Why video stops playing in the middle has many causes. Ever tried watching a video and it suddenly stops? Frustrating, right? Errors like video not playing can break your viewing experience. Understanding why these issues happen and how to fix them is key.

One common problem is the MP4 video stopped playing in the middle. This can be due to file corruption or incompatible software. Don't worry, with some fixes for video errors, you can solve these problems easily.

This article will guide you on why video stops playing in the middle and provide six solutions on how to fix video stop playing errors.

fix video stop playing

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In this article
    1. Fix 1: Fix the Corrupt Video via Recoverit Tool
    2. Fix 2: Update the Video Player App
    3. Fix 3: Install the Necessary Codecs
    4. Fix 4: Update Graphics Drivers
    5. Fix 5: Close Background Applications
    6. Fix 6: Open Video in VLC Player

Part 1: Why Video Stops Playing in the Middle?

There are many reasons why videos stop playing halfway. It can happen due to corrupted files, outdated apps, missing codecs, graphics driver issues, and background apps.

Understanding these common problems will help you fix them quickly.

  • Corrupt video files: One of the main reasons why video stops playing in the middle. A corrupted file may not be able to stream smoothly or might crash altogether.
  • Incompatible video players: Sometimes the video player app you're using is not compatible with the video format, leading to playback issues.
  • Outdated video players: If your video player hasn’t been updated, it can cause issues. Updates often fix bugs and improve compatibility with new video formats.
  • Missing codecs: Videos require specific codecs to play correctly. If these are missing, the video won’t play or may stop midway.
  • Graphics driver issues: Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can lead to video not playing. Proper drivers ensure that your video playback is smooth and uninterrupted.
  • Background apps: Other applications running in the background can interfere with video playback. They can consume resources and cause the video to stop.
  • File format problems: Different video formats may not be supported by your player. Ensure the video format is compatible with your player.
  • Low system resources: If your device doesn’t have enough memory or processing power, videos won’t play properly. Ensure your device meets the minimum requirements for video playback.

Part 2: How to Fix Video Stop Playing Errors

Now that we understand why videos stop playing, let's look at how to fix these errors. There are several simple steps you can take to ensure your videos play without interruptions. From repairing corrupt files to updating your video player and installing necessary codecs, you'll find easy fixes that can make a big difference in your viewing experience.

Fix 1: Fix the Corrupt Video via Recoverit Tool

Recoverit is a reliable tool for fixing corrupt video files. This software is known for its efficiency and user-friendly interface. It can recover and repair a wide range of video formats, ensuring your videos play smoothly. With Recoverit, you don’t have to worry about losing precious videos due to corruption. It analyzes the file deeply and applies advanced repair algorithms to restore your video, making it as good as new.

Recoverit also supports batch processing, allowing you to fix multiple video files simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you have a collection of corrupted videos. The software provides a preview option, so you can check the quality of the repaired video before saving it. With its comprehensive features and high success rate, Recoverit stands out as an excellent solution for fixing corrupted video files.

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Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click the dowload link above to download and install Recoverit. Launch Recoverit, then click on 'Corrupted Video Repair' and select the corrupted file from your storage.
    add video to recoverit
  2. Hit the Repair button to start the process. Recoverit will analyze and fix the errors.
    hit the repair button
  3. Save the repaired video and try playing it again. Once the repair is complete, save the video and play it to check if it works smoothly.
    preview and save video files

Related Video >>: How to Fix Corrupted USB and Recover Data?

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Fix 2: Update the Video Player App

Updating your video player app ensures compatibility and features. Video player apps frequently release updates to address bugs, add new features, and improve compatibility with various video formats. By keeping your video player app up-to-date, you're ensuring it can handle the latest video codecs and formats without any issues. Plus, updates often include performance improvements and security patches, which can enhance your overall viewing experience and protect your device from vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, an updated video player app reduces the risk of playback errors and glitches. Many playback issues stem from using outdated software that hasn't kept pace with new video technologies.

Follow these steps:

  1. Start by opening the video player app on your device. Look for the settings or help section within the app.
    update video player app
  2. Check if there are any available updates and download/install the latest version.

Restart the player and try playing your video again. After the update, restart the app and try playing the video again to see if the issue is resolved.

Fix 3: Install the Necessary Codecs

Codecs are critical for video playback. They work by encoding and decoding the digital data in your video files, making it possible for your video player to read and display the content. If your system is missing the required codec, your videos might not play at all, or they may stop abruptly in the middle.

Installing a comprehensive codec pack, like K-Lite Codec Pack, can solve many video playback issues. This pack contains a wide range of codecs that can support nearly every video format, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.

