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How to Resolve the Widevine Content Decryption Module Issue

Jack

By Jack Lin

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Widevine Content Decryption Module

Widevine Content Decryption Module refers to a decryption module, which is in-built into Chrome. This module enables Chrome to play HTML5 videos and audios protected by DRM, which you also find on Netflix.

While using Netflix or Chrome, you may come across the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module or WidevineCdm error.

This plugin is there on Google Chrome the very first time when you first install the program. You do not have to install this plugin manually.

Widevine Content Decryption Module

Today, users watch TV shows and Netflix movies online to kill boredom. However, when you attempt to play Netflix videos, you sometimes encounter an unusual error called Error M7702-1003.

Then, you can no longer watch your videos. The major cause of this error is the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module.’

With the help of this plugin, users are able to stream or see HTML5 videos and audio protected by DRM in Google Chrome, like Netflix.

In other words, if your remove or disable this WidevineCdm module, the browser will not play Amazon Prime Video or Netflix without the extension.

If the browser cannot locate it or finds it outdated, you can face this ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ issue.

How to Resolve the WidevineCdm Missing Problem?

If you cannot find WidevineCdm on your system, you need to ensure that you are using Google Chrome from Google. Having confirmed that you can try the following:

  • Try uninstalling Google Chrome.
  • Restart the computer.
  • Install Chrome from the official website directly.
  • Navigate to chrome://components/ in the installed Chrome. Next, check the WidevineCdm update.

Now, it is time to know the effective methods you can use to resolve the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ issue.

Firstly, you need to update this plugin and examine if the issue gets solved in this way. If you come across the ‘Update Failed’ error, you can resort to other solutions mentioned here.


Solution 1: Upgrade the Widevine Content Decryption Module

The WidevineCdm problem could occur if you are using an outdated module. So, it is important that you update this plugin from the components page of Chrome. Users can allow Chrome to update plugins themselves.

For this, go through the instructions listed below. Plus, ensure to open Chrome in the administrative mode. To do this, right-tap Google Chrome and choose ‘Run as administrator.’

Steps to Getting Rid of the Widevine Content Decryption Module Problem:

To resolve the issue, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Launch Google Chrome

Once you have launched Chrome, enter the address “chrome://components/” in the search column and tap Enter.

Step 2: Select ‘Check for update’

Go to the page’s end until you come across an entry called Widevine Content Decryption Module. Tap on the ‘check for update’ button present below it.

Upgrade the Widevine Content Decryption Module

Step 3: Refresh the Page

Next, you have to refresh the page. If you can see the ‘Up-to-date’ status below the plugin, this means that your plugin was successfully updated.

Step 4: Examine the Issue

Start your system again, and see if the problem has been solved.


Solution 2: Examine Antivirus Software

Most users reported that the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ issue resulted from the security software.

The security software on computers, such as firewalls or antivirus software, enjoy full privileges and could stop the computer from updating plugins like ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module.’

Users can disable these firewalls/antivirus software and next can try to update again, as stated in solution 1. You have to disable these services temporarily. Once you have successfully updated the plugin, you need to turn them back on.


Solution 3: Modify the Permission of ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’

Users can even try changing the folder’s permission available on the system. If they do not have enough privileges, the UAC of Windows will not enable you to upgrade the WidevineCdm plugin.

To check this, you need to navigate to the WidevinceCdm plugin folder. So, ensure that the account features full control and update it again using the first method.

Steps to Fix the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ Problem:

To resolve this annoying issue, go through the following steps:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’

Firstly, press tabs ‘Windows’ + ‘R’ to launch the Run box. Now, enter “%userprofile%/appdata/local” in the Run box and tap Enter. Then, you would be redirected to the desired folder.

Modify the Permission of 'Widevine Content Decryption Module'

Step 2: Open’ User Data’

Navigate to the file path as follows:

Google > Chrome > User Data

Modify the Permission of 'Widevine Content Decryption Module'

Step 3: Tap on ‘Properties’

Discover the ‘WidevineCdm’ folder from the given list. Right-tap on it and choose ‘Properties.’

Modify the Permission of 'Widevine Content Decryption Module'

Step 4: Choose ‘Security’

Navigate to the tab ‘Security’ and ensure that the login user enjoys complete access to this folder. This could be examined by checking if a checkmark exists against the ‘Full control’ feature within the Properties tab.

Modify the Permission of 'Widevine Content Decryption Module'

If the user does not enjoy complete control, go through the below steps.

1. Select your user profile and tap on ‘Edit.’

2. Next, uncheck the mark below the ‘Deny’ column and ensure that the account enjoys complete access. Tap on ‘Apply’ to save changes and then exit.

