The most common reason for this error is file corruption, which can happen if the download is interrupted or the transfer fails. Sometimes, using an unsupported codec or the wrong file extension can also cause this issue. In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.
1. Run the Dedicated Troubleshooter
Regardless of whether the problem occurs with Windows Media Player or the Movies & TV app, it is best to first see if Windows can identify and resolve the problem for you automatically.
1.1. Run the Windows Media Player Troubleshooter
1.2. Run the Video Playback Troubleshooter
2. Reinstall the Problematic App
If the built-in troubleshooters were unable to resolve the issue, the next step is to reinstall or reset the affected application. The steps differ depending on whether you experience the error with Windows Media Player or the Movies & TV app.
If your issue arises while using Windows Media Player, run the Windows Media Player Troubleshooter.If the error appears while using the Movies & TV app, use the Video Playback Troubleshooter.
If you see the 0xc10100BF error when using Windows Media Player, follow sub-guide A. If it appears in the Movies & TV app, use sub-guide B.
2.1. Reinstall Windows Media Player
2.2. Reset the Movies & TV App
3. Redownload Potentially Corrupted Files
If you encounter this problem specifically with files downloaded from the internet, file corruption may be responsible. This scenario typically occurs due to incomplete downloads or if your antivirus software prematurely terminated the download, leaving the file incomplete. To resolve this, simply re-download the affected file, ensuring a stable internet connection and no interruptions during the process. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software’s real-time protection can also help in case it is interfering with downloads. Note: Some users have reported success by downloading files onto an external hard drive first and then playing them from there.
4. Use a Different USB Drive (if applicable)
If the error only surfaces when playing .MP4 files from a USB flash drive, your device could be defective—especially if formatting the drive has not resolved the issue in the past. This may indicate that your USB drive contains bad sectors that prevent files from being read correctly. In such cases, formatting may not help. Try using a different USB drive or transfer the files directly to your computer’s HDD or SSD to test if the issue persists.
5. Use VLC Media Player
If all previous solutions have failed and you are still seeing the 0xc10100BF (This file isn’t playable) error in Windows Media Player or the Movies & TV app, it is time to try a reliable third-party solution. VLC Media Player, a free and widely trusted tool, is capable of playing nearly any type of video file, including many that are corrupted or partially downloaded. By following these steps, you should be able to efficiently identify and resolve the root causes of the 0xc10100BF error code, restoring smooth video playback on your Windows 10 system.
