The Media Could Not Be Loaded Fix

The error message: the media could not be loaded will occur when an end user attempts to play a video file embedded in a website. The exact reason for this error may vary, but typically you’re looking at an invalid or unsupported format, or a network/server issue as a root cause. In this tutorial, we’ll go through a range of solutions, all of which should help you overcome this problem.

The error message (the media could not be loaded) states that the web browser was unable to retrieve and display the media file. This particular issue is not exclusive to any one browser brand or version or to any specific media format, thus, at first glance, one can be forgiven for thinking it’s random.

As this is a web related error, there’s always that possibility the cause could be server-side. In which case, there would be nothing the end user could do about it. You’re objective should be to exhaust every available and known solution to determine whether that is the case. And if it is, then you’re only legitimate cause of action would be to wait.

Anyway, before we get to the solutions, let’s take a deeper dive into the possible causes of this error.

What Causes The Media Could Not Be Loaded Error?

As is typically the case with your computer, errors can and do occur for a wide range of reasons. A temporary glitch may be the cause or it could be something more technical.

Through my research I was able to map out the most common causes of the media could not be loaded error. These are as follows:

• Your browser is outdated: If you haven’t updated your browser in quite a while. It can, in some instances result in compatibility problems when trying to access, visualise or play certain media formats.
• Intermittent Internet Connection: If you have an unstable connection to the internet. Then it could disrupt the data streaming process, causing the media playback to fail.
• Server Issue: It’s possible the server that is hosting the site could be experiencing problems. Which is making media playback inaccessible.
• Incompatible Media Format: It’s possible the media file is encoded in a format that is not supported or recognised by your browser.

Now, with all the possible causes out of the way, let’s take a look at the many ways you can fix this problem.

How to Fix It

As one of several individuals unfortunate enough to encounter the media could not be loaded error message when attempting to playback video. You’ll want to start with the simple solutions, then work your way up.

First, try refreshing the page several times. As this will give the browser and system the opportunity to re-establish a connection – so you can watch the media file. However, if this simple step fails to fix the problem, then it’s probably because the problem is a lot more severe. In which case, further investigation is in order.

For your additional investigation you’ll want to rule out any issues with the internet.

To do that, you’ll want to attempt the playback of another media file, on the same browser. If you get the same problem, then it’s possible your connection to the internet is the cause. In which case, restarting your router should be sufficient in fixing the problem.

The next thing you’d want to establish (in the event that it is not an internet connection problem), is whether it’s a server-side issue. It’s possible the hosting company is experiencing problems, which in turn, is making it impossible to playback video.

To determine whether or not the server is at fault, you will need to attempt playback of the same media file on a different browser. If the problem persists, then it’s likely the issue is server-side. In which case, there is very little you can do, besides wait.

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix the Media Could Not Be Loaded

If you’re system isn’t operating like it once did, constantly lagging, freezing, with the occasional crash, then you need a solution. The solution I have in mind is the Windows repair tool Advanced System Repair Pro.

This tool is highly advanced, developed by professionals. Who wanted a tool that could solve the vast majority of problems Windows users face on their PCs.

It’s a repair solution made easy, as the end user need only download and run it.

Once you do that, it’ll scan, detect and fix any problems it encounters, whether it be browser, registry, BSOD, DLL or virus related. This tool will find it and flush it out.

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The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Update Web Browser

There’s a strong possibility that your web browser is unable to playback the video format due to a compatibility issue. This “issue” may have already been resolved in a later iteration of your browser.

Thus, if you’ve recently come face to face with the media could not be loaded error. Then you should consider updating your browser.

Browser updates is a fairly simple process. But if you need help, then you can find instructions on how to update Google Chrome here.

If you’re on Microsoft Edge, then you can find instructions here.

For Mozilla Firefox users, find steps here.

Disable AdBlock

Many end users have discovered that webmasters have been using the media could not be loaded error notification. As a tactic of getting people to disable AdBlock on their browser.

However, there’s no real way to know whether or not AdBlock is causing the error in this particular case, without actually disabling it.

So if you use AdBlock, here are your steps to disabling it, for that specific web page.

1. First, ensure you’ve booted into your system as a full administrator before attempting to access the problematic webpage.

2. Now, from your browser, click on the AdBlock icon, this will bring up the AdBlock applet. From here, click on the Blue Slider besides This page.

3. Lastly, click on the Refresh button.

Now you can verify whether or not it fixed the media could not be loaded error.

Disable VPN

Do you use a VPN to access the internet? If so, then there’s a chance it could be blocking or filtering out certain elements on the web page. In this case, the media file.

To determine whether or not that is true, you will need to disable your VPN (at least temporarily) then evaluate.

Disabling your VPN will vary, depending on the VPN type. If you use Windows very own proxy server, then you can find step-by-step instructions on how to disable it on my page titled How to fix Windows Update error 0x8024401f.

If you use a third-party solution, then you should be able to disable it within the GUI (Graphical User Interface), or by simply uninstalling it.

Clear Browser Cache

It’s possible the media could not be loaded error is as a result of browser data corruption. This is not uncommon, as users typically browse the internet, visiting a wide range of sites, with very little mind for the potential dangers.

As a result, your browser may have picked up adware or a Trojan horse, which is having an adverse effect on your system.

Thus, to eliminate browser corruption as a possible cause, you will need to flush all data contained in the cache folder.

You can find step-by-step instructions on how to do that for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox (click on corresponding link).

Download the Media File

If the media could not be loaded error continues to persists, even after attempting all the solutions above, then you may want to consider a workaround.

That is, to download the media file to your system and play it directly through your very own media player. The most difficult part of this method is downloading the video to your system.

All the top browsers have a litany of video downloaders that you can install and use (as extensions).

You just need to find one that works. That is able to detect the media file and allow you to download it.

Technically, this is not a fix. But it should allow you to watch the video, if correctly implemented.

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