M4U File Extension

What is M4U file?

Full format name of files that use M4U extension is MPEG-4 Playlist. M4U file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Mac OS, Windows system platform. M4U file format, along with 546 other file formats, belongs to the Video Files category. Users are advised to use QuickTime Player software for managing M4U files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. Software named QuickTime Player was created by Apple, Inc.. In order to find more detailed information on the software and M4U files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support M4U file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support M4U files. M4U files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with M4U extension?

Being unable to open files with M4U extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with M4U extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with M4U files.

Step 1. Install QuickTime Player software

Problems with opening and working with M4U files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with M4U files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select QuickTime Player or one of the recommended programs (for example, Video player) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit QuickTime Player website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of QuickTime Player and update if needed

You still cannot access M4U files although QuickTime Player is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why M4U files are not compatible with QuickTime Player. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using QuickTime Player.

Step 3. Associate MPEG-4 Playlist files with QuickTime Player

After installing QuickTime Player (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open M4U files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the M4U with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the QuickTime Player installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open M4U files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the M4U file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with M4U extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the M4U file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the M4U file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the M4U in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the M4U file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the M4U file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the M4U file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the M4U file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the M4U file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with M4U extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the MPEG-4 Playlist file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open QuickTime Player

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support M4U files. Close all running programs and try opening the M4U file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with MPEG-4 Playlist files. It may be the case that the M4U files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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