Why does my MOV file play in VLC but not in Windows Media Player?

VLC includes its own codecs, so it can play HEVC video without additional software. Windows Media Player needs the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store to play HEVC files.

What does error code 0xc00d36c4 mean?

This error means the app cannot decode the video format. It usually indicates a missing codec, not file corruption. Install the HEVC Video Extensions if the file uses HEVC.

Can I fix a truncated MOV file from an interrupted transfer?

Yes, remuxing the file can rebuild the container and may fix truncation if the video and audio streams are intact. If the streams are damaged, remuxing will not help.

Is there a free way to repair a corrupted MOV file?

Yes, mov.repair is a free online tool that can recover corrupted MOV files. It does not add watermarks and requires no software installation.

MOV Won't Play on Windows 11: Codec or Corruption?

If your MOV file won't play on Windows 11, the cause is usually a missing codec, not a damaged file. Windows built-in apps show specific error codes, iPhone videos require the HEVC codec, and a quick test in VLC confirms whether the file is actually corrupted. Start by checking the error message you see.

Error Codes 0xc00d36c4 and 0xc00d5212

Windows Media Player and the Movies & TV app display specific error codes when they cannot play a file. The two you are most likely to see are 0xc00d36c4 and 0xc00d5212. These codes mean the app does not support the video format or codec used in the file. They are not a sign of file damage. The app simply lacks the proper decoder to read the video stream.

Check The Codec First

When you see one of these error codes, check the video codec of your MOV file. If it was recorded on an iPhone using the High Efficiency setting, it is encoded in HEVC (H.265). Windows built-in apps need a separate extension to handle this codec.

HEVC Codec Requirement for IPhone Videos

iPhones offer two recording formats in Settings > Camera > Formats. The High Efficiency option records video in HEVC (H.265). The Most Compatible option records in H.264. If you chose High Efficiency, your MOV file uses HEVC.

Windows 11 does not include HEVC support out of the box for its built-in apps. To play HEVC files in Windows Media Player or Movies & TV, install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. After installation, those apps play the file without error. If you see 0xc00d36c4 or 0xc00d5212 on an iPhone video, this is the fix.

Skip The Extension With VLC

If you prefer not to install the extension, use VLC. VLC plays HEVC without needing any extra extensions.

How to Confirm Real Corruption

If you have installed the HEVC Video Extensions and still get errors, or if the file does not play in VLC either, the MOV file may be genuinely damaged. Confirm corruption with these steps:

Test in VLC: Open the file in VLC. If VLC fails to play it or stops before the end, the file is likely damaged.
Check file size and length: If the file size is very small for its expected duration, or if the video cuts off early, it may be truncated. Interrupted copies from phone to PC leave a truncated MOV.
Look for playback errors: If the video stutters, freezes, or shows artifacts in VLC, the data stream is corrupted.

If VLC plays the file correctly, the issue was only a codec problem with Windows built-in apps.

Common Cause Interrupted Transfers

A frequent reason for a corrupted MOV file is an interrupted copy from your phone to your PC. If the transfer stops before it finishes, the file is truncated. A truncated MOV has a valid header but missing video data at the end. This is why the file appears to have the correct length in Windows but will not play fully.

Always ensure the transfer completes before disconnecting your phone. Use a reliable USB cable and do not interrupt the copy process. If you already have a truncated file, remuxing may help.

Remuxing as a Repair Option

Remuxing rebuilds the container around the video and audio streams without re-encoding the data. This process fixes certain types of corruption where the container structure is damaged but the streams are intact. Remuxing does not change the quality of the video and is faster than re-encoding.

To remux a MOV file, use a tool that supports remuxing. The result is a new file with a clean container structure. If the original corruption was only in the container, the remuxed file plays correctly. If the video or audio streams themselves are damaged, remuxing will not help.

If VLC Also Fails

If VLC also fails to play your MOV file, or if it stops early, the file is damaged. VLC includes support for most codecs, including HEVC, so a failure in VLC is a strong indicator of real corruption. You have a few options:

Try remuxing the file to rebuild the container.
Check for a backup of the original file from your phone or camera.
Use a dedicated repair tool designed for MOV files. One online option is mov.repair, which can recover corrupted MOV files.

If none of these work, the file may be beyond repair. Always keep backups of important videos.

MOV File Not Playing on Windows 10

The same issues apply to Windows 10. Missing codecs or corruption cause the failure. Install the HEVC Video Extensions for HEVC files, or use VLC. The error codes 0xc00d36c4 and 0xc00d5212 appear on Windows 10 as well. The steps to diagnose and fix the problem are identical.