Widevine is a content decryption module used by Google Chrome that manager the digital rights management. It performs encryption services to securely distribute video content to consumers. You will sometimes notice that if you access Netflix on Google Chrome you will get an error regarding Widevine. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Widevine Content Decryption Module error issue.
How To Fix Widevine Content Decryption Module Error Issue
Before performing the recommended troubleshooting steps for this particular problem I suggest that you try restarting your computer first. This will refresh the operating system as well as remove corrupt temporary data and is quite effective in fixing most software related issues.
Try updating the Widevine Content Decryption Module
If Widevine is outdated or corrupted then it’s possible that this problem will occur. What you will need to do is to try updating this component then check if this fixes the problem.
- Open Google Chrome
- Type the following address in the address bar and press enter: chrome://components/
- Go to the end of the page until you find an entry named “Widevine Content Decryption Module”. Click the button “Check for update” present underneath.
- Refresh your page. If you see the status “Up-to-date” underneath the plugin, it means that the plugin was updated successfully.
- Restart your computer
Check if the Widevine Content Decryption Module error issue still occurs.
Try to disable the antivirus software
Sometimes this problem can be caused by the antivirus software that your computer is using. To check if this is what’s causing the problem you should temporarily disable the antivirus software from your computer. Since there are different antivirus software available you should check the documentation of the software you are using for instructions on how to disable it. If the issue does not occur after disabling the antivirus then you should consider using a different antivirus software.
Change the Permission of WidevineCdm
If you don’t have full access control of the WidevineCDM then you won’t be able to update it which is why you need to change the permission settings of this component.
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run application.
- Type “%userprofile%/appdata/local” in the dialogue box and press Enter. You will be redirected to the required folder.
- Go to the following file path: Google > Chrome > User Data
- Locate “WidevineCdm” from the list of folders, right-click it and select “Properties”.
- Navigate to the Security tab and make sure that your login user has full access to the folder. This can be seen if there is a ‘tick’ present in front of “Full control” in the properties.
- If you don’t have full control select your profile and click “Edit”. Uncheck the ‘tick’ present underneath the column of “Deny” and make sure that your account has full access. Press Apply to save changes and exit.
- Restart your computer.
Update the plugin then check if the Widevine Content Decryption Module error issue still occurs.
Reinstall Google Chrome
If the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should consider uninstalling then reinstalling Google Chrome.
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run application.
- Type “appwiz.cpl” in the dialogue box and press Enter.
- Right-click on “Google Chrome” and select “Uninstall”.
- After uninstalling the application, head over to the official Google website and download Chrome to an accessible location.
- After downloading Chrome, run the executable to install it. Now check if installing the new browser helped solve your problem.
Check if the Widevine Content Decryption Module error issue still occurs.