How to Install HEVC Codec on Windows 11 for H.265
HEVC video extension on Windows 11 lets your computer play H.265 video files from modern smartphones and 4K Blu-ray discs without errors. HEVC stands for High Efficiency Video Coding, which is a modern compression format that shrinks video file sizes while keeping crisp picture quality.
Microsoft charges $0.99 for the official HEVC Video Extensions app in the Microsoft Store, but you can install it for free using a simple command line trick. Getting this codec set up takes less than two minutes and fixes black screens or playback errors when you try to open H.265 videos.
Install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store for a fee, or download the free VLC Media Player which includes the necessary codecs. Either option will allow Windows 11 to play H.265 video files.
Option 1The Official Microsoft Store Method
You can install the HEVC codec on Windows 11 by getting the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Sometimes this extension is free, but other times it costs money. Microsoft also offers a version called ‘HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer’ which might be free.
- Open the Microsoft Store from your taskbar.
- Search for HEVC Video Extensions.
- Select the app from the results.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Click the Buy button to complete the purchase.
To install apps from the Microsoft Store, you'll need standard user permissions. These permissions ensure that only authorized users can add new software to a Windows 11 system, preventing unauthorized installations and potential security risks. Without standard user permissions, the HEVC codec installation will fail.
Option 2The Free VLC Method
Installing the HEVC codec on Windows 11 for free is achievable using free media players like VLC, or by trying alternative codec packs.
- Visit the VLC download page for Windows. Download the official VLC media player for Windows - VideoLAN
- Download and install the program.
- Set VLC as your default media player.
Installing Codec Packs
Another way to enable HEVC playback is by installing a codec pack. These packs bundle together many different codecs, including HEVC, allowing various media players to play a wider range of file types. Popular options include the K-Lite Codec Pack and the Media Player Codec Pack Plus. Be cautious when downloading from third-party sites and ensure you get them from reputable sources.
You might also want to grab the High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) support from the Microsoft Store. This lets you see those modern photo formats from iPhones that Windows 11 doesn't handle out of the box.
Summary
To install the HEVC codec on Windows 11, you can either buy the official Microsoft extension or use the free VLC media player. Both options allow you to play modern video files.
Get-AppxPackage -allusers HEVCVideoExtension | Remove-AppxPackage to remove any existing installations, then try installing again from the Store. This often resolves stubborn errors.How It Compares
- Microsoft Store Extensions:
- Pros: Official, integrates directly with Windows.
- Cons: Can be paid, might not always be available for free.
- VLC Media Player:
- Pros: Free, plays HEVC without extra installation, supports many formats.
- Cons: Requires using VLC player for HEVC files.
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