How to Install Free HEVC Codec on Windows 11 (2025 Guide)

A user from Microsoft Community:

"I have some HEVC h.265 videos from a Canon R5 that I want to view/edit on Windows 11 through Davinci Resolve, but cannot open. These files can be viewed on VLC Player but are not recognized by the default Windows Media Player. I've already tried installing HEVC Video Extension (both the free and $0.99 one) but neither seem to fix the issue with Windows 11 not recognizing the video codec. I've also installed the codec pack but to no avail."

HEVC (H.265) is an advanced video codec that achieves a 50% higher compression rate than H.264 for the same quality. Now considerable videos from iPhone, Android, GoPro, DJI, and DSLRs are encoded with HEVC. Statistics show that HEVC is used by over 49% of developers and is still on the rise. However, it turns out you still can't open videos with HEVC codec on Windows 11 right out of the box.

Worry not. We'll show you how to install the HEVC Videos Extensions app, and make it compatible with Windows 11, whether you want to watch or edit your HEVC videos.

Does Windows 11 Support HEVC

No, Windows 11 does not support HEVC natively. Microsoft removed native support for it from the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (build 1709).

Since then, all the built-in apps in Windows 11 cannot play or edit HEVC videos. Third-party software without HEVC codec support on its own cannot process HEVC videos, either. They ask users to purchase HEVC video extensions in Windows 11.

How to Get HEVC Codec for Windows 11

Method 1. HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store (Paid)

Microsoft offers an official HEVC Video Extensions app in the Microsoft Store for a small fee, typically $0.99. This is a reliable way to get the codec and enable HEVC playback in Windows built-in apps.

Once bought and installed the HEVC Video Extensions app from Microsoft Corporation, you can play HEVC/H.265 videos in any software on your Windows 11 devices. For devices that don't have hardware support for HEVC videos, it provides software encoding and decoding.

Meanwhile, these HEVC extensions are developed to utilize hardware capabilities on some newer devices (Intel 7th Generation Core processor and newer GPUs) to support 4K and Ultra HD content.

Here's how to install HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store.

Step 1. Open Microsoft Store. Make sure that you've signed in your Microsoft account and added your credit card to it.

Step 2. Search HEVC Video Extensions in the app. Click Buy and pay $0.99 for it.

Step 3. Click the install button and wait for it to download and install on Windows 11. If you haven't installed it on your PC before, click Open to activate the HEVC extension.

Step 4. Now you can close the tab. Open any HEVC/H.265 video on your Windows 11 to check if the extension works.

Note: The playback experience of HEVC videos is not stable and varies in different video resolutions and PC performances.

Method 2. Free Alternatives to HEVC Video Extensions

Many Windows users complained that Microsoft just created a problem on purpose so that they could sell the solution for one dollar. Rather than purchasing HEVC video extensions from Microsoft Store, some of them prefer free HEVC codecs for Windows 11 that also assist in encoding and decoding HEVC or H.265 videos.

If you are on the same side of the fence about this issue, take a look at some free alternatives to HEVC Video Extensions and how to get HEVC codecs for Windows 11 with them.

1. HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer

Microsoft charges for the HEVC Video Extension in the Microsoft Store because HEVC is a licensed codec, and they need to pay licensing fees to use it. This cost is passed on to users to cover expenses and comply with intellectual property rights. While, some developers made a free version based on that. It's HEVC Video Extension from Device Manufacturer and you can use it for free.

Update: While previously available for free on the Microsoft Store for devices with pre-installed licenses, this option has been removed. However, some websites might offer mirrors of this version. Proceed with caution when downloading from unofficial sources, as they might not be verified and could potentially contain malware.

2. Codec Pack

Since the HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer has no trusted resource for installing any more, you can also turn to downloading some codec packs which include HEVC codec for Windows 11. But please note that codec packs can sometimes cause conflicts or be bundled with unwanted software, so download them from reputable sources and be mindful during installation.

1. K-Lite Codec Pack

K-Lite Codec Pack functions as a comprehensive collection of codecs and related tools designed to enable your Windows 11 system and various media players to handle a broad spectrum of audio and video formats, including HEVC. Essentially, it's a bundled package that adds the necessary components, such as DirectShow filters, to the system so that players like Windows Media Player, Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC), and others can readily play files encoded with codecs like HEVC.

K-Lite has included support for HEVC decoding since version 10.10. You can choose from different versions, including Basic, Standard, Full, and Mega, depending on your needs. For example, the Standard version is generally recommended for average users as it provides everything needed for common playback, while the Mega version is more suited for professional encoding and decoding tasks.

It's important to note that while K-Lite is a popular and generally reliable option, if you use the Haali splitter, you might need to switch to the LAV splitter to ensure HEVC compatibility. Also, to ensure safety and avoid potential issues, it's recommended to download the pack from the official website.

Download site: https://codecguide.com/download_kl.htm

2. Media Player Codec Pack Plus

Media Player Codec Pack Plus is a free HEVC/H.265 codec pack specifically tailored for use with Microsoft Windows Media Player and other DirectShow-compatible players on your Windows 11 computer. It goes beyond basic HEVC support, offering comprehensive decoding capabilities for a wide array of video and audio formats, including popular ones like x265, H.265, MP4, MKV, and many more.

This codec pack distinguishes itself by supporting GPU hardware acceleration from major graphics card manufacturers like Nvidia, AMD, ATI, and Intel, which can contribute to smoother HEVC playback, especially for high-resolution content like 4K and 8K. The Plus version provides a broader selection of encoder codecs compared to the standard Media Player Codec Pack, including additional 64-bit variants.

During installation, you have the option of a simple "Easy Installation" or a more detailed "Expert Installation" for advanced configuration. As with any software, it's crucial to obtain this codec pack from a trusted source to avoid potential security risks.

