Windows versions designated as Windows N and KN editions are missing Windows Media Player and related technologies needed to decode and play videos and music properly. Microsoft offers a Windows Media Feature Pack that you can download and install, to add this functionality.

Here are some problems that people have reported when the Windows Media Feature Pack is missing:

• "Why is YouTube video blurry, low resolution, or black?"
• "Why doesn't Vimeo work?"
• "Why do I get a Netflix error that Microsoft Silverlight is required?"

Solution

To resolve this, please install the Media Feature Pack that's appropriate for your version of Windows. See Microsoft's support article to find your Windows version.

Windows 11:

On Windows 11 the latest Media Feature Pack can be added as an Optional Feature from Windows Settings. To add the Media Feature Pack: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Optional features. Select View features next to Add an optional feature, and then select the Media Feature Pack in the list of available optional features. For more information, see Microsoft's Media Feature Pack article.

Windows 10:

On Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019) and later, the latest Media Feature Pack can be added as an Optional Feature from Windows Settings. To add the Media Feature Pack: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps and Features > Optional features > Add a feature. Find the Media Feature Pack in the list of available optional features. For more information, see Microsoft's Media Feature Pack article.

To download the Media Feature Pack for earlier Windows 10 versions and for information about all available Media Feature Packs, see Microsoft's Media Feature Pack list for Windows N editions.

Windows 8.1:

• Windows 8.1: N and KN editions (Microsoft Support article KB2929699)

Windows 8:

• Windows 8: N and KN editions (Microsoft Support article KB2703761)