How to Update Widevine CDM in Browsers

[nerdslife_team]

Having trouble with video playback on sites like Netflix or Amazon Prime? It might be your Widevine Content Decryption Module (CDM), which is essential for playing protected content. Keeping it updated is crucial for smooth streaming. Here’s how to do it on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera.

Method 1: Updating Widevine CDM using browser component pages

This is generally the most effective way to update Widevine as it directly targets the component.

Updating in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://components/ in the address bar, then hit enter.
   
   
2. Scroll down until you find “Widevine Content Decryption Module”.
   
   
3. Click on the “Check for update” button.
   
   
4. Check the “Status”. If it says “Component updated,” you’re good to go. If it says “Component not updated”, refresh and check again.
   
   
5. Once it says “Up-to-date”, restart Chrome to apply the changes.
   
   

Updating in Microsoft Edge

1. Launch Edge and type edge://components/ into the address bar and press enter.
   
   
2. Find “Widevine Content Decryption Module” in the list.
   
   
3. Click “Check for update” under it.
   
   
4. If an update is available, it’ll install automatically. Make sure the “Status” says “Up-to-date.”
   
   
5. Restart Edge to finalize the update.

Updating in Opera

1. Open Opera and type opera://components in the address bar and hit enter.
   
   
2. Locate the “Widevine Content Decryption Module” in the list.
   
3. Click the “Check for update” button below it.
   
4. If any updates are available, they will be installed automatically. Restart Opera to apply the changes.

Method 2: Updating Widevine CDM through Firefox Add-ons

While not as direct, Firefox offers an update method within its add-ons.

Updating in Firefox

1. Open Firefox, and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right.
2. Select “Add-ons and Themes” from the menu.
   
   
3. Go to the “Plugins” tab, click the gear icon (“Tools for all add-ons”), and choose “Check for Updates.”
   
   
4. If Widevine CDM updates are available, Firefox will download and install them automatically.
5. For future auto-updates, find the Widevine CDM plugin, and set “Allow automatic updates” to “On”.