Why won't my MOV file play on Windows?

A MOV file often won't play on Windows because of what is inside it. Newer iPhones record video in HEVC, and Windows needs an extra codec from the Microsoft Store to play it. Without it you get an error, a black screen or sound with no picture.

You can install that codec, but the video will still trip up other people's PCs, TVs and apps.

The fix that works everywhere is converting the MOV to an MP4. MP4 with standard H.264 video plays on almost every device. Drop your MOV files into the converter below.