Widevine Content Decryption Module is a module that is inbuilt in Chrome and enables users to play DRM-protected HTML 5 audio and video. It is a decryption module. Many users, while playing the video face the Widenvine Content Decryption Module error.
The plugin is present in the system when you install Chrome for the first time in your system. You just need to install it in your system manually, and after installing the plugin, you can play DRM-protected HTML 5 audio and video.
If, by chance, chrome is not able to search it or found it outdated, the error while playing the video or audio appears.
Streaming services are essential to our modern digital lives, and behind the scenes of these platforms is a critical piece of technology known as Widevine Content Decryption Module (CDM). If you’ve ever run into issues while trying to stream your favorite show or movie, there’s a good chance the Widevine CDM may be involved.
In this SEO-optimized, detailed guide, we’ll break down what Widevine Content Decryption Module is, what causes errors, and how you can manage it efficiently.
Contents
What is Widevine Content Decryption Module?
Widevine CDM is a Digital Rights Management (DRM) component used in Google Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers. Developed by Google, it allows these browsers to play DRM-protected HTML5 audio and video content. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video rely on Widevine to stream encrypted content.
Causes of Widevine Content Decryption Module Error
Outdated Module
One of the most common issues is an outdated Widevine CDM. Incompatibility with the latest browser version can trigger errors.
Inadequate Permissions
Sometimes, the module may lack the necessary permissions to update itself or fetch content, leading to errors.
Browser or System Glitches
Occasional bugs or system glitches can also cause Widevine issues. These are generally less frequent but can happen.
How to Widevine Content Decryption Module Error
So, follow the solution 1 to update the plugin and if it does not work, try the other solutions:
Solution 1: Update the Widevine Content Decryption Module
Updating the Widevine Content Decryption Module plugin helps to fix the issue of the Widevine Content Decryption Module. You can update the plugin in Chrome only. But make sure you open the Chrome in administrative mode.
To open the Chrome in administrative mode, right-click on the Chrome icon and select “Run as administrator.” Follow the below steps to update the Widevine Content Decryption Module:
Step 1: After launching the Chrome in administrative mode, type chrome://components/ in the address bar and then press Enter.
Step 2: Search for the component “Widevine Content Decryption Module” among the list of components and then click on the button check for update.
Step 3: Now, you need to Refresh your page and check if the status of the plugin is changed to “up-to-date.” If the status is changed, it means your plugin is updated successfully.
Step 4: The last step is to Restart your system and check if the issue is resolved.
Solution 2: Examining Your Antivirus Software
Many users noticed that it is their Antivirus Software, which is causing the issue. In other words, antivirus software prevents your system from updating the Widevine Content Decryption Module plugin.
So, you can try to solve the issue by disabling your Antivirus Software and then update your plugin. Disable the Antivirus for a short span of time, and after updating the plugin, enable the Antivirus again.
Solution 3: Change Permission of WidevineCdm Folder
Step 1: The first step is to invoke the Run box by pressing the Windows and R key together. Now, type “%userprofile%/appdata/local” inbox and click on the Ok button.
Step 2: A new window showing a list of folders will appear. Now first open the folder Google and then open the folder Chrome and, at last, open the User Data folder, i.e., follow the path: Google>Chrome>User Data.
Step 3: Now, look for the folder “WidevineCdm” and right-click on it. Now, click the option Properties.
Step 4: WidevineCdm Properties window will appear. Now click on the Security tab and check if the user has full access to the folder. In other words, if under the section Allow there is a tick mark on Full Control, it means login user has full access to the folder.
In case you don’t have full access to follow the below steps:
Step 1: Choose your profile and click on the Edit button.
Step 2: Now, uncheck the tick mark under the column Deny. Click on the Apply button and then an OK button.
The last step is to restart your system and try to update the plugin “Widevine Content Decryption Module” again.
Solution 4: Deleting the WidevineCdm Folder and Reinstalling It
In case, none of the above resolutions works for you, delete the WidevineCdm folder and install it again using Chrome.
Step 1: The first step is to open the Run box by pressing the Windows and R key together. Now, type “%userprofile%/appdata/local” inbox and click on the Ok button.
Step 2: A new window showing a list of folders will appear. Now first open the folder Google and then open the folder Chrome and, at last, open the User Data folder, i.e., follow the path: Google → Chrome → User Data.
Step 3: Now, look for the folder “WidevineCdm” and right-click on it. Now, click the option Delete.
Step 4: Press the Windows and S collectively to open the search box. Now enter the task manager, and you need to the right click on the application and select Run as administrator.
Step 5: Now, right-click the task Google Chrome and select the End task option.
Step 6: At last, you need to follow the steps mentioned in solution 1 and try updating your plugin.
Step 7: Now, Restart your system and check if the Widevine Content Decryption Module issue is solved by playing any video.
How Do I Install Widevine CDM?
Installing the Widevine Content Decryption Module is typically automatic when you install Google Chrome or Firefox. However, if you need to install it manually, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome: Launch Google Chrome and type
chrome://componentsinto the address bar. - Find Widevine: Scroll down until you find the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ component.
- Check for Update: Click the ‘Check for update’ button under the component.
For Firefox, Widevine should install automatically the first time you visit a site that requires it.
How Do I Update Chrome Widevine Content Decryption Module?
Updating the Widevine module is relatively straightforward:
- Navigate to Components: Open Google Chrome and go to
chrome://components. - Locate Widevine: Find ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ in the list.
- Update: Click the ‘Check for update’ button.
- Refresh: Once the update is complete, restart your browser.
How Do I Enable Widevine DRM?
If Widevine DRM is disabled on your browser, enabling it is a simple process:
For Chrome:
- Go to Settings: Open Chrome’s menu and navigate to Settings.
- Search DRM: Use the search bar to find ‘Protected content.’
- Enable: Switch on the toggle for ‘Allow sites to play protected content.’
For Firefox:
- Options: Open the Firefox menu and go to Options.
- Privacy & Security: Navigate to the ‘Privacy & Security’ tab.
- DRM Content: Scroll down to ‘Digital Rights Management (DRM) Content’ and check the box that says ‘Play DRM-controlled content.’
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Conclusion
Hence, try the above solutions to update the plugin. Also, now you can play your audio or video without any error. In case you still get the same error while playing video or audio, then you can try Reinstalling your Chrome.
