[2024] How to Play MKV Files on Windows & Mac?

May 23, 2024 4 mins read

As one of the most popular video format, MKV file format is used frequently for high-quality video playback. But both Windows and Mac users may find it hard to open since the default media player on the two systems can’t play the MKV files directly.

So, to address your puzzle of how to play MKV files, we’ll introduce 2 tools that you can use on either the system. Also, you’ll be introduced on how to convert and repair this file for free!

how to play mkv files

In this article:

Part 1: What Is a MKV File?

MKV files, recognized as Matroska video, serve as adaptable multimedia containers capable of accommodating diverse audio, video, and subtitle streams. They are widely used in online media content.

Rather than the conventional audio or video compression formats, MKV files act as multimedia containers that unify video, audio, and text components within a singular file. This sets them apart from other file formats.

Part 2: How to Play MKV Files on Windows? - DivX

DivX is a video format compatible with Windows systems, capable of playing various high-resolution video files like MKV, MP4, DivX, and AVI, including those in 4K resolution.

It also provides functionalities like adaptive bitrate streaming, effective UHD video playback, and digital rights management to cater to a wide range of user requirements.

divx player for mkv files

Here’s how to play MKV files with DivX Player:

Step 1: Download and install the DivX Player.

Step 2: Turn to File, then click Open Video.

Step 3: If the video is not playing, you may have to convert it by clicking the option next to Add Files.

Part 3: How to Play MKV Files on Mac? – Elmedia Player

Elmedia is a freely available application for Mac that enables video playback. It supports a range of formats like MKV, MP4, SWF, and more.

Moreover, it provides functions such as exporting/importing bookmarks, assembling playlist bookmarks, generating and preserving playlists, and other features to elevate your viewing experience.

elmedia player for mkv files

Step 1: Download Elmedia Player to your Mac.

Step 2: Launch it, then go to File, and click Open option.

Step 3: Choose the MKV file you want to play using your Mac, then confirm to play it.

Part 4: How to Convert MKV Files for Free?

For some devices that may not support the MKV files, converting it to another widely accepted format like MP4 or MOV can help.

And you can make the conversion for free. Online free tools like FreeConvert or Convertio can help. But they may limit the length and the video size to be converted.

So, another free tool that won’t put any limitations is UltraRepair. It’s able to batch convert MKV files to another format for totally free.

convert mkv file format

Part 5: How to Repair Corrupted MKV Files for Not Playing?

You should know how to play an MKV file on both Windows or Mac. And you can start enjoying. But what if you can’t play the MKV files using the tools mentioned? Even if the software is just downloaded for using?

One possible reason may be because your MKV files are damaged that you can’t open them before repairing them.

So, iMyFone UltraRepair, as a professional file repair tool for videos/audio/photos/documents repairing, comes out as a workable solution. Under any situations of corruption, your MKV video files can be repaired without damaging or losing the high quality.

Key Features:

Repair corrupted videos in different situations, such as videos not playing, video is pixelated, video has no sound, black screen video, etc.
Repair videos of various formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, MKV, MTS, MXF, 3GP, INSV, etc.
Repair videos that stored on camera, SD cards, hard drives, flash drives, etc.
No video size and number limit of the repairable videos.
Support all versions of the Windows & Mac operating system.

Try It Free Buy Now

Step 1: Download and launch the software to chhose Repair tab.

Try It Free

ultrarepair interface

Step 2: Upload all your corrupted MKV video files, then click Repair.

repair mkv files

Step 3: Preview or save the repaired files.

save repaired mkv files

Conclusion

For both Windows and Mac users, you can try the above two tools to open MKV files. And you don’t worry about the problem of how to play MKV files. As for converting and repairing MKV files, iMyFone UltraRepair can also help. And the MKV files can be converted and repaired smoothly without quality damage.

Try It Free Buy Now

Melvin Cooper

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