Widevine or more accurately WidevineCdm (Widevine Content Decryption Module) is a built-in Google chrome component that helps users enjoy DRM-protected HTML5 video and audio on Chrome. The best example of this type of video and audio is the contents of popular streaming service Netflix & Amazon Prime. Only when the Widevine component is present and updated will you be able to enjoy watching Netflix otherwise you’ll receive an error.
Widevine Content Decryption module decrypts DRM-protected content. DRM means digitally protected content like those on streaming services that require you to have a subscription. When the module is missing or outdated, users aren’t able to stream any of the available content.
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How to Fix WidevineCdm missing or outdated issue?
As the error text suggests, the component may either be outdated and just needs some updating or is entirely missing, in that case, it needs to be freshly installed. To solve this “WidevineCdm component is missing or component is outdated” issue use the methods discussed below.
Method 1: Update Widevine Content Decryption Module
The error that is displayed on the Netflix screen reads “Couldn’t find the component or outdated component”. So naturally, the best way to solve this problem would be by updating the component i.e Widevine module. To do so follow the below guide:
1: Open Chrome and type the URL chrome://components/ in the address bar.
2: The following screen should show you all the installed chrome components. Scroll to the end to find the Widevine Content Decryption Module.
3: You should find a Check for Update button right below its status info. Click on the button to look for any new updates.
4: Once finished, refresh the page and close Chrome.
The status info for the Widevine module should now read “Up-to-date”
5: Restart your PC to apply the changes made.
Method 2: Changing Permission of WidevineCdm Module
If you tried the above method and were unsuccessful in updating the WidevineCdm component then it is possible that you might not have the privileges or permission to do so. The Windows User account control is responsible for this. To update the Widevine module we will first get the necessary permissions and then go back to the first method and try again.
1: Find your way into the User Data folder by following the path Userprofile > appdata > local > Google > Chrome > User Data
2: Locate the WidevineCdm Folder. Right-click on it and select Properties.
3: Go to the Security tab and check if the user as full access to the folder. If the user does, you should see the Full Control has a check in the Allow column. If not we need to give it full access.
4: Select the user profile and click Edit.
5: Untick the entry in the Deny column in front of Full Control. Simply click on the tick and that should remove the tick marks. And tick the Allow column for Full Control.
6: Apply the changes made and exit by clicking on OK. After performing a restart, use the first method to update the Widevine module.
Method 3: Deleting Widevine Folder & then updating
1: Close all windows of Google Chrome that are currently open.
Step 2: Open windows explorer.
Step 3: Follow the path Userprofile > appdata > local > Google > Chrome > User Data to reach the destination folder.
Or press Windows Key + R and then type %userprofile%/AppData/local and then follow the path Google > Chrome > User Data
Step 4: From the list of folders, search for WidevineCdm.
Step 5: Right click on the folder and select Delete.
Step 6: Now open the task manager by pressing ctrl+shift+esc at the same time. And end all chrome tasks by right-clicking on the tasks and selecting end.
Step 7: Run Chrome as an Administrator and follow the first method to update the Widevine Content Decryption Module.
Method 4: Disabling Antivirus
If you tried the above 3 methods and still haven’t been able to update WidevinCdm then maybe it is your security software. The security software on your personal computer has more privileges and access than you know. Sometimes the antivirus software stops your computer from updating or installing certain stuff. And some users have noticed that the security software is actually the culprit and stops your computer from updating the chrome component WidevineCdm.
So try temporarily disabling your Antivirus & firewall and updating the Widevine module using the steps mentioned in the first method. After the component is updated, you can enable your Antivirus back again.
To Disable your security software, right click on its icon in the taskbar and select Disable.
The Firewall can be disabled by following the below steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type Control Panel.
Step 2: After opening the control panel look for System And Security and click on it.
Step 3: On the right panel, click on Windows Firewall
Step 4: From the panel that follows click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Step 5: Select Turn Off Windows Firewall and perform a reboot.
Now try updating the Widevine Content Decryption Module using the first method.
Method 5: Reinstalling Chrome
Tried the above four methods and still nothing? Maybe the Widevine Content Decryption module is entirely missing on your PC. Now then, there’s only one thing left for you to do. And that’s to Uninstall Chrome completely and install it again.
To Uninstall Chrome:
Step 1: Find your way into the Apps menu in Windows Settings or try typing appwiz.cpl in the dialogue box you see when you launch run (Windows Key + R)
Step 2: Right-click on Google Chrome and Select Uninstall.
Step 3: A PC restart wouldn’t hurt at this time so go ahead and restart your PC.
Step 4: Head to the Official Google website and download the latest version of Chrome.
Step 5: Find the chrome.exe file and install it.
Step 6: Perform the first method to update the Widevine Content Decryption Module.
Conclusion
So this is it from us on how to solve the Widevine Content decryption module is missing or outdated error. We hope it helps you solve the issue and enjoy your favorite shows on Netflix without any hiccups. Raise a glass to more hours of binge-watching.