Mfplat.dll is missing from Windows 10

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Some users have reported that they are unable to run PLEX or a similar streaming service as a Windows update was automatically installed on their system. Found error points to a missing Windows Media Feature Pack DLL.

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Upgrade: The mfplat.dll error has also been reported in various games actively using the Media Feature Pack.

What Causes the Mfplat.dll Error?

Most of the time, mfplat.dll missing error occurs because the media feature pack is missing from the system showing the error. Although the Media Feature Pack is usually installed by the application that needs it or via WU (Windows Update) automatically, some installers do not include it.

These are some of the reasons why Media Feature Pack (along with the mfplat.dll file) it will not install together with the application that needs it:

  • The computer uses Windows 10 N, which does not include Media Feature Pack by default.

  • The media player service was disabled by a Windows update. In this case, the solution is to run a certain command at an elevated command prompt; see Method 2 for a step-by-step guide.

  • The application installation wizard does not include Media Feature Pack.

  • User deliberately chooses to decline Media Feature Pack installation from installation wizard.

  • Windows 10 is out of date and the application in question requires a new version of the Media Feature Pack.

How to fix mfplat.dll missing error

If you are having difficulty resolving this particular error, this article will help you to fix the problem. Below is a collection of methods that other users in a similar situation have used to solve the problem.

For best results, start with the first method and then follow the other methods listed below in order until you find the steps to get around or resolve the error message. Let us begin!

Important: It is not recommended to copy the mfplat.dll file from a DLL download website, as it will create additional errors in the future.

Method 1: Installing Media Feature Pack for Windows version 10 N

Please note that Windows 10 N comes without a Windows Media Player built into the system. This means, Thus, that Media Feature Pack will not be installed by default or updated using the WU component (Windows Update).

If you are not sure which version of Windows 10 currently has installed, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type “about” in the search box.

  2. Click About this PC to open the About tab of the Settings app.

  3. On the About screen, scroll down to Windows Specifications and find out your version of Windows in Edition.

    windows-10-home-7029468

If you encounter the problem in Windows 10 N, The missing error in mfplat.dll can be resolved by installing the appropriate Media Feature Pack. Here is a quick guide on how to do it:

  1. Visit this link (here) and go to the download page.

  2. Using the drop down menu, select the edition you want to install and click Confirm. Note that there are a few reasons why you might want to install the older version, since most streaming services like Plex and most games will require the version 1803.

    download-feature-pack-5913877

  3. Wait until your request is validated. The download should start automatically in several minutes.
    validating-2597358

  4. Once the download is complete, open the installation executable and follow the instructions on the screen to install the Media Feature Pack on your system.

  5. Once the Media Feature Pack is installed, restart your computer.

  6. In the next start, open the app that previously showed the mfplat.dll missing error and see if the problem is resolved.

If you still encounter the same error or this method is not applicable, go to next method.

Method 2: enable media playback from a top command prompt

If you run into this error when trying to run Plex or a similar streaming service and previously made sure that the Media Feature Pack is installed, you should try to enable media playback via an elevated command prompt.

Apparently, There are cases where a Windows update will end up disabling this feature and create the basis for the mfplat.dll missing error. Some users who are in a similar situation have been able to solve the problem by running a command at an elevated command prompt. Here is a quick guide on how to do this:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open a start box. Later, scribe “cmd” in the Run box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated command prompt. If the UAC (User account control) The question, click yes.

    cmd-36-5143442

  2. Inside elevated command prompt, paste the following command and hit Enter to run it:

     dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:MediaPlayback 
  3. Close the raised knob indicator and reopen the app to see if the problem is resolved.

If the problem is still not resolved, proceed to the next method below.

If the error occurred shortly after upgrading to Windows 10 from a previous version, the solution is as easy as using the windows.old directory to get an old copy of the mfplat.dll file.

Users in a similar situation have reported that they have managed to fix the problem after following a couple of steps. This is what you have to do:

  1. Go to your Windows hard drive and find the directory windows.old. This folder will hold a copy of your old operating system and associated files in case something goes wrong during the update process.

    Note: This folder is expected to be deleted about a month after the update. You can also choose to remove it manually at any time.

  2. Open the WIndows.old folder and navigate to the syswow64 folder.

  3. In the syswow64 folder, copy the mfplat.dll file and paste it into C: windows ~ syswow64.

  4. Restart the computer and see if the problem is resolved after the next startup completes by opening the application that showed the error earlier.

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