VLC player is an open-source application that allows Windows and Mac users to use all its features without spending a penny. It plays almost all sorts of media in practically every format, and even if it doesn’t, there’s always a codec for the same. However, if you’re a frequent user, you might have encountered an error such as ‘VLC doesn’t support UNDF format or No suitable decoder module.’ It is one of the most common problems faced by users.
An undefined file format, or UNDF, is one that the player is unable to identify or recognize. This problem usually occurs when you play any recently downloaded or moved file from your computer. So you can check your file, update your VLC Media Player, or download Combined Community Codec pack to resolve this issue.
“VLC Does Not Support UNDF Format” is a general issue in VLC. At the same time, this issue can have a wide range of causes, and when it occurs, you need to hit a try on everything to fix it. Let us review the various causes and solutions to this issue.
See also: 4 Ways to Fix Application Error 0xc0000005
Table of Contents
What Does UNDF Mean?
UNDF is nothing but an error code which means the file you are trying to open has an undefined file format. When VLC player shows it, it means that the VLC player is unable to recognize the file format. There’s no specific answer to why it happens, but it primarily occurs due to the lack of codec support to play the particular file.
Suppose you face the same problem with your VLC player; no need to worry because you are at just the right place. Here, in this guide, you will learn different solutions you can try out to fix the same.
Read this article to know the 6 Best Ways To Stop If VLC Keeps Crashing In Windows 10
What Causes VLC Does Not Support UNDF Format Error?
As I said, there is no specific answer to why it occurs. When VLC shows the UNDF error, it could be because of either reason. First of all, it mostly occurs because of corrupted or incomplete files.
There is a wide range of causes. It also includes the source and the website where you downloaded the file from. Another reason could be that maybe the file didn’t get downloaded entirely or was disturbed by some error. If you have copied the file in your system, maybe it didn’t get copied accurately. The second common cause of VLC UNDF error is the lack of a codec.
There might be a specific code requires to open the file which might not support the media player. In that case, you will have to download the necessary codec, which might seem impossible. But don’t you worry. You’ll learn how to fix that in that article.
How To Fix VLC Does Not Support UNDF Format?
So, let’s start with the solutions. They are very basic and straightforward. You just need a little knowledge of the first two methods. But if you are new to the computer system, you can always go with the 3rd method.
Check The File
If your VLC player shows the UNFD error while opening a file, the first thing you should do is check if the file is okay or not. There might be bugs present in the folder, or even the whole file might happen to be corrupt.
It depends on several factors, including the site where you downloaded it from. Also, make sure that the file is completely downloaded. Because if it’s not, it is an error to the software. In that case, it wouldn’t open as the file is incomplete.
Update Your VLC Media Player
If your file is alright, then the second thing you can try is updating your VLC media player. New bugs and viruses are created every day, so keeping your software and devices updated to protect them from malware becomes essential. The latest update always comes with the new codec support, including some of the recently developed codecs. It also comes with bugs fixed. It eliminates most of the causes of UNDF files. Simply, navigate to the official website & download the latest version of VLC media player.
See also: – 3 Ways to Fix MMC Could Not Create the Snap-In
Download Combined Community Codec Pack
It is the software which highly recommends for fixing UNDF errors. As you have learned earlier, the error VLC does not support UNDF format occurs due to the lack of video or audio codecs.
If the file you are trying to open requires a format that VLC doesn’t support, you will get this error. So, to fix it, you need to download the necessary codec. But the problem is that it’s complicated to figure out which codec is missing to run the file.
As there is no possible way to find out what’s missing, you need to install the Combined Community Codec Pack. As the name itself suggests, Combined Community Codec Pack is all in one kind of software which comes with a complete list of the codec support such as CoreWavPack, FFDShow Tryout, VSFilter, etc. CCCP chooses all these codecs very carefully to offer you perfect video and audio support. Follow these steps to download Combined Community Codec Pack:
1. Download Combine Community Codec Pack on your system.
2. Now, just install it on your Computer & do the same as shown in the image below.
3. Run the file again in your VLC media player & you’re good to go.
Bonus Tip
1. Right-click on the file & choose Open with MPC-HC. That’s it. The data will open smoothly without any issue.
See also: – {Solved} Fix Program Can’t Start Because d3dx9_43.dll is Missing
Conclusion
These were the best suitable solution to the UNDF error. If you are annoyed that VLC does not support UNDF error, get up and try out these methods. And if nothing works, go with the third method.
I would recommend it anyway because it’s like the all in one solution for all such problems. I’m sure it’ll work for you. I hope this tutorial was helpful to you.
See Also: 8 Best Fixes For Windows Media Player Library Not Adding Files
Gravit Sinha is the founder of ValidEdge. Ever since he was a kid, he has been a problem fixer and that passion is what inspired him to start and grow this website! 🙂
