Windows 10: .mov files used in Photos app project now throwing "you need an extension to use this file"

I created a video in the Photos app Video Editor function a couple months ago that I just reopened to address an issue with volume. About 22 of the .MOV files I'd previously used successfully in the project now show up as a black or grey file preview with the error "you need an extension to use this file".


I see that there's a Microsoft Support post to address this https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/photos-app-video-editor-error-can-t-view-this-file-type-173ae0be-2b7d-d413-589e-84ccca0de02e but I don't understand why files I've been using successfully in the program would all the sudden show up in my Project Library and Storyboard as unusable. If it was one or two files, I might be willing to follow the potential solutions offered in the support post, but I don't want to do that for 22 files, especially since I'd previously been working with them without a problem. It also makes me distrustful that the first solution offered is to purchase a fix. Feels sus that all the sudden they won't work and I have to buy something to get it resolved...

:)

 

.MOV files on Photos App

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are facing issues with rendering .MOV files using the Microsoft Photos app on your PC.



Based on the information that you have provided, the codec that you purchased might help you support playback, however, it might not be optimized to work with a video editor or video rendering.



One of the things that you can try is rendering only the .MOV file and see if the video is smooth. In case the video is fine, then you can try using the file in the video project.



However, you may want to try searching for a video editor app on Microsoft Store which provides you the functionality and support to render .MOV files.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Editing .mov files

Ive never worked with .mov files. What a free program and best program to work with .mov files on a PC?

Thanks

 

.MOV files on Photos App

Hi,

I have been having problems playing MOV files on the photos app. I downloaded some codecs from the microsoft store at a cost of 79 pence. This has partially fixed the problem as Photos app will now play the files.

However, when I try to incorporate these MOV files into a video on the Photos app video editor, they files play but are very jumpy and don't play smoothly.

Can you offer any advice on how to fix this? I have tried re-installing Photos App and using a code found on this site in Windows Powershell (Admin), but neither worked.

Thanks