Download site: https://www.mediaplayercodecpack.com/

3. Libde265

Libde265 is an open-source implementation of the HEVC video codec, specifically designed to decode HEVC video, and it's written in plain C for straightforward integration into other software. It supports various HEVC features like WPP and tile-based multithreading, and it includes SSE optimizations for better performance. This makes it capable of handling a wide range of HEVC files, including high-resolution videos like HD, 4K, and 8K, which can be useful for streaming services and users who want to watch high-quality content.

Libde265 works by integrating with media players and applications that use codecs, such as VLC Media Player, Chrome HEVC player, Windows DirectShow filters, and FFmpeg. So, by installing libde265, you essentially provide these applications with the necessary tools to decode and play HEVC content. For instance, it can enable smoother playback of HEVC 4K Ultra HD videos in VLC Media Player on Windows 11.

However, compared to user-friendly codec packs like K-Lite, libde265 might be a bit more challenging to set up for the average user, as configuring the library can require some technical expertise. There may also be limited readily available video tutorials for the installation process. Similar to any software download, it's crucial to download libde265 from a reputable source to ensure safety.

Download site: https://github.com/strukturag/libde265

Method 3. Use a Media Player with Built-in HEVC Support

Using a media player with built-in HEVC support is an excellent solution if you are not a big fan of installing separate codec packs or extensions. Media players come equipped with the necessary components to decode and play HEVC files directly. This eliminates the need to troubleshoot codec compatibility issues and simplifies the process of enjoying your HEVC content. And here are two recommendations for you.

1. VLC

Known for its versatility and wide format support, VLC is a free and open-source media player that can handle almost any video or audio format, including HEVC, without the need for additional codecs. Simply download and install VLC, and you can set it as your default media player to automatically open HEVC files. VLC has supported HEVC playback since version 2.1.

Note: VLC media player helps only when you want to play HEVC videos on Windows 11. It can't make HEVC compatible with Windows Media Player, Microsoft Movies & TV, Windows Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere Pro, and other software on your PC.

Download site: https://www.videolan.org/

2. 5K Player

5KPlayer, this multimedia player is praised for its ability to smoothly play HEVC videos, including those in high resolutions like 4K and 8K, without requiring external codec packs. It also supports GPU acceleration for optimal performance. 5KPlayer offers a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of formats beyond HEVC, such as MP4, MKV, and MOV.

Download site: https://www.5kplayer.com/#5KPlayer

Method 4. Transcode HEVC for Windows 11 without Quality Loss

Windows 11 HEVC Video Extensions installed from Microsoft store but it's still not working? Another quick and simple solution is to transcode HEVC videos with VideoProc Converter AI, a capable video converter, enhancer, and editor.

By fast decoding and transcoding HEVC in it, you can open HEVC videos with Windows Media Player, Photos app, Movies & TV app, video editing software, and any media software in Windows 11 without error.

It supports HEVC/H.265 videos from iPhone, Android, DSLRs, GoPro, DJI, etc., and contained in MOV, MP4, MKV, 4K, 8K, HD, 360-degree, 3D, HDR 10-bit, and more. By taking full advantage of the software and hardware acceleration, it decodes, encodes, and transcodes HEVC/H.265 to H.264 at a speed up to 47x real-time faster.

On top of that, VideoProc Converter AI supports 470+ video codecs and containers, including but not limited to MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, WebM, VP9, VP8, and AV1. With its video conversion presets and complete codec settings, you fix almost all the video compatibility issues on Windows 11 in one stop.

Download VideoProc Converter AI and make HEVC compatible with Windows 11 now!

Step 1. Open VideoProc Converter AI on your Windows 11 PC and click "Video Converter" on the main UI.

Step 2. Drag and drop one or multiple HEVC videos to its interface. Go to the "Video" option at the bottom and select "MP4 H.264" as the output format.

Tips: To keep the original quality as much as possible, open "Codec Options" and choose "keep original" in Frame Rate, Resolution, and Aspect Ratio options. Click "Done" to save the changes.

Step 3. VideoProc Converter AI enables hardware acceleration engine by default. You just need to choose an output folder and click RUN to start transcoding HEVC to H.264.

Now you can open the video file with Windows 11's new Media Player, its built-in video editor, and any multimedia software on Windows 11 without a popup window asking you to install an HEVC codec anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is HEVC Codec needed on Windows 11?

First of all, HEVC is a modern video compression standard that offers better compression efficiency than its predecessor, H.264. This means you can enjoy the same video quality at a lower bitrate, leading to smaller file sizes and potentially smoother streaming, especially for high-resolution content like 4K and 8K. Besides, many devices, including recent iPhones, Android phones, GoPros, and drones, record videos in HEVC format. Without the HEVC codec installed on your Windows 11 machine, you might encounter issues playing these files with default Windows apps like Movies & TV or Windows Media Player.

Why is HEVC video not playing with Windows 11 HEVC Video Extensions installed?

Verify that the specific video file you are trying to play is indeed encoded with the HEVC codec. Some video files may have different codecs and may not be compatible with the HEVC Video Extensions. Then make sure that your video player is updated to the latest version. Some older versions of video players may not support HEVC playback.

Why does my PC not support HEVC?

It is due to licensing and royalty issues. HEVC is a standard for video compression that requires licensing fees to be paid to the patent holders of the technology. By providing the HEVC Video Extensions as a separate download, Microsoft ensures that users who require HEVC support can obtain it while managing the licensing and royalty requirements associated with the technology.

How to install HEVC codecs for free on Windows?

You can install free HEVC codecs (a sort of software), such as Libde265, VLC, and K-Lite Codec Pack. But note some codec packs are not verified and safe. So be cautious when you download and install any Windows 11 HEVC codec packs.