Open files with MKV extension quick and easy. 4 steps

It can be very frustrating when you have a MKV file and you cannot open it. But do not worry, in most cases solution to your problem is very simple. Follow the instruction in steps 1-4 listed below and you should be able to solve your problem and open the MKV file with ease.

MKV File Extension

File
  • File type Matroska Video Format
  • File developer Matroska
  • File category Video Files
  • File popularity rating
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Preview

What is a(n) MKV file?

The video file with the extension .MKV stores video and audio data and subtitles using the most popular formats: .SSA, VobSub, .SRT and .USF. A characteristic feature of this extension is the use of different types of video and audio codecs, which allows you to play the same file with sound or subtitles in different languages.

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How to open MKV file?

MKV file icon should be displayed in a manner characteristic to the program which supports such file type. If MKV file icon is of the form of generic blank page icon or similar it means that given format is not associated with any program installed on the system. Below are listed some of the most popular causes of such situation

Check the MKV file for errors

  • No program that supports MKV files is installed on the system
  • No program that supports MKV files is associated with this extension (system registry has no entries related to programs that should be used to open MKV files)
  • The file is of unknown or unverified origin and is most probably infected. In such case user must exercise extreme caution in order not to allow the virus propagate to other files in the system (follow the instructions displayed in the dialog box in your antivirus software.
  • MKV file may be incomplete, which will prevent the system from opening it (this could be the case with file downloaded from the internet or copied from other sources)
  • The file is corrupted

How to solve encountered problems?

In order to solve the following problems, follow the instructions:

Step 1. Select, download and install relevant software. The list of programs supporting files with MKV extension can be found below:

Programs that can open MKV files

Step 2. Associate software supporting MKV with this file format

  1. Right-click on the MKV file
  2. Select "Open with" option
  3. Choose appropriate program from the list and select the location where the program is installed
  4. Confirm your selection by clicking on the "OK" button

Step 3. Scan the MKV file using an antivirus software

Step 4. Verify whether the file has been properly downloaded from the internet or copied from an external storage medium. If not, then re-download or copy the file again.

In 95% of cases following these steps should solve problems with MKV files. Sometimes, although rarely, the cause of encountered problems may be different.

Last resort – an IT expert

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Should all the above-mentioned solutions fail to resolve problems with MKV file extensions, there is one last thing you can do – contact an IT expert. You can also try to contact one of the developers of software that supports MKV files.

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