Looping a video on Windows 10 might seem straightforward, but sometimes things just don’t work as they should. Maybe the repeat button refuses to stay active, or the video keeps stopping after a few loops. It’s annoying, especially when you want that seamless playback without constantly hitting play again. Luckily, it’s usually just a matter of tweaking some settings or knowing where to look. This quick rundown will help you troubleshoot common issues with looping in Windows Media Player, and even give pointers for other options, so your favorite clips can run on repeat without fuss.
How to Loop Videos on Windows 10
Method 1: Using Windows Media Player with the Correct Settings
This is the classic way. Windows Media Player is pretty reliable, but you have to make sure you’re actually turning on the repeat mode, or else it won’t loop. Some weird things happen where clicking the button doesn’t seem to do much, so double-check the settings.
- Open Windows Media Player: You find it by typing “Windows Media Player” in the search bar or starting it from the Start menu. If it’s not installed, you’ll need to get it from the Microsoft Store or use an alternative player.
- Load your video: In Windows Media Player, go to File > Open, then browse to your video file. Sometimes dragging and dropping works faster than digging through menus.
- Turn on repeat mode: Look for the Repeat button, which looks like two arrows forming a circle, usually at the bottom or in the playback controls. Click it once. If it’s not highlighting or changing color, give it a few tries, or restart the player. On some setups, the button’s appearance can be flaky—so check if the icon highlights or if you see a small indicator somewhere.
- Confirm it’s working: Play the video once, then see if it loops automatically after finishing. On some machines, you might need to restart the app or re-enable the repeat. Or, if you’re using a different skin/theme, things can look funky, but the function is still there.
Honestly, it’s kind of weird, but on some setups, the repeat button only activates after the first run, or after toggling it off and on. If it still won’t work, consider trying VLC—another media player that arguably handles loops more reliably and has less weird UI quirks.
Method 2: Using VLC Media Player for More Reliable Looping
VLC is the go-to for a lot of folks because it’s more flexible. When Windows Media Player starts acting up, VLC usually gets the job done without fuss. It’s also good when you want to loop a playlist or multiple files at once.
- Download and install VLC: If you haven’t already, grab it from VLC’s official page. It’s free, and honestly, way more stable for these kinds of tasks.
- Open your video: Drag the video into VLC or go to Media > Open File.
- Enable looping: Look for the Loop button (it’s a double arrow circle at the bottom).Click it once for a single video loop—or click again if you want to loop a playlist.
- Playback: Hit play and marvel at how smooth the loop is. No fuss, no weird glitches.
Another reason this helps: VLC generally keeps your loop setting active even if you restart the app. Plus, it can handle a ton of formats, so it’s kind of a one-stop shop for media playback.
Why these methods matter
Basically, Windows Media Player can be a bit flaky when it comes to toggling repeat, especially with certain file types or skins. On the flip side, VLC’s built-in controls are pretty foolproof. If the repeat button isn’t sticking, switching to VLC might be the best fix. Or, if you prefer to stick with Windows Media Player, just keep an eye on the icon and restart the app if needed. Less frustration in the long run that way.
Tips for Troubleshooting Looping Problems
- Make sure your media player is up-to-date. Outdated versions tend to have bugs.
- If the video file is corrupt or encoded strangely, that might mess up looping. Try playing another file to test.
- Use a playlist for multiple videos; then enable repeat for the entire playlist, especially in VLC.
- Sometimes Windows itself needs a quick restart, especially if loops suddenly stop working mid-session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I loop a video in VLC?
Play your video, then click the Loop button at the bottom (it’s a double arrowed circle).It turns blue or highlights to show it’s active. That’s it, just press play, and VLC keeps looping until you turn it off.
Why isn’t my repeat button working in Windows Media Player?
It could be that the player needs an update, or sometimes the file type causes issues. Restart the app, toggle the button again, or try a different media file. Also, check if Windows Media Player is configured correctly in Options or Preferences.
Can I loop videos directly from File Explorer?
Nope, you have to open the video in a media player first. Files don’t have a built-in loop feature, so rely on the media player’s controls.
What about looping videos from YouTube?
On YouTube, right-click on the video screen and select Loop. Easy peasy. Just remember that some browsers or extensions might interfere with this, so if it’s flaky, try in Chrome or Edge.
Summary
- Make sure you’re toggling the repeat button properly.
- Try VLC if Windows Media Player acts up.
- Update your media players to avoid bugs.
- Check if your video files are okay—corrupt files can mess with looping.
- Use playlists for multiple videos to save hassle.
Wrap-up
Looping videos on Windows 10 isn’t always just a one-click thing, but with these tips, it’s usually just a matter of hitting the right controls or switching to a more reliable player like VLC. Sometimes, a quick restart or update is enough to fix weird glitches. Overall, it’s not rocket science—just annoying enough that you’ll want to nail it every time. Hopefully, this shaves off a few headache-inducing minutes for someone. Fingers crossed this helps!