comment section below.

The post Best Windows 11 Freeware to Enhance Productivity appeared first on Next of Windows.