MOV File Repair: How to Restore Your Videos on Windows

Jump To Key Section

Understanding MOV File Corruption
How do I Fix Corrupt MOV Files on Windows PCs?
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future MOV Corruption
Wrapping Up

MOV File is a well-known digital video format, developed by Apple. You can easily store your memorable and precious videos in this format on multiple devices. However sometimes due to improper folder transfer, system crashes, or malware attacks, these videos get corrupted on any device, including Windows PCs.

When your precious videos are damaged, don’t lose hope! There are several .MOV repair methods available online that you can try to repair video formats that are degraded or unplayable.

This guide will explore some DIY methods to provide you with how to repair corrupt MOV video files on Windows. Also, learn about Best Free Online Video Downloader in 2024 by reading this article.

Understanding MOV File Corruption

Before you use any video repair software or apply manual workarounds to reconstruct MOV files, it’s relevant to understand the exact cause of this damage. Some common reasons include:

Interrupted File Transfer: Transferring videos between devices can be interrupted by power failure, removing the storage device prematurely, or network issues, which can debase videos or even delete them.

Improper System Shutdown: Sudden shutdowns or crashes of your computer while the file is open or being processed can result in a corrupt system.

Software Issues: Using unreliable editing or converting software can also lead to damage.

Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious software can damage or alter these folders, making them unplayable.

Bad Sectors on Hard Drive: If your hard drive has bad sectors where they are stored, resulting in inaccessible or defiled.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
MOV files are higher in quality and larger in size and are considered better for video editing on a Mac. However, they can take a large amount of storage on your PC.

How do I Fix Corrupt MOV Files on Windows PCs?

Here are some commonly used DIY methods to easily repair corrupt MOV videos on Windows:

Method 01: Convert Video File Format

Before applying any technical workarounds, you can try converting its format. This is the easiest approach to repair damaged MOV videos as it also changes the file extension. Follow the below steps to change your video format:

Search for a trusted video converter online.
Upload the video that you need to convert.
Pick a different video format than the original one.
Download the converted video to your device and try playing it.

Method 02: Use VLC Media Player

Windows in-built VLC player is a versatile media player that not only allows you to play videos but also to recondition them in a few simple steps. To repair them on a Windows PC using VLC, you need to:

Launch VLC Media Player on your device, click on the Media menu from the top-left corner, and click on Convert/Save.
Now, click the Add button and upload the corrupt MOV file that you need to repair.
Click on the Convert/Save button and select the profile you want to convert to. You can also opt for a different video format like MP4 if MOV is not working.
Lastly, click on a destination file name and location for the converted file.
Once done, click the Start button to initiate the conversion process.

After completion of the above steps, check if the MOV file corruption issue is resolved. If not, move to the next. MOV repair method.

Method 03: Use QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player offers several built-in features like smooth playback, editing, screen recording, and format conversion, and supports a wide range of media formats. You can easily restore MOV videos that are damaged due to any reason using this versatile player in a few simple steps. All you have to do is:

If you don’t have QuickTime Player installed, install it on your device.
Navigate to File > Open File, and click on the corrupt video that you need to adjust.
Go to File, click Export As, and pick a format to export the file.

Method 04: Repair Header Corruption

Sometimes, MOV videos get damaged due to loose file headers, which makes them unplayable. Restoring the header can also improve videos, but before applying this method, always create a backup of the folder. Follow the below steps to repair the MOV file header:

Open the file in a HEX editor.
Now, open a similar working MOV file, and copy its header information from the good file to the corrupt file.
Save the changes and check if your files are playable now.

Method 05: Use Third-Party Video Repair Software

If manual .MOV methods fail to restore your damaged MOV video files, you can use professional video repair software. Tools like Stellar Repair allow you to fix altered, grainy, choppy, or distorted videos in a few simple clicks. Not only MOV videos, this software supports restoring multiple formats, such as MP4, MKV, M4V, 3G2, 3GP, etc.

The Stellar Repair for Video tool is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.
100% safe and secure tool to restore videos.
Replace distorted videos saved on any internal or external storage devices, such as HDDs, USB drives, CF cards, and many more
Offers ‘Advance Repair’ feature to let you restore severely foul videos using a ‘Sample File’.
Allows you to preview the improved videos before saving them at the desired location on your device.

Here’s how to restore corrupt MOV videos on Windows using the Stellar Repair for Video tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Video tool on your Windows PC. Launch the software and from the homepage, click Add Videos to pick the damaged videos that you need to repair.

Step 2: Click the Repair button to start the overhaul process and wait till it gets completed.

Step 3: Preview the mended video(s) and click the Save Repaired Files button to save them at the desired location.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future MOV Corruption

Preventing file damage is better than fixing it. Here are some preventive tips to consider:

Regular Backups: Regularly back up your videos to multiple locations, including cloud storage and external hard drives.
Use Reliable Software: Use reliable and reputable software for video editing and conversion.
Avoid Interruptions: Ensure that file transfers are not interrupted by power failures or disconnections.
Update Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software updated to prevent malware attacks.
Proper Shutdowns: Always properly shut down your computer to avoid sudden crashes.

Wrapping Up

Repairing corrupt MOV files on Windows can be challenging, but with the above-mentioned video repair software and manual methods, it is possible to recover your valuable videos. If you use built-in tools like VLC Media Player and QuickTime or any third-party software, each approach offers a way to fix different types of damage. Always remember to back up your files regularly to minimize the risk of data loss and ensure a smooth recovery process when needed.