4 Ways to Fix YouTube Not Playing Videos on PC

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Disable Ad Blockers and Browser Extensions

YouTube may block your access on PC if you’re actively using anad-blockeror similar browser extension. Disable or remove it from your browser and reload YouTube. Let’s take Google Chrome for instance.

Step 1:Click thethree-dotmenuat the top right of Google Chrome, selectExtensions, and openManage Extensions.

Step 2:Toggle off the Ad blocker or related browser extension to turn it off. Alternatively, clickRemoveunder an extension to delete it.

Fix 2: Clear Browser Cookies and Cache Files

Corrupt cache files and obsolete browser cookies are common reasons behind YouTube not playing videos on PC. Clear them manually from your browser settings to restore normalcy.

Step 1:Open Google Chrome, click thethree-dot menuat the top-right, and selectSettings.

Step 2:SelectPrivacy and securityfrom the left sidebar, and clickDelete browsing data.

Step 3:Mark ‘Cookies and other site data‘, ‘Cached images and files‘, and clickDelete data. Reload YouTube in a new tab on your browser.

Fix 3: Disable Graphics Acceleration

Graphics acceleration boosts your browser’s performance. An issue with it, however, can halt the video playback on YouTube resulting in an error. Turn off the feature in your browser’s settings (e.g. Google Chrome), and reload YouTube.

Open Google Chrome Settings (check the above steps), selectSystemfrom the sidebar, and toggle off ‘Use graphics acceleration when available‘.

Fix 4: Update the Display Adapter

Lastly, if nothing works, update the display adapter drivers on your PC using theDevice Manager appand reboot the system to fix the YouTube video playback error.

Step 1:Press the Windows key, searchDevice Manager, and click to open it.

Step 2:ExpandDisplay adapters, right-click your graphics adapter, and selectUpdate driver.

Step 3:ClickSearch automatically for driversto install the latest compatible display adapter drivers for your PC online.

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Last updated on 05 August, 2024

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