Issue

For users with PPT or PPTX files that were created in older versions of Powerpoint that contain video clips, you may run into issues playing the videos if the video is in a Quicktime format (AVI, etc.) and receive the error:

• "Unknown Codec or Invalid Codec".

Additionally, attempting to insert a new copy of the video file results in an error message like:

• "Powerpoint cannot insert a video from selected file. Verify that the necessary 64-bit codec for this media format is installed."

 

Resolution

Microsoft's suggested workaround is to convert the file to MP4, rather than trying to identify and install the missing codec. Microsoft's documentation page PowerPoint cannot insert a video from the selected file provides the following information and suggestions:

• Video: We recommend that you use .mp4 files encoded with H.264 video (also known as MPEG-4 AVC) and AAC audio. This is your best bet for compatibility across both Windows and Mac versions of PowerPoint.
• Audio: We recommend that you use .use .m4a files encoded with AAC audio.

To convert video files, use VLC Media Player. Microsoft also suggests using Cloud Convert. Instructions for using the Convert function in VLC can be in the above Microsoft documentation link.

Also see a full list of supported media types in PowerPoint.