Moreover, keeping your codecs updated is just as important as updating your video player. Software developers constantly improve codecs to handle new video formats and improve performance.

Follow these steps:

  1. Visit a trusted source to download a codec pack appropriate for your video formats. Follow the instructions to install the codec pack on your device.
    download codecs
  2. Once the installation is complete, restart your video player to apply the new codecs. Try playing the video again. Check if the video now plays without any interruptions.

Fix 4: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause playback problems. Graphics drivers are crucial for rendering video content smoothly on your device. If they are outdated or corrupt, you might experience issues like stuttering, freezing, or videos stopping mid-playback.

By keeping your graphics drivers updated, you ensure that your system can handle the latest video formats and processing demands, leading to a better video playback experience.

Updating your graphics drivers is a straightforward process.

  1. Right-click on 'My Computer' or This PC and select 'Manage' to find the Device Manager. Look for Display Adapters and find your graphics driver. Right-click on the graphics driver and choose Update Driver.
    update drivers
  2. Follow the instructions to complete the update and install the latest graphics drivers.

Fix 5: Close Background Applications

Closing background apps can free up resources. When you have many applications running simultaneously, they consume your system's memory and processing power. This can lead to your videos stopping in the middle or not playing smoothly. By closing unnecessary background applications, you free up valuable resources, allowing your video player to function more efficiently.

  1. Press 'Ctrl + Shift + Esc' to open the Task Manager. Look for any unnecessary processes running in the background.
    taks manger windows
  2. Highlight these processes and click End Task to close them.

Try playing your video again. Once the background apps are closed, try playing the video to see if it plays smoothly.

Fix 6: Open Video in VLC Player

VLC Player supports a wide range of video formats. This makes it an excellent choice for resolving video playback issues. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility and compatibility with various file types, including MP4, AVI, MKV, and more. If your video stops playing in the middle or doesn't play at all, trying to open it with VLC can often solve the problem. It's a robust, free, and open-source media player that handles many playback issues effortlessly.

One of the key features of VLC is its ability to play incomplete or corrupt video files, thanks to its powerful internal codecs. This means if other players fail, VLC can often succeed. Additionally, VLC is regularly updated to include new codecs and features, ensuring it stays compatible with the latest video formats. Downloading and installing VLC is straightforward, and once installed, it usually becomes a reliable tool in your video playback arsenal.

  1. Visit the official VLC website to download and install the player. Launch VLC Player and select the video file you want to play.
    open video in vlc player
  2. Try playing the video in VLC to check if the playback issues are resolved.

Part 3: Tips to Avoid MP4 Video Stopped Playing in the Middle

Avoiding video playback issues is always better than fixing them later. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your MP4 videos play smoothly without interruptions:

  • Regularly update your video player: Make sure your video player app is always up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Keep your graphics drivers up to date: Updated drivers help your system handle video playback more efficiently.
  • Close unnecessary background applications: Free up system resources by closing apps you don’t need while watching videos.
  • Install a comprehensive codec pack: Having all necessary codecs ensures your video player can handle various formats.

By following these tips, you can greatly reduce the chance of encountering the frustrating issue of MP4 videos stopping in the middle. If you’re proactive with these steps, your viewing experience will be smooth and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Experiencing video playback issues can be highly frustrating. From MP4 video stopped playing in the middle to other glitches, the root cause can vary. Understanding these reasons is the first step to resolving them effectively.

Applying the right fixes can significantly improve your viewing experience. Whether it’s updating your video player, fixing corrupted files, or installing necessary codecs, the solutions are simple and effective.

Always remember key tips to prevent issues in the first place. Keeping software updated, managing background apps, and using reliable tools are essential. Enjoy your videos without any interruptions and have fun watching!

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FAQ

  • 1. Why does my video stop playing halfway?
    Videos can stop playing halfway for various reasons. It might be due to corrupt video files that cannot be read by the player. Another reason could be missing codecs, which are essential for video playback. Sometimes, outdated video players or graphics drivers can also cause this issue. Ensuring your software and files are up to date can help resolve these problems.
  • 2. How can I fix a video that is not playing?
    To fix a video that is not playing, you can try several things. First, update your video player app to the latest version. This often solves compatibility issues. Second, install necessary codecs if they're missing. Codecs allow your player to read and play video files. And finally, you can try using VLC Player, which supports a wide range of video formats.
  • 3. What should I do if my MP4 video stops playing in the middle?
    If your MP4 video stops playing in the middle, there are a few steps you can take. Use a tool like Recoverit to repair the corrupt video file. Updating your video player can also help resolve playback issues. Additionally, make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date to ensure smooth video playback. These steps can help you enjoy uninterrupted video watching.
Classen Becker
Classen Becker Feb 13, 25
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