MKV File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a MKV file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .MKV files.
What is a MKV file?
A .MKV file is a Matroska Video file. MKV stands for Matroska Video Stream and is a video file format. The name "Matroska" is derived from the Russian word for "nesting doll" because MKV files can "nest" several multimedia files into one single file. This type of file is often referred to as a "container" file.
MKV files are container files that are similar to the .mov and .avi formats. MKV files are able to support a variety of audio and video codecs. The format for the MKV file format was based on the Extensible Binary Meta Language, which is a binary derivative of XML. MKV files allow for unlimited storage of multimedia streams in one single file. MKV files commonly contain multimedia content, such as movies and TV shows.
How to open MKV files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension MKV for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different MKV openers which you will find listed below.
Suggest another file format using extension MKV
While we know of one file format using the .MKV file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .MKV file.
Various viewers for this file format
These apps are known to open certain types of MKV files. Remember, different programs may use MKV files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Final Media Player | User submitted |
 | Free File Viewer | User submitted |
 | Free File Converter | User submitted |
 | WavePad Sound Editor | User submitted |
 | Any Video Converter | User submitted |
 | WavePad Audio-Editor | User submitted |
 | Switch Sound File Converter | User submitted |
 | WinRAR | User submitted |
 | VideoLAN VLC media player | User submitted |
 | GOMPLAYER | User submitted |
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