{"id":1101,"date":"2026-01-30T15:24:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T07:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/?p=1101"},"modified":"2026-01-30T15:24:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T07:24:31","slug":"how-to-play-avi-files-on-mac-and-windows-1423","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/2026\/01\/30\/how-to-play-avi-files-on-mac-and-windows-1423\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Play AVI Files on Mac and Windows"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"anchor-list-point\">\n<p><i class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>What This Guide Covers <\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul-inside pl40\">\n<li>AVI files are a Microsoft multimedia container containing video and audio, typically containing DivX or XviD codecs. This guide will show you how to play AVI files on Mac and Windows, and how to convert them to common formats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>AVI files are still being popularly used to store the high-quality videos, but most users find it difficult to open them because of the compatibility of codecs and players. Have you ever asked yourself what program opens the .avi files or how to open AVI files on Mac? You are not alone. In this article, we will explain what AVI is, why its playback issues happen, and various methods of playing AVI files on Windows and macOS.<\/p>\n<div class=\"anchor-list-1\">\n<p>Quick Access<span>CLOSE<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#part1\">What Is AVI?   <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#part2\">Common Problems When Opening AVI Files   <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#part3\">How to Play AVI Files on Mac and Windows   <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#part4\">FAQs   <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"part1\" class=\"wp-part pl20 mt10\"><strong>What Is AVI?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a multimedia container format that was created by Microsoft. An AVI file is a file with an .avi extension, and it holds both video and audio data that will be played in synchronization. You should understand that AVI is a container, and not a codec. This means that AVI files can utilize various video and audio codecs, such as DivX, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/entips\/xvid-codec-for-android-download-1410.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_xvid&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">XviD<\/a>, or even uncompressed streams. Because of this feature, AVI files can offer very high quality, but are comparatively very large in size compared to present formats like MP4. In case the media player you are using doesn&#8217;t support the codec featured in the AVI file, then you might face playback issues.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"part2\" class=\"wp-part pl20 mt10\"><strong>Common Problems When Opening AVI Files<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>AVI is a common video format, although it may not always be compatible with all devices and media players. Since AVI files may be encoded by different audio and video codecs, the problem of compatibility is very common. Below are some of the problems most users encounter while trying to play AVI files.<\/p>\n<div class=\"anchor-list-point\">\n<p><i class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>problems <\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul-inside pl40\">\n<li>AVI file won\u2019t play: This is most often because codecs have been lost, or the file has been damaged.<\/li>\n<li>Black screen with audio only: Video codecs are not supported.<\/li>\n<li>No sound: missing or incompatible audio codec.<\/li>\n<li>Unsupported format or codec errors: Player doesn\u2019t recognize the AVI container or codecs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The reason behind these problems is that AVI is able to retain a variety of codecs. These problems are usually solved by installing missing codecs or by installing a player that has built-in support for codecs.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"part3\" class=\"wp-part pl20 mt10\"><strong>How to Play AVI Files on Mac and Windows?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>With the right tools or method, AVI files are playable on both Mac and Windows. The file can be played on a built-in media player, on a free third-party AVI player, or the file can be converted to a more compatible format, depending on your system and the codecs you are using. The three most successful methods of doing it are listed below.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Use Windows Default Player<\/h3>\n<p>Windows Media Player (WMP) is an inbuilt video player in windows and it can support a lot of AVI files. The majority of files will be played automatically, but in case you experience some problems, follow these instructions to open AVI playback and troubleshoot.<\/p>\n<p><b>Step 1<\/b>: Locate your AVI file on File Explorer and click it twice. Windows will try to open it in Windows Media Player. Next, you can click on Open with Windows Media Player.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tc2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/open-avi-files-with-windows-media-players-2.jpg\" class=\"highslide\" rel=\"highslide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/open-avi-files-with-windows-media-players-2.jpg\" alt=\"open avi files with windows media players\" width=\"650\" height=\"\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-136102\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Step 2<\/b>: In case it does not open, open Windows Media Player, then File> Open and browse to your AVI file and open it.