5 Ways to Fix Widevine Content Decryption Module Error

Widevine Content Decryption Module (WidevineCdm) is a built-in plugin in Google Chrome. When installing Chrome for the first time, it already comes packed with this module.

To Fix Widevine Content Decryption Module Error, Reinstalling Chrome, Deleting the WidevineCdm Folder, Full Control to Edit the WidevineCdm Folder, Updating Widevine Content Decryption Module, Disable Security Software, etc.

It helps in playing DRM-protected HTML5 video and audio in Google Chrome. You receive an error as the missing component if it is missing or not updated.

How to Fix Widevine Content Decryption Module Error

Here we have discussed ways to solve this issue. Read on.

Method 1: Updating Widevine Content Decryption Module

We can update this plugin through Google Chrome itself. First, you must ensure you launch Chrome in administrator mode. Then follow the steps which are given below:

1. First, right-click on Google Chrome browser. Then from the list of options, select Run as administrator.

2. Afterward, Chrome will open in administrator mode. Then go to the address bar within Chrome and type in the “chrome://components” address. Then hit Enter.

3. When the new page opens, keep scrolling to the bottom. You will find an entry named Widevine Content Decryption Module at the end. Underneath this entry, you will see a button as Check for update. Click on it.

4. Afterwards, refresh the page. If the status below changes to Up-to-date, you know the Widevine Content Decryption Module plugin has been updated successfully.

5. Finally, restart your system. Check if you still get the error.

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Method 2: Disable Security Software

You may have installed some third-party software for virus protection. It still does not matter, as Windows 10 itself, in case you are using it, comes with a Windows Defender Security Center.

What this program does, is that it prevents Widevine Content Decryption Module from getting the update. It does not occur because it is malware or any corrupted program. The main reason lies in the new security feature that Microsoft has included. In the latest version of Windows, apps or files getting installed without permission have been prohibited.

So when you try to update the component within Chrome, first, you need to turn off real-time protection. It is within the Windows Defender Security Center. Or if you are using any other third-party antivirus program, disable it before starting the update.
You should note that re-enable your security software after you update the component.

Check if you are still getting the error after doing all the above. If the error persists, move to the following method.

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Method 3: Full Control to Edit WidevineCdm Folder

You can also try changing the folder’s permission on your computer. You need to have sufficient privileges first. Otherwise, Windows User Account Control will not allow you to update the plugin. So what we do, is go to the plugin folder. Here, we make sure that your account has complete control. Once you ensure this, you can again try updating the plugin using method 1 given above.

Follow the steps given below:

1. First, press the Windows Key & R simultaneously. This will open the Run dialog box.

2. Then type in “%userprofile%/appdata/local.” Next, press Enter.

3. Afterwards, the required folder will show on the screen.

4. Then navigate to the following path: Google>>Chrome>>User Data.

5. When the new window opens, locate the folder WidevineCdm in the list of folders. After you find it, then right-click on it, and select Properties.

6. Then go to the Security tab. You must ensure that your login user has full access to the folder. Afterward, you can check for a tick before Full control in the properties.

In case you see that you do not have complete control, follow these steps:

1. Select your profile and click on Edit… to modify the setting. There should be a tick under the column of Deny next to Full Control. Uncheck it. This will give your account full access. Click on Apply to save the changes and exit.

2. Finally, restart your computer. Try updating your plugin using the first method. Then check if you still get the Widevine Content Decryption Module error.

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Method 4: Delete WidevineCdm Folder

You can also try deleting the plugin folder itself. Then you can reinstall it using Chrome. This solution requires administrative rights. So you must first make sure that you are logged in as an administrator.

1. At First, press the Windows Key+R simultaneously. This will open the Run dialog box.

2. Then, type in “%userprofile%/appdata/local.” Next, press Enter.

3. Afterwards, the required folder will show on the screen.

4. Later, Navigate to this path Google -> Chrome -> User Data.

5. When the new window opens, locate the folder WidevineCdm in the list of folders. After you find it, then right-click on it, and select Delete.

6. Now, right-click on the blank area in Recycle Bin to choose Empty Recycle Bin.

7. Afterward, press the Windows Key+S together. This will open the Search box.

8. Then type in Task Manager in the box.

9. Later, right-click on the result that shows, and select Run as administrator.

10. End all the Chrome-related tasks. Then right-click on each Chrome entry, and select End task.

11. Now, you use the first method of updating the plugin. It should update successfully and Chrome will restart.

Restart your PC. Try playing any video; hopefully, you will not receive Widevine Content Decryption Module error.

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Method 5: Reinstalling Chrome

If none of the above methods work, reinstalling Chrome is best. When you uninstall Chrome, all its modules are deleted. So, if some components are corrupt, this will solve the issue.

1. At First, press the Windows Key and R simultaneously. This will open the Run dialog box. Type in “appwiz.cpl“. The window that opens will list all applications installed on your computer.

2. Find Google Chrome. Then right-click on it and select Uninstall.

3. After you uninstall it, go to the official Google website & download the latest version of Google Chrome browser.

4. Afterwards, run the executable and install it.

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Now check if installing the new browser solves your problem. These were all methods to tackle Widevine Content Decryption Module errors. Hopefully, either works for you.

FAQS

How do I fix Google Widevine?

To fix Google Widevine, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, turning off any conflicting extensions, and ensuring your browser and operating system are up to date. If issues persist, contact Google Chrome support for further assistance.

How do I enable Widevine in Chrome?

Widevine DRM is usually enabled by default in Chrome. To ensure it's active, go to 'chrome://settings/content/protected content' in your browser, and make sure the 'sites to play protected content' option is turned on.

How do I update the Widevine content decryption module on Netflix?

Netflix updates Widevine automatically. If you encounter issues, check your Chrome updates. In case still problematic, update Chrome, which includes the latest Widevine module. If problems persist, contact Netflix support.

How to update the Widevine content decryption module on Chrome?

Chrome updates Widevine automatically with browser updates. Go to 'chrome://settings/help' to check for updates. If not corrected, Chrome should prompt you to update. If you still face issues, consider reinstalling Chrome

How do I enable DRM support in Chrome?

Chrome supports DRM by default. To confirm, visit 'chrome://components' and ensure the 'Widevine Content Decryption Module' is current. If not, Chrome updates should automatically enable DRM support.

How do I enable DRM content in Chrome?

Chrome allows DRM content by default. Ensure the 'Widevine Content Decryption Module' is updated in 'chrome://components.' If issues persist, update Chrome or try turning off conflicting extensions.