VLC cannot open MRL file

There is a bug in the VLC that doesn't seem to fix regardless of the build version. The error “VLC cannot open MRL” occurs when the VLC player tries to open a file or stream a movie that is physically located elsewhere than on the local computer. If the VLC player can't get it for some reason, you will end up seeing the error “VLC cannot open the MRL”.

While the error may be the result of an internal firewall crash due to the application error, it is also likely that the error is not from the application itself, but from the content host that is located remotely.

Since the error occurs when remotely located content is not accessible for one reason or another, there are a number of steps that can be taken to determine the source of the problem. If you see the error “VLC cannot open LRM” when you try to play a video or broadcast, follow the steps below to solve the problem. Then, shows a collection of methods that other users have used to fix the problem. Follow the methods in order until you find a solution that solves the problem..

Method 1: make sure the font works

Before doing anything else, it is important to make sure the source you are trying to access actually works. Since the error mostly occurs with streams and other URL-based content, go to File> Open network broadcast and copy the URL you are trying to access from there.

Paste the URL into your browser (or other video player) and see if it starts playing. If the network URL does not work in other applications, it is very likely that the problem is not in the version of your VLP player but in the source.

In case the source works in your browser or other media player, continue with the following methods below.

Method 2: uninstall or adjust firewall settings

Most occurrences of the error “VLC cannot open MRL” that are not the result of a broken font are actually caused by a firewall setting. Overprotective firewalls (especially third party solutions) can end up blocking the necessary ports that the VCL needs to successfully transmit the source.

Of course, depending on the third party firewall, the steps that prevent external antivirus from interfering with content streaming will be different. An AVG, you can solve this problem by going to Firewall> Tools / Firewall configuration, then select Applications in the left pane. Then, move to the right pane and change the action assigned to the VLC media player to Allow for all.

Note: If you use a different antivirus, you will need to find specific steps related to the security package you are using.

If you are having trouble finding the equivalent steps for the third-party antivirus you are using, a simpler solution would be to just get rid of the third party firewall and use the built in solution. Windows Defender firewall is not known to conflict with VLC like other third-party firewalls do. Here's a quick guide on how to uninstall your third-party security suite and use the built-in firewall:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open a Run dialog. Then type »appwiz.cpl» and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

   

2. In the Programs and Features window, scroll down the app list and right click on> Uninstall on the set of third-party firewalls you are using.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to remove the external firewall from your system.

4. Restart your computer. In the next start, Windows Defender firewall will be activated automatically.

5. Check if the problem has been solved by opening the VLC. If streaming external content triggers the same error “VLC cannot open MRL”, continue with the next method.

Method 3: uninstall VLC and install the latest version

The error “VLC cannot open the MRL” it could also be due to an internal app error or crash. Some users have managed to solve the problem after uninstalling the VLC and installing the latest version available from the official website.

Here is a quick guide on how to do this:

1. Open a new start box by pressing the Windows key + R. Then type »appwiz.cpl» and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

   

2. In Programs and Features, scroll through the app list and find VLC media player. Then, right click on VLC media player and choose Uninstall / Change.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the VCL media player from your system and restart your computer if prompted.

   Note: For best results, consider using Revo Uninstaller or iOBit Uninstaller to remove all traces of the old application.

4. Visit this link (here) and download the latest version of VLC Media Player. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the latest version on your system and reboot if necessary.

5. Once the application is installed, see if you can now stream the content without the error 'VLC cannot open MRL'. If the same error persists, continue below with next method.

Method 4: claim ownership of files

Some users report that they received the error “VLC cannot open the LRM” when they tried to play certain files located on external storage drives or removable external drives. Apparently, some users have been able to fix the problem by claiming ownership of the files that were opened with the error “VLC cannot open the MRL”.

Here is a quick guide on how to do this:

1. Right-click on the file that opens with the error in hand and choose Properties.

2. In the Properties menu, go to the Security tab and click on the Advanced button associated with Permissions.

   

3. Click the Change button at the top (associated with Owner).

4. In the next frame, type »Administrator» in the box associated with Enter the name of the object to select and press OK.

   

5. Then, check the box associated with Replace all child object permission entries with inherited permission entries from this object and click Apply for .

   

6. With permission changed, see if you can open the files without the error “VLC cannot open the MRL”.