Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR) is an audio data compression scheme optimized for speech coding. While AMR files are not as ubiquitous as MP3 or WAV files, they are commonly used for voice recordings on mobile devices and in voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) applications.
However, playing AMR files on Windows can be challenging as all media players don’t natively support them. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to play AMR files on Windows using different software, including VLC Media Player, MPC-HC, QuickTime, and even Windows Media Player, with the help of a codec pack.
How to play AMR files on Windows?
AMR files can be played on Windows using VideoLAN VLC media player 3, MPC-HC, and QuickTime. To play AMR files with Windows Media Player, users require K-Lite Codec Pack.
Play AMR files Using VideoLAN VLC Media Player.
VLC Media Player is among the most popular media players due to its extensive format compatibility, including AMR files. Follow these steps to play AMR files on VLC:
- Download and Install VLC: If you don’t have VLC Media Player installed on your Windows computer, download it from the official website and install it.
- Open VLC: Launch the VLC Media Player from your start menu, desktop shortcut, or taskbar if pinned.
- Open the AMR File: In VLC, navigate to the “Media” tab on the menu and select “Open File.” Browse your file explorer, select your AMR file, and click “Open.” The AMR file should start playing automatically.
Play AMR files Using MPC-HC.
Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC) is another free media player for Windows that can handle AMR files. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and Install MPC-HC: Visit the MPC-HC website to download the player. Install it as per the instructions.
- Open MPC-HC: Launch the player from your start menu or desktop shortcut.
- Open the AMR File: Click “File” in the menu bar, then “Open File.” Navigate to your AMR file, select it, and click “Open.” Your AMR file will start playing.
Play AMR files Using QuickTime.
While QuickTime is traditionally associated with macOS, there’s a version for Windows that supports AMR files. Here’s how you can use it:
- Download and Install QuickTime: Go to the official Apple QuickTime download page and download the installer for Windows. Run the installer and follow the instructions to install QuickTime on your PC.
- Open QuickTime: Launch QuickTime Player from your start menu or desktop shortcut.
- Open the AMR File: Click “File” in the menu bar, then “Open File.” Browse your AMR file, select it, and click “Open.” The AMR file will start playing in QuickTime.
Play AMR files Using Windows Media Player with K-Lite Codec Pack.
While Windows Media Player (WMP) doesn’t natively support AMR files, you can extend its compatibility using a codec pack. The K-Lite Codec Pack is one such package that includes an AMR codec.
- Download and Install K-Lite Codec Pack: Visit the official website, download the codec pack, and install it on your computer. Select the correct version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Open Windows Media Player: You can find WMP in the start menu or search for it in the taskbar search box.
- Open the AMR File: In WMP, click “File” in the menu bar and select “Open.” Navigate to your AMR file, select it, and click “Open.” Your AMR file should start playing in Windows Media Player.
Conclusion
Playing AMR files on Windows might require some setup if you don’t have the right software installed. However, once you’ve installed one of the media players mentioned in this guide, you can easily open and play AMR files. Whether you choose VLC, MPC-HC, QuickTime, or Windows Media Player with K-Lite Codec Pack, you have robust options for playing AMR files on Windows.
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