Subtitle sync guide
How to sync subtitles in Movies & TV (Windows)
The Windows “Movies & TV” app plays an external subtitle file placed next to the video, but it has no control to shift the timing. To fix out-of-sync captions, correct the file.
Works on: Windows 10 · Windows 11
Step by step
- 1
Put the subtitle file beside the video
Give the .srt the same name as the video file (e.g. movie.mp4 and movie.srt) in the same folder so Movies & TV picks it up.
- 2
Correct the timing in the file
Drop the .srt into the SubAlign subtitle sync tool, shift it earlier or later until it lines up, and download the fixed file — keeping the same name as the video.
- 3
Reload and turn captions on
Reopen the video in Movies & TV and select your subtitle track from the captions (CC) menu. The corrected timing will now match the dialogue.
If you prefer to adjust timing live instead of editing the file, VLC offers a built-in delay (G / H keys) for the same video.
Fix the subtitle file permanently
The delay in Movies & TV is only temporary. To fix the timing for good, correct the subtitle file once and it plays in sync everywhere.
Open the free sync toolMovies & TV subtitle sync FAQ
Can the Windows Movies & TV app delay subtitles?
No. The Movies & TV app displays an external subtitle file but provides no timing or offset control. To fix out-of-sync captions you need to correct the subtitle file itself.
How do I add subtitles to the Movies & TV app?
Place an .srt file with the same name as the video in the same folder, open the video, then choose the track from the captions (CC) menu during playback.
Sync subtitles in other players
Step-by-step instructions for fixing out-of-sync subtitles in the apps people use most.