How to fix/repair unplayable or corrupted AVI File?

Summary: In this post, we’ll discuss various issues that you may encounter while playing AVI video files, and the reasons for such issues. We’ll also discuss some methods on how to fix these problems caused due to file corruption or for any other reason.

AVI, which stands for Audio Video Interleave, is a file extension developed by Microsoft. It’s one of the most commonly used video file types. Though it’s a popular video file type, you may encounter playability issues with it due to various reasons.

Stellar Repair for Video

Exclusive Offer: Now Repair corrupt or damaged video files for ₹1,999

Get Instant Key
Free Technical support
Get Free In-Lab Service Coupon

Buy Now

Some common issues that you may encounter while playing AVI video files are:

AVI file couldn’t be played - You see an error message and the AVI video file fails to play, or the video simply doesn’t start playing, without throwing any error.
AVI file’s audio is missing – While playing the AVI file, you can see the graphics but the audio part is missing.
AVI file’s video not playing - When you play the AVI file, you are able to listen to the audio, but the video is not visible.
Audio-video sync issue - When you play the AVI video file, you observe a delay between video graphics and the audio.
Grainy, pixilated, or blurry playback - Your video is playable, but the playback doesn’t give good viewing experience. The video playback is grainy or pixilated.

These or other similar issues might occur because of various reasons such as media player doesn’t support the AVI file format, absence of supporting codec, problem with your device or media player, AVI file header or any other component is corrupt, etc.

If you’re facing similar issues, you first need to check if your AVI file is corrupt. To check this, try playing a few other AVI files with the same player and on the same device.

Case 1. If you’re able to play other AVI files without any problem, it means that the AVI file in question is corrupt. To repair the corrupted AVI file, jump directly to method to repair corrupted video files .

Case 2. If you’re not able to play the other AVI files, try playing the file on any other device or install another media player (if supported). Media players such as VLC, Winamp, etc., support a wide range of file formats and codecs.

Case 3. If the issue is due to any other reason, you can follow the methods given below to resolve the problem on a Windows system.

Methods to Fix AVI Video File Playability Issues on Windows

Method 1: Update the Display Driver

Display drivers help in displaying the graphics properly on your system. Often outdated video drivers make the AVI video files unplayable.

Steps to update the display driver:

Type device manager on Windows search box at the bottom-left corner of your system, and hit Enter
This opens up the Device Manager console.
Expand the Display adapters
Right-click the graphics adapter and click Properties
Choose Driver tab, and then click Update Driver button
[NOTE]: Make sure that you’re connected to the internet.
Next, choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” on the window that pops up
Once the drivers are updated, restart your Windows system and try to play the AVI video files

Method 2: Uninstall Third Party Audio Devices

Having multiple audio drivers can sometimes result in a conflict. Your Windows system may fail to play the audio part of AVI files because of conflicting audio drivers. Thus, if you have multiple third party audio drivers installed on your system, uninstall them.

Steps to uninstall an audio driver:

Open Device Manager by typing device manager on Windows search box at the bottom-left corner of your system, and press Enter
Expand Sound, video and game controllers
Right-click on any third party audio device that you may see, and click Uninstall device
Restart your system, and try to play the AVI file now

Method 3: Update Windows

You may also encounter problems while playing your AVI video files, if your Windows operating system is not updated. Updating the operating system sometimes fix issues which may not be allowing other applications to work properly.

To update your Windows, following the steps given below:

Click Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your system
Click the gear icon to open Windows settings
Select Update & Security
Click Check for Updates

Windows will start checking for the updates.
Download and install the pending updates (if any)
Restart the system and check if the AVI video file playability issue is fixed

Repair Corrupt AVI Videos by Using Stellar Repair for Video

If the above methods fail to solve the issue, this means that your AVI video file is corrupt. To fix the corruption and make the AVI file playable, use an advanced video repair tool such as Stellar Repair for Video . Stellar Video Repair software is one of the best and authentic software to repair AVI files that get corrupted due to malware attack, mishandling, issues caused during file transfer, or any other issues.

Key Features of Stellar Repair for Video

Easy-to-use
Repairs corrupted header & other components of video files
Repairs grainy, pixilated, distorted, discolored, choppy, blurry, and frozen AVI videos
Fixes “not playable” video files due to corruption

Steps to Repair Corrupted AVI File by Using Stellar Repair for Video

Download and install the software on your Windows system
From the main interface, click Add File button. This brings up an Add File dialog box. Now browse and select the corrupted AVI file.
[NOTE]: You can browse multiple corrupted AVI files simultaneously and repair them all.
Click Repair button
Once the repairing process is completed, you can see preview of the repaired AVI file by clicking Preview under Action column

If your AVI video file is severely corrupted and repairing status is Awaiting Action, you can run Advance Repair by clicking Advance Repair under Action column.
Save the repaired AVI file at a desired location by clicking Save Repaired Files
This should fix all the problems you may have encountered with your AVI file due to corruption.

Conclusion

At times, it may happen that AVI video file becomes unplayable or the video playback shows some issues. This may happen due to AVI file corruption or issues with the device/player. You can use another player or device to see if it works. If you’re a Windows device user and facing playability problems with your AVI file, you can follow the methods given in this post to fix the problem. However, if your AVI file is corrupted, use a video repair tool such as Stellar Repair for Video. This DIY tool is one of the best and powerful tools that can repair all the components including corrupted header of the AVI files.