PowerPoint Cannot Insert a Video from the Selected File? 4 Easy Fixes

Part 1. Why I Cannot Insert a Video in PowerPoint?

This frustrating "PowerPoint cannot insert a video from the selected file" error may happen when the necessary 64-bit codec to play a media file in PowerPoint isn't installed. There could also be other underlying causes, which we've discussed below.

1. Incompatible Video Format or Codec: PowerPoint doesn't support every video file format or codec used to compress video files. So, if you try to insert a video file whose format or the codec used to compress it is not supported, you’ll need to convert the file or install the required codec.
2. Corrupted Video File: If the video file you are trying to add to your PowerPoint presentation is corrupted, you won't be able to insert it. Try repair the corrupted video first on your computer and then resert it to check if it works correctly.
3. Wrong Path or Missing File: When the vide file that you intend to insert to your presentation is absent or has been relocated, the PowerPonit cannot insert a video from the selected file prompt may appear. Make sure the path of the file to be added is correct.

Part 2. Common Solutions to "PowerPoint Cannot Insert a Video from the Selected File"

You can overcome the frustrating issue where PowerPoint cannot insert a video from the selected file by trying out some common solutions below:

Solution 1. Convert the Video to WMV Format

To work around the "PowerPoint cannot insert a video from the selected file MP4" issue when trying to insert an MP4 file into the presentation, simply convert the video format to the one that is compatible with PowerPoint. Here we recommend you change the original video to a WMV file format as WMV is considered as one of the best video formats to embed in PowerPoint.

Here's how you can convert your video into a WMP file with VLC Media Player.

1. Download and launch VLC media player on your computer. Choose the "Media" tab.

2. Choose "Convert / Save…" from the drop-down menu.

   

3. Click "Add" to import the MP4 file you wish to convert. Then click "Convert / Save."

   

4. A new convert window will open. Under the "Settings" section, next to "Profile," choose WMV as output.

   
5. Select the location under the Destination section to save the output file. Press "Start" to begin processing the conversion.

Try to insert the converted WMV file into your presentation. You should be able to insert it successfully this time.

Solution 2. Install a Third-Party Video Codec

PowerPoint relies on the codecs installed on your computer to play the video being inserted. If you're facing the "PowerPoint cannot insert video 64-bit codec" error even though the video is in the format that works with PowerPoint, chances are that the required codec for the video to play is missing or incompatible. In this case, installing a third-party video codec can help you out.

You can install K-Lite Codec Pack, which is a comprehensive collection of audio and video codecs that ensure you to play nearly any media with differnt media players. Downloading and installing the latest version of this codec pack will help PowerPoint recognizes the video and insert it successfully into the presentation. Here's how it works.

1. Download the Standard version of K-Lite Codec Pack.

2. Once the file is downloaded, double-click on the "K-Lite_Codec_Pack_1752_Standard.exe” file to run the installation. Select "Normal mode" and click Next.

   

3. Choose your preferred player as the default video and audio player. Then click on "Next."

   
4. Leave all options in its default settings and keep cliking on Next.

5. On the “MPC-HC configuration” window, press “Next.” Then, place all the checkmarks under “Hardware Acceleration” next to the Decoding Method.

   

6. Next, keep everything in its default settings for the follwing windows. When you're asked to install additional software. Decline that request.

   

7. Press "Install" on the "Ready to Install" window.

   

Once the codec pack is installed, restart your PC and try to insert the video into your PowerPoint presentation again.

Solution 3. Optimize Media Compatibility in PowerPoint

Another easy way to eliminate the "cannot insert video in PowerPoint" issue is by using the Optimize Media Compatibility feature in PowerPoint. This will ensure all video files you want to insert into PowerPoint can play on all the devices you’ll be using for your presentation.

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation. Choose "File" and then select "Info."

2. Press the "Optimize Media Compatibility" option which will appear when there is indeed a compatiblity issue.

   
3. Wait for the PowerPoint to optimize the video files. Once it’s done, check whether the issue is resolved.

Solution 4. Insert the Windows Media Player Control into PowerPoint

Enabling Windows Media Player controls in PowerPoint can also fix the “PowerPoint cannot insert video from the selected file” error. Windows Media Player has a wide range of codecs built-in. By utilizing the Windows Media Player control in PowerPoint, you will be possible to insert and play videos.

Follow the steps below to insert the Windows Media Player control into PowerPoint：

1. Open PowerPoint. Choose "File" and then "Options."

2. Select "Customize Ribbon" from the left navigation menu. In the list of main tabs, check Developer and then click OK.

   

3. From the "Developer" tab and "Controls," choose "More Control." Then select "Windows Media Player" from the available list and click "OK."

   

That's it! Now reopen your PowerPoint presentation and try inserting the video to see if you get rid of the error.

Part 3. What If PowerPoint Embedded Video is Not PlayingHOT

If you still encounter the "PowerPoint embedded video not playing" error even after applying all the solutions mentioned above, your video file could be corrupted. To address this, you can use Tenorshare 4DDiG File Repair - a powerful tool designed to repair various types of video files, including those embedded in PowerPoint presentations. Here's what 4DDiG File Repair can do for you:

1. It can repair videos for PowerPoint, such as MP4, WMV, MKV, MOV, and much more.
2. It can fix corrupted, damaged, fuzzy, grainy, and choppy videos.
3. Compatible with all storage media devices like hard disks, USBs, SD cards, and digital cameras.
4. Supports batch repair of multiple video formats simultaneously.
5. Fast repair speed and high success rate.

Here's how to fix corrupted video files using 4DDiG File Repair.

1. Choose Video Repair

   Download and launch the 4DDiG File Repair tool. Hit the Start button under the "Fix Video Errors" section.

   FREE DOWNLOAD

   For PC

   Secure Download

   FREE DOWNLOAD

   For MAC

   Secure Download

   Buy Now Buy Now
   
2. Add Corrupted Video

   Click "Add Video(s)" to upload the corrupted video you are unable to insert into a PowerPoint presentation. Press "Start Repair."

   
3. Export Repaired Video

   Once the video file is repaired, click the "Export" button next to it and save it to a secure storage media.

   

After that, you can try inserting the repaired video into your PowerPoint. The issue should hopefully be fixed.

Conclusion

There can be many reasons behind the “PowerPoint cannot insert a video from the selected file” error. However, multiple solutions are available to fix this issue. From converting the video format to installing a third-party codec, enabling WMP controls, and optimizing media compatibility in PowerPoint, you can try these fixes individually.

If none of them works, your video file must be corrupted. In such a case, 4DDiG File Repair offers an excellent solution to fix all kinds of damaged and corrupted video files with a high success rate. So, try 4DDiG File Repair today, insert the repaired video seamlessly into PowerPoint, and deliver an engaging and impactful presentation.