browser unable to play you tube

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

Other suggestion. Copy and paste this into Edge address bar and press Enter:

edge://settings/content/

Expand Site Permissions and check that nothing is blocked.

Then Expand each section of "All Permissions" and check that nothing is blocked.

Other than that check DNS server settings on the affected machine.

How to Change DNS Servers on Windows 11

If assigned by your ISP change to Google 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and disable DNS encryption then reboot and test.

Make a note of your current settings first.

coolnewyorker · 20 Oct 2023

There is no option for W10 compatibility, only Vista, W7 and W8. So, I chose W8 ... made no difference. Still unable to play you tube.

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

coolnewyorker said:

There is no option for W10 compatibility, only Vista, W7 and W8. So, I chose W8 ... made no difference. Still unable to play you tube.

Undo those compatibility changes. If it was the problem it would be reported by multiple users.

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

Also just for everyone's sake what do you see when you browse youtube? You can see videos and the "Play button" ? Then when clicking play you get the error?

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

Did you clear browsing data and retest? One more possibility. If using a VPN it could be the issue. If that's the case exit your VPN and test.

coolnewyorker · 20 Oct 2023

There is nothing blocked in site permissions. What I see? You tube opens with an ad video which I can either let play to finish or opt to end ad. Either way, video screen goes blank in black background with punctuation marked (!) notification: Your browser can't play this video. Learn more. I chose not to change DNS setting. It is too complex for me.

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

What happens when you click "Learn More"?

Maybe it's an ad blocking issue. Do you use a VPN? I've seen quite a few reports of videos containing ads not playing on Youtube when using a VPN.

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

So don't change DNS but at least compare DNS servers used on the machines that work okay with those on the affected machine.

For windows 10 to see settings:

Change IPv4 and IPv6 DNS Server Address in Windows

See Option 2 Step 6

You arrive at this screen:

browser unable to play you tube-properties.jpg

Compare with what you see in Windows 11.

If both W10 and W11 are set to obtain DNS server automatically then it's likely not the issue.

If there's a difference and and DNS Server settings are manually set in either W10 or W11 then it could be the issue.

Again, I'd suggest start with clearing your browsing data on the affected machine before trying anything else.

Clear Browsing Data in Microsoft Edge in Windows 10

coolnewyorker · 20 Oct 2023

My two 2-yr. old HP's have nearly identical settings from the factory except for OS (W10 and W11). I hardly tweaked the W10 device (being away in the dining room). Its settings are probably as original as on purchase date. In contrast, W11 device has been tweaked ad nauseum (being next to my bed where I do most computing ... and tweakings). Consequently, I have encountered post-tweaking problems some of which I could not resolve. Thus, I have reset it (recovery from cloud) at least three times. Each recovery invariably restored me to problem-free operation - but reinstalling apps, especially those with passwords is daunting (I keep forgetting username and passwords). I am not sure this current You Tube problem is from tweakings. I think MSN, for whatever reason, intentionally made EDGE useless with you tube in W11. Incidentally, my other browser (Brave) has same problem with You tube. I did not use You tube until a week ago. Oh, when I click learn more, I am redirected to Microsoft store with many apps showcased and video ads on how great MSN Edge is. But I do not see the relevance. The tutorial you sent me suggests it is a pervading problem, perhaps with no resolution.

Callender · 20 Oct 2023

It's a widely reported issue for users of Brave browser.

NOTICE: Addressing a couple ongoing issues (Youtube Ads, VPN) - Desktop Support - Brave Community

Also mentioned is Brave VPN installing without consent.