How to watch gopro videos on computer

​GoPro cameras are widely regarded as some of the most versatile and durable action cameras available today. Whether you’re recording extreme sports, underwater adventures, travel vlogs, or casual family events, GoPro captures high-quality footage with impressive stability and resolution. But while shooting the video is simple, many users often wonder how to watch those videos on a computer, especially with increasing video resolutions like 4K and HEVC formats.

1. MP4 Format

GoPro typically saves videos in .mp4 format, encoded using:

H.264 codec for most videos

H.265 (HEVC codec) for higher resolution or higher frame rates (e.g., 4K at 60fps or 240fps slow-mo)

2. LRV and THM Files

You may notice .LRV and .THM files. These are:

LRV (Low Resolution Video): Used for previews on mobile apps.

THM (Thumbnail Image): Used for video thumbnails.

Only the .mp4 files are actual full-resolution videos you’ll want to watch on a computer.

Method 1: Using a USB Cable to Transfer and Watch GoPro Videos

This is the most direct method, supported by all GoPro models.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Connect the GoPro to Your Computer

Turn off the GoPro camera.

Use the USB-C cable that came with your GoPro to connect it to a USB port on your computer.

Power on the GoPro. It should enter USB mode.

2. Access the Files on Your Computer

Windows: Open “File Explorer” > Click “This PC” > Look for your GoPro as a removable drive.

Mac: Open “Finder” > Locate the GoPro camera under Devices.

3. Navigate to the Video Files

Go to the DCIM folder, and within it, you’ll find folders like 100GOPRO, 101GOPRO, etc. These contain your .mp4 files.

4. Copy Videos to Your Computer

Create a folder on your desktop or hard drive. Drag the videos from the GoPro folder into your desired folder. This makes playback smoother and preserves your data.

5. Play the Videos

Use VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime Player depending on your system.

For HEVC/H.265 videos, ensure you have the right codec installed (more on this below).

Method 2: Using an SD Card Reader

If you prefer not to connect the GoPro directly, you can remove the SD card and insert it into your computer with a card reader.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove the microSD Card

Open the battery or side compartment of your GoPro.

Carefully remove the microSD card.

2. Insert It into an SD Card Adapter or Reader

Use an SD card adapter or a USB card reader.

Insert the adapter into your PC or Mac.

3. Access Files and Copy to Your Computer

As with USB transfer, navigate to the DCIM folder and drag .mp4 files to your desktop or another folder.

4. Play the Videos

Now that videos are on your hard drive, open them using your preferred media player.

Note: Playing directly from the SD card is slower and may cause lag, especially with high-resolution files. Always copy first for smooth playback.

Method 3: Using GoPro Quik Desktop App

GoPro offers official software to help users view and manage their media.

About GoPro Quik

Available for both Windows and Mac.

Allows viewing, trimming, and backing up GoPro videos.

Free, but some features are enhanced with a GoPro Subscription.

How to Use It:

1. Download and Install GoPro Quik

Go to gopro.com/apps.

Download Quik for Desktop and install it.

2. Launch the App and Connect Your GoPro or SD Card

It will detect your camera or card and import the footage automatically.

3. View and Edit Footage

View videos within the app.

Use simple editing tools to trim or export.

4. Playback and Export

You can play your videos directly in Quik or export them in a more compatible format.

Method 4: Watching via GoPro Mobile App and Wireless Transfer

You can also use the GoPro Quik mobile app and wirelessly transfer videos to your smartphone, then to your computer.

Steps:

Connect your GoPro to your phone via Wi-Fi using the GoPro Quik app.

Download the clips to your phone.

Use USB, AirDrop (iPhone to Mac), or cloud storage to transfer the files to your computer.

This is a slower method, suitable for short clips rather than large video files.

Recommended Media Players for GoPro Videos

Not all video players handle GoPro files equally well, especially if you’re shooting in 4K or using the H.265 codec.

1. VLC Media Player

Free and open-source.

Supports both H.264 and H.265.

Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

2. Windows 10/11 Films & TV App

Natively supports H.264.

May require an additional codec for H.265/HEVC playback.

3. QuickTime Player (Mac)

Works well with most GoPro videos.

May require updates for HEVC support.

4. PotPlayer (Windows)

Lightweight and great for high-resolution files.

How to Install HEVC Codec (Windows)

If you recorded in H.265/HEVC and your videos don’t play:

Open the Microsoft Store.

Search for “HEVC Video Extensions”.

Install it (usually $0.99).

Restart your player and try opening the video again.

Tips for Smooth GoPro Video Playback

1. Use a Modern Computer

High-resolution GoPro files require a capable computer. Ideally:

Processor: Intel i5 or better

RAM: At least 8GB

GPU: Dedicated graphics card for 4K

2. Copy Videos to Your Hard Drive

Always copy files locally instead of playing from the GoPro or SD card.

3. Use SSD Drives

If you’re storing large files, SSDs offer faster read speeds and reduce stuttering.

Optional: Convert Videos for Better Playback

If playback is choppy even on a good computer, consider converting the files:

Recommended Software:

HandBrake (Free)

Wondershare UniConverter

FFmpeg (Advanced users)

Convert Settings:

Format: MP4

Codec: H.264 for better compatibility

Resolution: Downscale to 1080p if needed

Organizing and Storing GoPro Videos

To keep your footage organized:

Create folders by date or event.

Rename files with a structure like Hiking_Yosemite_2025-04-30.mp4.

Backup your data using:

External hard drives

Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud

NAS (Network-Attached Storage)

Common Issues and Fixes

1. Video Won’t Play

Try another player like VLC.

Install missing codecs.

Check if the file is corrupted.

2. Lag or Choppy Playback

Copy file to local disk.

Lower the resolution using converter tools.

Upgrade RAM or GPU.

3. GoPro Not Recognized by Computer

Restart both devices.

Try a different USB port or cable.

Use an SD card reader as an alternative.

Watching 360° GoPro Videos (GoPro MAX)

If you’re using a GoPro MAX, videos are recorded in .360 format.

How to View:

Install GoPro Player (official viewer for 360° content).

Download videos from SD card or Quik app.

Open with GoPro Player to view, reframe, and export.

Summary: Best Methods for Watching GoPro Videos on a Computer

Watching GoPro videos on your computer should be a smooth, simple experience once you understand how to handle the files properly. Whether you’re using a USB cable, SD card, or GoPro’s Quik app, the process is flexible and straightforward. The key is to make sure your computer has the right tools—media players, codecs, and file management habits—to get the most out of your epic footage.