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iTunes won't play downloaded movies on Windows PC

Hi all,


I'm trying to play my purchased movies on iTunes on a windows PC. When I download the movies and play them, the play button briefly turns to a pause and immediately back to play indicating that playing the movie has failed. There is no warning or indication message and the movie window remains black with the timer static at 0:00:00.


I can play the movies (sporadically) but only if they're not downloaded and are streaming.


I suspect this is something to do with a graphics card or display issue but I can't find a solution. Screenshots of my settings are attached. Thanks for any help you can offer!

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Posted on Nov 8, 2018 5:07 AM

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Nov 13, 2018 4:02 PM in response to glic

What quality have you downloaded, SD or HD? Are you able to stream the movie rather than download and play? Have you got any TV show content and are having a similar issue?


I'm having a similar issue to you, but specifically when I try and play HD 1080p movies I've downloaded, even though I have downloaded and can play many different TV shows at 1080p without a problem. It's very weird.

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Nov 13, 2018 10:59 PM in response to Yawenaj

As you can see from the screenshot, I’ve left both HD and high quality SD options unticked in the hope that the download will be compatible. Streaming is ok but my internet connection isn’t reliable so I’d prefer to download the lower res for offline use.

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Nov 14, 2018 5:01 AM in response to glic

I think from your settings, it means you're downloading at 720p, which is still HD and not "lower res", as you call it (SD). Try ticking "Download high-quality SD videos" on your Downloads Preferences menu and then download one of your movies again to see if your computer will play in Standard Definition.


From your system specs, you should be able to play HD without a problem, so it could well be a driver issue. Are your graphics card drivers up to date?

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Nov 15, 2018 1:10 AM in response to Yawenaj

I gave that a shot without any luck I’m afraid. I ticked High Quality SD and then cleared the caches just to be sure. The movie then downloaded in 720p regardless and isn’t playing. Black screen only. Thanks for your help! Its fustrating!

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iTunes won't play downloaded movies on Windows PC

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