<br \/>\n<b>Step 3<\/b>: The video should run if the right codecs are there. Otherwise, you might see an error like &#8220;unsupported format&#8221; or &#8220;missing codec&#8221;.<br \/>\n<b>Step 4<\/b>:  Install a trusted pack of codecs such as K-Lite Codec Pack, restart Windows Media Player, and re-attempt to play the AVI file again.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Use Free Media Player for Mac &#038; Windows<\/h3>\n<p>When you are on a Mac (or would like to use it on Windows), the simplest method is to use a cross-platform player with wide AVI coverage. <b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/blu-ray-player\/?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_bluray_player&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Leawo Blu-ray Player<\/a><\/b> is one of the good alternatives, and it is a free Windows and macOS player. It plays nearly every type of video, such as AVI, and does not need additional codecs. The player is completely free for you to play media files, including HD video, and is fully compatible on both platforms.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"rec\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/images\/products-banner\/new\/blu-ray-player.png\" class=\"highslide\" rel=\"highslide\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Leawo Free Blu-ray Player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/images\/products-banner\/new\/blu-ray-player.png\" alt=\"Leawo Free Blu-ray Player\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><a style=\"font-size: 20px;\" title=\"Leawo Free Blu-ray Player\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/blu-ray-player\/?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_bluray_player&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Leawo Free Blu-ray Player<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul-inside\">\n<li>Region-free Blu-ray player to play 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray disc, folder and ISO file.<\/li>\n<li>Region-free DVD player to play DVD disc, folder and ISO file.<\/li>\n<li>HD video player to play videos of up to 4K quality in various formats.<\/li>\n<li>Audio player to play audio files in various formats.<\/li>\n<li>Totally free to use. No subscription is required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><a class=\"rec-dl-win\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/downloads\/blu-ray-player.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_bluray_player&#038;utm_campaign=1423\">Download<\/a><a class=\"rec-dl-mac\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/downloads\/blu-ray-player-mac.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_bluray_player&#038;utm_campaign=1423\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Step 1<\/b>: Download Leawo Blu-ray Player that is compatible with your operating system (Windows or Mac). After downloading, execute the installer and read the instructions as displayed on the screen to complete the whole process.<br \/>\n<b>Step 2<\/b>: Launch Leawo Blu-ray Player either in your Applications folder (Mac) or in your Start menu (Windows).<br \/>\n<b>Step 3<\/b>: On the main interface, click Open File or go to Media, then open a file. Select your AVI video and choose it. The AVI file can also be dragged and dropped in the player window.<\/p>\n<p> \u2003<\/p>\n<div class=\"tc2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/open-avi-files-with-windows-leawo-blu-ray-player-3.jpg\" class=\"highslide\" rel=\"highslide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/open-avi-files-with-windows-leawo-blu-ray-player-3.jpg\" alt=\"open avi files with Leawo Blu-ray player\" width=\"650\" height=\"\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-136102\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Step 4<\/b>: Your AVI file will begin playing after that. Leawo Blu-ray Player is capable of supporting most AVI codecs automatically, and thus, no extra codecs should be installed.<br \/>\n<b>Step 5<\/b>: You can customize the video and audio settings, control the subtitles, go full screen, or even capture snapshots of your video as you watch.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Convert AVI to Other Formats<\/h3>\n<p>Even the right player is unable to solve playback problems sometimes. And if your AVI file is still not playing, then one of the easiest ways is to convert your AVI to a more standard format, such as MP4 or MOV. <b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/pro\/video-converter.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_video_converter&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Leawo Video Converter<\/a><\/b> is a Windows and Mac all-in-one tool that is able to handle over 180 formats without compromising the quality of the video. It also provides trimming, cropping, watermarking, adjustment of effects, and even 2D to 3D conversion of videos.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"rec\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/images\/tutorial\/product\/win\/video-converter.jpg\" class=\"highslide\" rel=\"highslide\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Leawo Video Converter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.org\/images\/tutorial\/product\/win\/video-converter.jpg\" alt=\"Leawo Video Converter\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><a style=\"font-size: 20px;\" title=\"Leawo Video Converter\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/pro\/video-converter.