MOV file will not play on Windows
A MOV from an iPhone or Mac often will not play on Windows because it uses HEVC or ProRes. How to tell which, and how to get it playing.
Last updated
In short: Windows plays ordinary H.264 MOV files, but not the HEVC ones iPhones record by default or the ProRes files from editing software. Converting the MOV to MP4 with H.264 makes it play in every Windows app.
Which MOV you have
MOV is a container, and what matters is the codec inside. iPhones record HEVC (H.265) unless set to Most Compatible. Final Cut and cameras aimed at editors write ProRes. Older Macs and screen recorders often write H.264. The file inspector on this site names the codec.
Fix 1: convert to MP4
The MOV to MP4 converter rewrites the video as H.264 with AAC sound, which Windows Media Player, the Photos app, PowerPoint and every browser play. It runs in your browser, so a large recording does not have to be uploaded anywhere.
Fix 2: install HEVC support
For HEVC MOVs, Microsoft sells HEVC Video Extensions in the Microsoft Store. After installing it, the Windows apps play those files. ProRes is still not supported.
Fix 3: use VLC
VLC plays almost every MOV on any system without extra codecs. That helps you watch it, but not share it with someone who does not have VLC.
About QuickTime for Windows
Apple stopped updating QuickTime for Windows in 2016 and advises uninstalling it. It is not the answer any more.
Questions
Why does my iPhone video not play on Windows?
It is recorded in HEVC. Convert it to H.264 MP4, or install Microsoft's HEVC Video Extensions.