OneDrive File Issues

Can OneDrive Play MPEG and MPG Video Files? Workarounds & Fixes

Nimra Malik Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they can play MPEG and MPG video files directly within OneDrive and how to handle playback unsupported issues without converting the entire collection.

Can OneDrive Play MPEG and MPG Video Files?

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to stream or play .mpg or .mpeg video files directly from the OneDrive web portal or mobile application.
Observed behavior: OneDrive fails to play certain MPEG video files natively in the browser, prompting the user to download the file instead.

Before you start

Check if your device already has a robust local media player installed (such as VLC) that supports various older video codecs, and ensure you have enough local storage space if you need to download large video files.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Compatible Local Media Player

Download the video to your local drive and play it using a dedicated media player to completely avoid the hassle of converting files.

Since OneDrive's web player is optimized for modern web formats, older or less common MPEG codecs might not be supported natively. Using a local media player is the fastest and most reliable way to view your original files without altering them.

Select the video file

Open OneDrive in your browser or app, locate the MPEG or MPG file you want to watch, and select it by checking the circle in the upper-right corner of the file icon.

Download the file

Click on the 'Download' button in the top menu bar to save the video file to your local computer or mobile device.

Open with a local player

Navigate to your downloads folder, right-click the video file, and select 'Open with' to choose a compatible media player like VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player.

Quality Preserved: Downloading and playing the file locally ensures you view the video in its original, uncompressed quality.

Solution 2

Convert Specific Videos to MP4

Convert only the videos you absolutely must play directly in the browser to save time while ensuring online compatibility.

Solution 3

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Request broader native MPEG support directly from Microsoft to help prioritize the feature for future updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which video formats are natively supported for playback in OneDrive?

OneDrive typically supports playing common, modern web-friendly video formats directly in the browser. The most reliable formats for native playback include MP4, MOV, and M4V.

Why does OneDrive play some MPEG files but not others?

The MPEG format often acts as a container that can hold various combinations of video and audio codecs. If the specific internal codec used in your .mpg file isn't supported by OneDrive's web player, the video will fail to play, even if other MPEG files work.

Can I use third-party mobile apps to stream MPG files from OneDrive?

Yes. Many third-party media player apps, such as VLC for Mobile, allow you to link your OneDrive account or access files via network streams. This lets you play unsupported video files directly without permanently downloading them to your device storage.

Document & File Issues