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_video_converter&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Leawo Video Converter<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul-inside\">\n<li>Convert video\/audio between 180+ formats. <\/li>\n<li>Convert video\/audio with original quality in 6x higher speed.<\/li>\n<li>Turn photos (folders) into photo slideshows video.<\/li>\n<li>Convert 2D to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/knowledge\/how-to-watch-3d-movies-at-home-1423.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_3d_movie&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3D<\/a> video via editting 3D depth range and 6 different 3D modes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><a class=\"rec-dl-win\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/downloads\/video-converter.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_video_converter&#038;utm_campaign=1423\">Download<\/a><a class=\"rec-dl-mac\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/downloads\/video-converter-for-mac.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_video_converter&#038;utm_campaign=1423\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Step 1<\/b>: Open Leawo Video Converter, add your videos by clicking on add video, or you can drag your AVIs into the software.<br \/>\n<b>Step 2<\/b>: Next to Convert, press the format box and select Change option to choose format like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/knowledge\/mov-vs-mp4-1428.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_mp4_mov&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MP4 or MOV<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tc2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/leawo-select-output-format-4.jpg\" class=\"highslide\" rel=\"highslide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/leawo-select-output-format-4.jpg\" alt=\"select output format\" width=\"650\" height=\"\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-136102\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Step 3<\/b>: Press Edit to change video\/audio preferences (e. g., resolution, codec, bit rate, or frame rate) and then OK.<br \/>\n<b>Step 4<\/b>: Press the green Convert button and choose a destination folder.<br \/>\n<b>Step 5<\/b>: Press Convert one more time to get started. Once done, your AVI file will have the ability to be played on any device.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"part4\" class=\"wp-part pl20 mt10\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3>Do I need to install AVI codecs separately?<\/h3>\n<p>Unless your media player has built-in codec support. Windows Media Player sometimes needs extra codecs. Whereas the media players, such as Leawo Blu-ray Player, have most AVI codecs inbuilt and do not need any extra codecs.<\/p>\n<h3>Which player is best for Mac to open AVI files?<\/h3>\n<p>MacOS does not support all AVI codecs by default, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawo.com\/knowledge\/top-picks-best-4k-blu-ray-players-best-alternative-1426.html?utm_source=leawosoft.com&#038;utm_medium=20260130_players&#038;utm_campaign=1423\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">third-party players<\/a> can be suggested. Leawo Blu-ray player is a good alternative for Mac users, or you can turn AVI files into MP4 or MOV for QuickTime compatibility.<\/p>\n<h3>Why does my AVI file have sound but no video (or vice versa)?<\/h3>\n<p>This normally occurs when the video or audio codec in the AVI file is not supported by your playing device. This problem can be easily solved by using a media player that has a built-in codec support or by converting the AVI file to a more modern format.<\/p>\n<h3>What should I do if my AVI file still won\u2019t play on Mac or Windows?<\/h3>\n<p>In case an AVI file does not play with a compatible media player, the best option is to convert the AVI file into a more accepted format, such as MP4 or MOV. Some of the tools, such as Leawo Video Converter, enable you to convert AVI files without losing the quality of the video and can be easily played on Windows, macOS, and most devices without any problems with the codecs.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-part pl20 mt10\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>AVI is an outdated but excellent video format. They can be easily played by Windows users using Windows Media Player, but Mac users require Leawo Blu-ray Player. The typical problems with playback are usually absent codecs, which can be addressed by either using a player with built-in codec support, like Leawo Blu-ray Player or by transcoding the AVI to a more recent format with Leawo Video Converter. These steps will guarantee a seamless playback on both Mac and Windows.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This guide will show you how to play AVI files on Mac and Windows, and how to convert them to common formats.<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/2026\/01\/30\/how-to-play-avi-files-on-mac-and-windows-1423\/\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1102,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,16],"tags":[14,13],"class_list":["post-1101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convert","category-player","tag-blu-ray-player","tag-video-converter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1101"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1111,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1101\/revisions\/1111"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leawosoft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}