With so many file types available, you’re certain to run across those that require the use of a codec to read. H.265 or High-Efficiency Video Coding HEVC codec is one such standard, which is utilized for video recordings on iPhones and 4K Blu-rays, among other things. If you try to access this video format in any of Windows 11’s built-in programs, you will most likely get an error.
What will you see here?
What is HEVC and Why do you need It?
The HEVC codecs are simply a piece of code that can figure out security and secure video access. These are not included with Windows 11 and must be installed separately. HEVC is a compression technology that reduces the size of big, uncompressed video files while maintaining quality.
By compressing video files, streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu can transmit your video without totally clogging your internet connection or exceeding your data cap. However, it is helpful for purposes other than streaming services. HEVC, for example, is used to compress the massive data needed in movie editing into something that can readily fit on a single Blu-Ray disc.
More smartphone manufacturers are also implementing HEVC support. All modern Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, employ HEVC to capture video, as do some Android devices, such as Google’s Pixel phones. Compressing video captured on a cellphone enables you to record dozens or hundreds of hours of film, whereas uncompressed or weakly compressed formats, such as AVI, would only allow you to record a couple of hours until your device’s storage was totally filled.
Unfortunately, the required codecs are not installed by default on Windows 11; you must install them manually or use a third-party media player that comes equipped with them.
There are several third-party programs that come “out of the box” with the HEVC codecs. VLC is one such application, and it is an excellent all-purpose video player. For safety, you should only install VLC from its official website.
Download HEVC Codec from Microsoft Store
To get HEVC codecs from the Microsoft Store, start the Search menu by pressing WINDOWS + S, type ‘Microsoft Store‘ in the text area at the top, and then click on the correct search result to activate the program.
In the Microsoft Store, put ‘HEVC Video Extensions‘ in the search box at the top and click on the corresponding search result.
The cost will differ from one country to the next. Before you buy, make sure it was issued by ‘Microsoft Corporation,’ as there are many more with the same name. To finish the purchase, click on the blue icon with the price listed and follow the on-screen instructions.
You’re ready to proceed after you’ve installed the HEVC codec. Your Windows 11 computer can now play any HEVC video.
Play HEVC codec Videos for Free on Windows 11
While the HEVC codecs are reasonably priced on the Microsoft Store, many users wonder why they are being paid at all for something so essential. And it’s a valid question!
There are, however, ways to play HEVC videos on Windows 11 without purchasing them from the Microsoft Store. There are several media players that can play HEVC videos without the need to download any additional software, free or premium. VLC Media Player is recommended.
VLC is an open-source media player that supports practically all formats, including HEVC. It is one of the most widely used third-party multimedia players. To get VLC, go to get.videolan.org and click the ‘Download‘ option.
After downloading VLC, you will be able to watch all of your HEVC videos for free. You may also make VLC your default media player on your Windows 11 computer.
Can you add codecs to VLC?
VLC incorporates all media codecs inside the software, eliminating the need to manually update each codec when an update is available. The VLC program does the update for you, obtaining and installing the codec for usage with your media files.
Conclusion
HEVC codecs are used by most video streaming services and even iPhones. And if you don’t have it installed, you won’t be able to play iPhone videos. You will most certainly receive an error, and it appears that the HEVC extension is not working on Windows 11.
But wait! There’s a catch! These codecs are only required for watching movies on the programs that come with Windows. However, there are a number of third-party media players that include the HEVC extension.
While installing the HEVC extensions in Windows 11 is not strictly mandatory, it is required for native programs. You now have two alternatives, and it is up to you to decide whether to purchase the extension or utilize a third-party video player.
