You Need an Extension to Use This File - How to Fix the Video Editor Error on Windows 10/11?

Q: "I have just installed Windows 10/11 on a new computer. It has a program called Video Editor. When I attempt to import an .avi video to the so called Storyboard timeline of Video Editor, there is an error message over the .avi clip: You need an extension to use this file. When I attempt to play the file, there is only sound, no image. Suggestions welcome."

A: Video Editor is an entry-level video editing utility built into the Photos app on Windows 10/11 for replacing the discontinued Windows Movie Maker. Pretty simple and easy to use. However, "You need an extension to use this file" or "We can't read this file" error sometimes appears when you add some .mp4, .mkv, .avi or .mov files from "Project library" to "Storyboard". What's going on?

Simply speaking, the Video Editor cannot recognize those videos files encoded with some specific codecs like HEVC, Prores, DNxHD, MJPEG, CineForm, and so forth. Therefore, I've rounded up 3 comprehensible solutions in the following content.

To easily fix Windows Video Editor you need an extension to use this file issue, what you really need to do is, just convert the problematic videos to Video Editor friendly format. WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory is highly recommended for facilitating the video transcoding easily at no cost. With 500+ predefined presets, it can virtually help solve any video and audio format unsupported issue. And the intuitive interface makes it fully accessible to all levels.

DownloadDownload a copy of this 100% free utility and learn how to fix "You need an extension to use this file" issue.

You have to know that this method ONLY WORKS for HEVC/H.265 video files and HEIF image files that lead to the Video Editor error "You need an extension to use this file". The problem can be fixed after you install HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store:

Among which, HEIF Image Extensions is free, but HEVC Video Extensions will cost you $0.99, which draws quite a bit of criticism and complaint. That's why many people wonder how to install HEVC codec on Windows 10/11.

As the Photos app Video Editor only supports a limited number of A/V formats and codecs, you can try some great alternatives to avoid the "You need an extension to use this file" error.

You know what, apart from the Photos app Video Editor, Microsoft acquired another web-based video editor - Clipchamp back in September 2021, which brings more functions with various templates, stock libraries, assets, elements, etc. Chipchamp is included with Windows 11, but Windows 10 users can also install it from Microsoft Store. Now the basic free plan supports 1080p FHD export. So, it's good choice to try this app.

Q1: What does the error "You need an extension to use this file" mean?

A: This error occurs when your system or software doesn't support the file format you're trying to use. The most common reason is the absence of a necessary codec or extension required to open or edit the file.

Q2: Can video editing software other than Windows Video Editor fix this issue?

A: Yes, using alternative video editors that support a broader range of formats can help resolve the issue. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or even free software like Shotcut can handle HEVC, MKV, and other formats without requiring additional extensions. These tools often come with built-in codecs, eliminating the need for separate purchases.

Q3: What are the best practices for avoiding this error in the future?

A: To avoid the "You need an extension" error in the future, consider the following:

• Use media players like VLC or PotPlayer that support a wide range of formats and come with built-in codecs.

• Regularly update your video editing and playback software to ensure you have the latest codec support.

• Convert files to widely supported formats like MP4 using tools like WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory.

That's all I want to share with you how to fix the Video Editor error "You need an extension to use this file" on Windows 10/11. Hopefully this article will shed some light on your matters. Pick any solution based on your need. Thanks for reading!