This post shows students and new users the steps to install HEVC codec in Windows 11 to play media files encoded with High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265 video. Out of the box, official HEVC codes are not included in Windows 11. If you try to view or play HEVC-formatted videos in Windows 11, you probably won’t be able to.
The H.265 (HEVC) codec is a format used for video recording on iPhones and some 4K Blu-ray discs. In fact, iPhones now record videos in HEVC format, so it’s getting really popular.
You can download HEVC codes from the Microsoft store, however it costs $ 0.99 depending on your region. In other places, I’m not sure the price will stay that way.
Alternatively, you can also download a popular third-party video player VLC, which includes its own built-in codecs for playing HEVC (H.265) videos. If you can’t afford the $ 0.99 in the Microsoft store, just install VLC.
The new Windows 11 comes packed with many new features with a new user desktop, including centered Start menu and taskbar, rounded corner windows, themes and colors that will make any Windows look and feel modern.
If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading our posts about it.
To start installing and enabling HEVC codes in Windows 11, follow the steps below:
How to download and install HEVC codes in Windows 11
As mentioned above, you may not be able to play iPhones and some 4K UHD Blu-rays videos on Windows 11. This is because Windows 11 is missing essential codes that are responsible for playing these HEVC or H.265 formatted media. .
To view these videos, you need to download and install the required codecs that are available from the Microsoft store for $ 0.99 depending on your location.
To install the official HEVC video extensions, simply open the Microsoft store by clicking the button on the taskbar.
Then use the search box to search HEVC video extensions as highlighted below. Then select the app as shown for $ 0.99.
How to install free HEVC codecs in Windows 11
If you can’t afford to get the official version from the Microsoft store, just install a popular third-party video player VLC, which includes its own built-in codecs for playing HEVC (H.265) videos. If you can’t afford the $ 0.99 in the Microsoft store, just install VLC.
To go to VLC download page for Windows platform below.
Download the official VLC media player for Windows – VideoLAN
Download and install and you will be able to play HEVC videos on your Windows 11 systems.
Once you’ve installed VLC, set it as your default media player.
By the way, you can also install support for High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) from Microsoft Store. This image format is also becoming popular. IPhones now take photos in HEIF by default, and you will need HEIF extensions installed in Windows to view photos taken on an iPhone device.
Conclusion:
In this tutorial we have seen how to install HEVC codes in Windows 11. If you find any errors above, or have something to add, use the comment form below.
