Recover .MKV Files Lost to System Failures on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .MKV file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Recover .MKV Files Lost to System Failures on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .MKV file?

An MKV file is a video container format similar to the .AVI, .ASF, and .MOV formats. It supports several types of audio and video codecs and may include .SRT, .SSA, or .USF (Universal Subtitle Format) subtitles. MKV files also support VobSub subtitles from DVDs.

What Are Common Causes of ".MKV" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".MKV" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".MKV" files while organizing or cleaning up their storage devices.
  2. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can corrupt or delete ".MKV" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  3. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or improper formatting, can result in the loss or failure of ".MKV" files.
  4. Hardware or software failures: Problems with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or a software crash, can cause ".MKV" files to become inaccessible or lost.
  5. Interruptions during file transfer: If the transfer of ".MKV" files is interrupted due to power outages, network issues, or unplugging the storage device prematurely, the files may become corrupted or lost.
  6. Incompatibility issues: If an incompatible media player or codec is used to play ".MKV" files, it may result in errors or failure.
  7. File system fragmentation: Fragmentation occurs when a file is stored in non-contiguous sectors on a storage device. This can lead to difficulties in accessing ".MKV" files or even loss of data.
  8. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of a storage device or improper handling of files, can cause ".MKV" files to be lost or fail.

It is always recommended to regularly back up important ".MKV" files to prevent permanent loss in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

How to recover lost ".MKV" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".MKV" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".MKV" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".MKV" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".MKV" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".MKV" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".MKV" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo matroska Video File image file file?

Programs that open ".MKV" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
CyberLink PowerDVD 17 CyberLink PowerDVD 17
Nero 2019 Nero 2019
DivX 7 for Windows DivX 7 for Windows
Media Player Classic Media Player Classic
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
KMPlayer KMPlayer
MPlayer MPlayer
Wondershare Video Converter Pro Wondershare Video Converter Pro
Mac
Roxio Popcorn Roxio Popcorn
Eltima Elmedia Player Eltima Elmedia Player
ShedWorx Smart Converter ShedWorx Smart Converter
DivX 7 for Mac DivX 7 for Mac
MPlayer MPlayer
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
MPlayer MPlayer
iOS
olimsoft OPlayer olimsoft OPlayer
VideoLAN VLC for Mobile VideoLAN VLC for Mobile
Pentaloop PlayerXtreme Media Player Pentaloop PlayerXtreme Media Player
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android
BIT LABS Simple MP4 Video Player BIT LABS Simple MP4 Video Player
Videolabs VLC for Android Videolabs VLC for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: Matroska Video File

  • File extension: .MKV

  • Developer: Matroska

  • Category: Video Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: video/x-matroska

  • HEX: 1A 45 DF A3 93 42 82 88 6D 61 74 72 6F 73 6B 61

  • ASCII: EЯЈ.B‚.matroska

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:14 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MKV files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the file format .MKV and what does it stand for?

    The file format .MKV stands for Matroska Video. It is an open-standard multimedia container format that can hold multiple audio, video, subtitle, and other data streams in a single file. Matroska is derived from the Russian word "matryoshka," which refers to the nested dolls that contain smaller dolls inside. Similarly, the Matroska container format can contain various types of media streams within a single file.

  • How is an .MKV file different from other video file formats?

    An .MKV (Matroska Video) file is different from other video file formats in several ways:

    1. Container Format: MKV is a container format that can hold various types of audio, video, and subtitle streams within a single file. It allows for the inclusion of multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, and even multiple video tracks, making it versatile for multimedia content.
    2. Open Source: The MKV format is open-source, meaning it is free to use and is not restricted by any licensing or patent issues. This has led to its widespread adoption and support by various media players and devices.
    3. High-Quality Video: MKV files are capable of storing high-quality video content, including HD (High Definition) and even 4K resolution videos. It supports a wide range of video codecs, such as H.264, H.265, VP9, etc., ensuring efficient compression and high visual fidelity.
    4. Flexible Audio Support: MKV files support various audio codecs, including popular ones like AAC, MP3, and FLAC. This allows for high-quality audio playback and the inclusion of multiple audio tracks, making it suitable for multi-language or multi-channel audio content.
    5. Subtitle Support: MKV files can store multiple subtitle tracks in different languages or formats. This makes it convenient for international audiences or those who require subtitles for accessibility purposes.
    6. Metadata and Chapter Support: MKV files can contain metadata information about the video, audio, and subtitle tracks, such as title, author, language, etc. They also support chapter markers, enabling easy navigation within the video content.
    7. Streaming and Network Support: MKV files can be streamed over networks or the internet, allowing for efficient distribution and playback of multimedia content.

    Overall, the MKV format provides a flexible and efficient way to store high-quality video and audio content, making it popular for sharing and distributing multimedia files.

  • What are the recommended methods or software to open and play .MKV files on different operating systems?

    There are several methods and software options available to open and play .MKV files on different operating systems. Here are some recommended ones:

    1. VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular and versatile media player that supports a wide range of file formats, including .MKV. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and various other operating systems.
    2. MPC-HC (Media Player Classic Home Cinema): This lightweight media player is specifically designed for Windows and supports .MKV files along with other formats.
    3. PotPlayer: Another feature-rich media player for Windows that can handle .MKV files with ease. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports various customization options.
    4. Kodi: Kodi is an open-source media center software available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can handle .MKV files and provides a comprehensive media playback experience.
    5. DivX Player: DivX Player is a popular media player for Windows and macOS that supports .MKV files and provides high-quality playback.
    6. Plex: Plex is a media server and player software available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. It can handle .MKV files and offers a seamless media streaming experience across devices.
    7. MPlayerX: This media player is designed specifically for macOS and supports .MKV files along with other formats. It provides a simple and intuitive interface.
    8. mpv: mpv is a lightweight, open-source media player available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports .MKV files and offers advanced features and customization options.

    These are just a few examples of the many software options available to open and play .MKV files. Choose the one that suits your operating system and personal preferences.
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