Codecs allow you to play different formats of audio and video files. Media Player supports a wide variety of codecs. Most are included out of the box; some additional codecs can be installed from the Microsoft Store. Windows includes codecs that allow Media Player to play the following formats out of the box:

Learn how to troubleshoot a "Secure HDCP" error when you try to watch a DVD or stream content in the Netflix app on your Xbox 360 console.

ASF is an extensible file format that stores synchronized multimedia data. It supports data delivery over a wide variety of networks and protocols. It is also suitable for local playback.

Restart your Surface, reconnect the Dock and/or monitors, and try your external display again. If you have trouble getting things working when you try to connect Surface to an external display, try these solutions to help fix the problem.

Learn how to change the video playback settings for apps that use the video platform that's built in to Windows.

Learn how to fix error 03-80-00 so you can play discs in your Xbox 360 console.

Failure to obtain a Teredo IP address can occur when there’s an issue with your Teredo adapter, when a device on your network is blocking the Teredo protocol, or if there’s software installed on your PC that’s disabling Teredo functionality.

To change the brightness on an external monitor, use the buttons on it. Some PCs can let Windows automatically adjust screen brightness based on the current lighting conditions. To find out if your PC supports this: This automatic setting helps make sure your screen is readable wherever you go.

Some files in these formats can be inserted into PowerPoint depending on the video and audio encoding used, but they will be converted to MPEG-4 format upon insertion and playback. Insertion and playback of audio in Musical Instrument Digital Interface (.mid, .midi) is no longer supported.

Fix your media file that won't play in PowerPoint. For a complete list of supported video formats, see Video and audio file formats supported in PowerPoint. Video: We recommend that you use .mp4 files encoded with H.264 video (also known as MPEG-4 AVC) and AAC audio.