Fix Format Is Not Supported Or Source Is Unavailable Now

Are you having trouble playing videos on your computer? Have you received the "Format is not supported, or Source is unavailable" error message? If you are streaming videos online, you’ve probably faced the occurrence of the said error message. Unavoidable instances can cause the error notification, implying your file cannot be played. Before applying solutions, it is essential to learn the reasons behind the ‘Format is not supported’ issue. Thus, this post is ready to give you what you need in the first place! Read more to learn the reasons and quick solutions.

Why You Encounter the Format is Not Supported, or Source is Unavailable Error

As raised, specific scenarios can trigger the error message "Format is not supported, or Source is unavailable" to pop up. This error message is, no doubt, can be frustrating, especially if you’re ready to watch your favorite movie. A few likely reasons behind the situation are enumerated below.

• Lost of Codecs

The most likely reason for the "Format is not supported" is the absence of use of the correct codec. Since codecs are parts of files that incorporate information to encode or decode data, you cannot play your file without it. If your video is missing the right codec, there’s no way you can play it on your device.

• Incompatible Format

Aside from missing codecs, one main reason for the video format not supported problem is the file format you’re trying to play is not compatible with the individual media player. In situations like this, the file is most likely to use a codec that the player doesn’t support, leading to video playback problems.

• Outdated Media Player

Suppose the player software you’re using is not updated. In that case, you may face errors regarding playing your video that result in the "Format is not supported or Source is unavailable" error message.

• Corrupted or Damaged Files

Another thing that prevents you from playing the video and triggers the "Format is not supported, or Souce is unavailable" to come out is that the file itself is corrupted. Even if the file is completely downloaded, if it is damaged, Windows is still unable to play it.

How to Fix Format is Not Supported, or Source is Unavailable

Coming after the primary reasons behind the Format is not supported error message. You can dive into details for the best fixes to get you out of this problem.

Fix 1. Use an Updated Browser

It is highly advised to update your browser if you’re facing the Video format is not supported message to fix bugs and errors. As you know, outdated ones are open to many issues, such as slow performance, loading of videos, and more.

For the browser update, go to the "More" button at the top right corner of your browser. From the drop-down menu, select "Help", then click on "About Google Chrome" from the resulting left-side menu.

Fix 2. Clear Cookies and Cache

Now that you have updated the browser and still have the "Format is not supported, or Source is unavailable" problem, try clearing out the cache. Corrupted files can lead to many problems with the browser, leading to video playback issues on the web.

On your web browser, click the "More" button to open a drop-down list; click "Settings" from there. Go for the "Privacy and Security" section and click "Clear browsing data". Next, put a check on the "Cached images and files" box, set the "Time Range" as "All time", and click "Clear data".

Fix 3. Use the Right Codecs

As raised earlier, due to a lack of the needed codes, the format is not supported problem arises. To effectively get you out of this issue, install the required ones. You can use the media player software you have right now to perform the installation; here’s how to do it with VLC Media Player.

From its main screen, direct to the "Help" from the above tab, then click "Check for Update" from the resulting menu. Once the dialogue box appears, click "OK".

Fix 4. Deactivate VPN

While VPN Server offers advantages, such as increasing security and privacy, they can prevent you from accessing specific websites or video content. For this reason, the error message "Format is not supported, or Source is unavailable" has no choice but to occur. To fix this issue, you can see the below steps.

Find your way to "Settings" by clicking on the "Windows" menu. Head over to "Network & Internet". After that, select "VPN", among other options, in the left side menu. Choose the VPN connection you wish to deactivate; click "Disconnect".

Fix 5. Switch to Different Player

There is a chance that your media player doesn't play the specific video you want to watch, which is why you’re getting the "Format is not supported, or Source is unavailable" error message. Luckily, there are various players from which you can choose, such as KM Player, PotPlayer, VLC, Windows Media Player, and more. However, you should note that you may still experience an incompatibility video format issue; in this case, you surely need to proceed with the following method.

Fix 6. Convert Video to Supported Format

You can quickly fix the Video format not supported problem by converting it to a supported format. For this reason, you wouldn’t need anything other than the video converter that will assist. Talking about a reliable converter, take note of AnyRec Video Converter. It is a program that you shouldn’t miss its powerful converting features, such as turn MKV to MP4, and other 1000+ formats, customizable output settings, built-in editor, and more.

Fix 7. Repair the Corrupted Video

Now, for the final solution. If the worst scenario is that your file is damaged, you can never be an exception to the Format is not supported or Source is unavailable occurrence. In cases like this, you should use video repair software like AnyRec Video Repair. After uploading your damaged and sample videos, you can get a repaired video in no time! Although that’s a super quick process, you can guarantee the repair is smooth and of excellent quality. Furthermore, if you’re not techy, the program gives you real-time guidance to ensure that the uploaded sample video matches the quality, resolution, frame rate, and others. Use it to solve "Format is not supported or Source is unavailable" problem now.

Step 1.Launch AnyRec Video Repair. Click the left-side "Add" button to add your corrupted file, and then click the right-side "Add" button for your sample video.

Step 2.Afterward, click "Repair" in the middle to start the repairing process. Please wait until it gets done; click on "Preview" to check it first.

Step 3.If you love the overall results of the repaired video, click "Save" to store it on your PC. In this way, you can easily fix "Format is not supported or Source is unavailable" or "QuickTime can’t open MP4" problem.

FAQs about Unable to Play Videos with Format or Source Error

• How to update the web browser, Microsoft Edge?

  From Microsoft Edge’s main screen, click the "More" button above. Navigate to the Help and Feedback, and select About Microsoft Edge from the left menu. The browser will automatically check for updates.

• Why do I get the Video format not supported error message?

  If you’re trying to watch on a particular video player, QuickTime player, for example, the possible reason behind that is because of the incompatibility of the video file. The program must support the format of the video.

• How can I fix the Source is unavailable in Chrome?

  If you get this error message, you can update the browser to its latest version. Furthermore, removing cache and cookies is also a friendly method to fix issues for video playback.

• Besides VLC, what other media players can I use?

  If you want to switch to another media player to get out with the Format is not supported or Source is unavailable, many alternatives exist. Among them are POTPlayer, 5KPlayer, PowerDVD, KMPlayer, Kodi, and more.

• How do I use Windows Media Player to install proper codecs?

  From the above tabs, click "Tools", then go to "Options". From there, go to the Player tab, where you have to check the box of Download codec automatically and click "OK". Try opening your video using Windows Media Player, and when a window appears asking you to install the codecs, click Install.

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