Modify the Permission of Widevine Content Decryption Module

3. Now, restart the system and update the WidevineCdm plugin.


Solution 4: Remove the Plugin Folder and Upgrade It Again

If the above methods do not work, you can remove the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ plugin folder.

Once done, reinstall it with the help of Google Chrome. Please remember that this method may need administrative privileges. Thus, you need to ensure that you log in as an admin.

Steps to Resolve the Widevine Content Decryption Module Issue:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’

In the first place, press the tabs ‘Windows’ + ‘R’ to launch the Run box. Then, enter %userprofile%/appdata/local in that box and tap Enter. Now, this command will redirect you to the desired folder.

Modify the Permission of 'Widevine Content Decryption Module'

Step 2: Open’ User Data’

Now, you have to go to the file path, as shown below:

Google > Chrome > User Data

Modify the Permission of 'Widevine Content Decryption Module'

Step 3: Tap on ‘Delete’

Look for ‘WidevineCdm‘ from the given folder list. Once found, right-tap on the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ folder and choose ‘Delete.’

Remove the Plugin Folder and upgrade It Again

Step 4: Press ‘Windows + S’

Next, you have to press the tabs ‘Windows’ + ‘S,’ and a dialog box will appear. Type “Task Manager” in that box and right-tap on the app. Once clicked, choose ‘Run as administrator.’

Step 5: Click ‘End task’

End all the tasks related to Chrome by right-tapping on the Chrome entries. Then, choose ‘End task.’

Remove the Plugin Folder and upgrade It Again  to Fix Widevine Content Decryption Module Issue

Step 6: Update the WidevineCdm Plugin

Next, go back to solution one and update the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ plugin with the abovementioned instructions. The WidevineCdm module will update correctly, and Chrome may restart.

Step 7: Restart the System

Now, start the computer again and play any video. Most probably, the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ error would not show up now.


Solution 5: Install Google Chrome Again

If you are still struggling with the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ error, you need to install Google Chrome again. After you have uninstalled Chrome, all of its modules will get removed.

This could resolve the ‘WidevineCdm’ issue if it’s happening due to some corrupt components or not functioning the way they should work.

Steps to Eliminate the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ Issue:

To do this, read the following instructions:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’

Initially, press the tabs ‘Windows’ + ‘R’ to launch the Run box. In that dialog box, enter appwiz.cpl and tap Enter. This will open a window where you can see a list of all the applications installed on the system.

appwiz.cpl

Step 2: Tap on ‘Uninstall’

Next, right-tap on ‘Google Chrome’ from that list and choose ‘Uninstall.’

Install Google Chrome Again to Fix Widevine Content Decryption Module Issue

Step 3: Install Chrome

Once you have uninstalled the app, navigate to the official website of Google, and install Chrome in any accessible location.

Step 4: Examine the Issue

After you have downloaded Chrome, run the executable to install it. Next, see if installing Chrome again resolves the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module‘ problem.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’?

The Widevine Content Decryption Module is a DRM component used by web browsers to decrypt and play protected media content, ensuring that only authorized users can access it.

FAQ 2: Why am I encountering the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ issue?

The issue can arise due to various reasons, including outdated browser versions, a corrupted module, conflicting extensions, or interference from security software.

FAQ 3: How can I update my web browser?

To update your web browser, go to the browser’s settings, select “About Chrome” or “About [Browser Name],” and the browser will automatically check for updates and install them if available.

FAQ 4: Can browser extensions cause the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ issue?

Yes, certain browser extensions or add-ons can interfere with the module’s functioning, leading to the issue. It is advisable to disable or remove conflicting extensions.

FAQ 5: Should I clear my browser’s cache and cookies?

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help eliminate temporary files or data that might be causing conflicts with the Widevine Content Decryption Module. It is recommended to clear them as a troubleshooting step.

FAQ 6: What should I do if none of the troubleshooting methods work?

If the issue persists despite trying the troubleshooting methods, you can seek further assistance from the official support channels of your web browser or consult a technical expert for guidance.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the effective ways to resolve the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module‘ issue. Firstly, you can try updating the WidevineCdm plugin.

Then, check if any antivirus or firewall software is causing this problem and, if so, temporarily disable the software and update the plugin. Next, try changing the plugin’s permission if the issue persists.

If these methods do not work, try reinstalling and updating the plugin. Lastly, you can reinstall Google Chrome to fix the issue.

So, try them one after the other until you find the perfect solution to eliminate the ‘Widevine Content Decryption Module’ problem.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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