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Fix The Widevine Content Decryption Module Error [Solved]

Widevine content decryption module assists you to play DRM-protected HTML5 audio and video in a browser. But often you can find issues and get wide wine content decryption module error when you visit websites like Netflix or Amazon Video. 

Usually, you can get this error message if your WidevineCdm is outdated or is missing from the browser. Even if you try to update this plugin you might see “component not updated” error message.

So, if you are constantly getting these error messages and do not know how to fix or how to update the widevine content decryption module then you need a proper guide. Here, we will provide you the best possible solutions so that you can fix all the errors. 

Reason for Seeing Widevine Content Decryption Module Error

Before we discuss the methods you should know what the widevine content decryption module is. For playing digitally protected content through an HTML5 player, the Widevine content decryption module is used. 

When you see any error message associated with it, then the common causes are given below:

  • Many websites require this plugin to play video or audio. But if you disable this plugin then an error message might appear.
  • If the plug-in is unable to update itself.
  • If you remove the plug-in mistakenly.
  • Due to malware or virus attack if the plug-in files might get corrupted.
  • When the extension has crashed down due to some unwanted reason. 

Easy Methods to Fix Error associated with Widevine Content Decryption Module

Here are the easy solutions that you can try, to fix the Widevine content decryption module error.

1. Update Widevine Content Decryption module 

  • Click the Start logo and search for Google Chrome.
  • Right-click on the Google Chrome and choose ‘Run as Administrator’ to launch the Chrome in administrative mode.
  • Once the Chrome is opened, type “chrome://components/” in the address bar and hit Enter.
  • Select “Check for Update” after locating the Widevine Content Decryption Module. 
  • Now, refresh the page and check if you see Up-to-date underneath the plugin. If it is there, it means the extension has been updated successfully.
  • Restart the system and check if you still find the error.

2. Modify the Permission of WidevineCdm

  • Press Windows Key+R and launch the Run box.
  • Type in the box “%userprofile%/appdata/local/Google/Chrome/User Data”.
  • Search the WidevineCdm folder under the User data folder.
  • Right-click on the WidevineCdm folder and click on Properties.
  • Navigate to the Security tab and choose your user account under Group or user names.
  • Now, give a tick mark next to Full Control option 
  • If it is not checked, click on the Edit button and uncheck the Deny box and give a checkmark on Full Control.
  • Now, click on Apply and then OK.
  • Save the changes and restart Chrome.
  • After restarting navigate to chrome://components/ and check if there is any update for Widevine Content Decryption Module.

3. Remove the Widewine Folder

  • Close Google Chrome and Press Windows Key+R and get the Run box.
  • Type in the box “%userprofile%/appdata/local/Google/Chrome/User Data” and go to the WideCdm folder.
  • Choose the WidevineCdm folder and press Shift+Del together to delete the folder permanently.
  • Now, update the Widevine Content Decryption Module once again.

4. Check Your Antivirus

Sometimes, the antivirus application can be a prime cause that can stop you to update this extension. Due to this antivirus or security software, you might receive the Widevine Content Decryption Module error. 

In this case, you must disable the antivirus and update this extension and try to fix this error. After updating the plug-in, you can enable the antivirus software again.

  • Right-click on the Antivirus Program icon and choose Disable
  • Select the time duration for which you want to disable your antivirus. Make sure you select the smallest time schedule.
  • Now, open your Chrome and check if the issue gets fixed or not.

5. Disable Windows Firewall

  • Press the Windows button and type in the search panel “Control”.
  • Select Control Panel from the result.
  • Click “System and Security” and then choose Windows Firewall.
  • Select “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” option.
  • Choose Turn off Windows Firewall and reboot the system.
  • Try to launch Google Chrome and check if you still find the error or not.

6. Reinstall Google Chrome

If the above-mentioned methods fail to work and you still find the Widevine content decryption module error message then re-install Google Chrome and try to fix the error.

  • Press Windows+R and open the Run Window.
  • Enter “appwiz.cpl” in the Run box and click on OK.
  • Now, a window will pop up where you can find a list of applications. Choose Chrome from the list and click on Uninstall.
  • Once you uninstall Chrome, go to the official Google website and download and reinstall it again.
  • Finally, check whether the issue is resolved or not.

After updating the Widevine content decryption module and following the solutions will help to resolve the error at the earliest.