How to Install Free HEVC Codecs on Windows 10

Sun-Feb-2023
4

HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) is a video compression standard that offers superior video quality at lower bitrates. However, HEVC video codecs are not natively supported in Windows 10, which means you need to install additional codecs to play HEVC-encoded videos. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to install free HEVC codecs on Windows 10.

Method 1: Install HEVC Codec from Microsoft Store

Microsoft provides a free HEVC codec in the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10 computer.
  2. Search for “HEVC Video Extensions” in the search bar.
  3. Click on the “Get” button to download and install the codec.
  4. Once the installation is complete, you should be able to play HEVC-encoded videos using any media player that supports the codec.

Method 2: Install Third-Party HEVC Codec

If you prefer to use a third-party HEVC codec, you can download and install one from the internet. Here’s how to install the LAV Filters HEVC codec:

  1. Download the LAV Filters codec pack from the official website.
  2. Open the downloaded file and select “Run” to install the codec.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  4. Once the installation is complete, open your media player and try playing an HEVC-encoded video.
  5. If the video doesn’t play, go to your media player’s settings and make sure the LAV Filters codec pack is selected as the preferred codec.

Method 3: Install VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that supports HEVC codecs. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Download VLC Media Player from the official website.
  2. Open the downloaded file and select “Run” to install the player.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  4. Once the installation is complete, open VLC Media Player and try playing an HEVC-encoded video.
  5. If the video doesn’t play, go to the VLC Media Player settings and make sure the HEVC codec is enabled.

By following the methods described in this tutorial, you should be able to install free HEVC codecs on your Windows 10 computer and play HEVC-encoded videos using your preferred media player. Whether you choose to install the HEVC codec from the Microsoft Store, a third-party codec pack, or use VLC Media Player, you can enjoy high-quality video playback on your Windows 10 computer.