Ready to dive into the world of HEVC videos on your Windows 11 machine? It's not always as straightforward as clicking 'play,' but don't worry, I'll guide you through every step to get those high-efficiency videos running smoothly. Let's get started!
Step 1: Checking if You Already Have the Necessary Codec
Before we go installing anything, let's first see if your Windows 11 already has the HEVC magic it needs.
Sub-heading: Using the Built-in Movies & TV App
This is the easiest way to check.
- Locate an HEVC video file on your computer. These files often have extensions like
.hevcor.mkv(if the video stream inside is HEVC). - Double-click on the video file. This will usually try to open it with the default video player, which is often the Movies & TV app in Windows 11.
- Observe what happens:
- If the video plays without any issues, congratulations! You likely already have the necessary HEVC codec installed, and you're all set. You can skip ahead to the FAQ section.
- If you see an error message like "This item was encoded in a format that's not supported" or "0xc00d521d", it means you need to install the HEVC codec. Let's move on to the next step.
Step 2: Installing the HEVC Video Extensions
If the Movies & TV app couldn't play your HEVC video, don't fret! You'll likely need to install the official HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
Sub-heading: Accessing the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store. You can do this by clicking on the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar (it looks like a shopping bag with the Windows logo) or by searching for "Microsoft Store" in the Start Menu.
Sub-heading: Searching for the HEVC Video Extensions
- Once the Microsoft Store is open, use the search bar located at the top.
- Type in "HEVC Video Extensions" and press Enter or click on the search icon.
Sub-heading: Installing the Official Extension
- You should see an app listed as "HEVC Video Extensions" published by Microsoft Corporation.
- Click on this listing.
- On the app page, you will likely see a button that says "Install" or sometimes a price if you haven't installed it before (it's usually a small fee).
- Click on the "Install" button. Windows will then download and install the necessary codec.
- Wait for the installation to complete. You'll see a notification when it's done.
Sub-heading: Trying to Play the Video Again
- After the installation is complete, try opening your HEVC video file again by double-clicking on it.
- Hopefully, this time the video will play smoothly in the Movies & TV app.
Step 3: Considering Third-Party Media Players (Optional but Recommended)
While the official HEVC Video Extensions often do the trick, sometimes you might encounter issues or prefer a more feature-rich media player. Several excellent third-party options have built-in support for a wide range of codecs, including HEVC.
Sub-heading: Popular Choices
Here are a few highly recommended media players for Windows 11 that typically handle HEVC flawlessly:
- VLC Media Player: This is a free, open-source, and incredibly versatile player that supports virtually any video and audio format without needing extra codecs. You can download it from the official VideoLAN website.
- PotPlayer: Another free and powerful player known for its extensive features, customization options, and excellent codec support. You can find it on its official website.
- MPC-HC (Media Player Classic - Home Cinema): A lightweight and highly customizable player that has been a favorite for many years. You can find it on community-maintained websites.
Sub-heading: Installing and Using a Third-Party Player
- Choose a media player from the list above (or any other you prefer).
- Download the installer from the official website of the chosen player.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the player on your system.
- Once installed, open the media player.
- You can then open your HEVC video file by either:
- Dragging and dropping the file into the player window.
- Using the player's "Open File" option (usually found in the "File" menu).
These third-party players often come with their own set of built-in codecs, so you might not even need the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store if you primarily use one of these.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:
Sub-heading: Persistent Playback Errors
- Restart your computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing the codec from working correctly.
- Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date: Sometimes, missing system updates can cause compatibility issues. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for and install any available updates.
- Reinstall the HEVC Video Extensions: If you're still having problems with the Movies & TV app, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
- Check for other missing codecs: While HEVC is the focus here, the video file might contain other audio or video streams that require different codecs. Third-party players like VLC often handle these automatically.
Sub-heading: Poor Playback Performance (Stuttering, Freezing)
- Check your system specifications: HEVC decoding, especially for high-resolution videos, can be demanding on your computer's hardware (CPU, GPU). Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for smooth playback.
- Close unnecessary applications: Other running programs can consume system resources and interfere with video playback.
- Update your graphics drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause performance issues. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest drivers.
1 - Try a different media player: Some players might be more optimized for your system than others.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to check if a video file is HEVC?
Quick Answer: Right-click on the video file, select "Properties," go to the "Details" tab, and look for the "Video" section. It might list the codec used as "HEVC" or "H.265." Alternatively, the file extension might be .hevc.
How to download the HEVC Video Extensions if the Microsoft Store isn't working?
Quick Answer: While the Microsoft Store is the primary way, sometimes you can find direct links online through official Microsoft support pages or forums, but be cautious of unofficial sources. Ensuring your Store app is updated often resolves issues.
How to make a third-party player the default for HEVC files?
Quick Answer: Right-click on an HEVC video file, select "Open with," then choose your preferred third-party player. Make sure to check the box that says "Always use this app to open .hevc files."
How to uninstall the HEVC Video Extensions?
Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, search for "HEVC Video Extensions," click the three dots (...) next to it, and select "Uninstall."
How to play HEVC videos on older versions of Windows?
Quick Answer: Older Windows versions (like Windows 7 or 8) don't have native HEVC support. You'll almost certainly need to rely on third-party media players like VLC or PotPlayer, which include their own codecs.
How to convert HEVC videos to a more common format like MP4 (H.264)?
Quick Answer: You can use video conversion software like HandBrake or Freemake Video Converter. Be aware that this process can take time and might result in some loss of video quality.
How to troubleshoot audio issues when playing HEVC videos?
Quick Answer: Ensure your audio drivers are up to date. Try a different media player, as some might handle audio codecs differently. Check the audio settings within your media player.
How to know if my hardware supports HEVC decoding?
Quick Answer: Check the specifications of your CPU and GPU. Many modern processors and graphics cards have hardware acceleration for HEVC decoding, which improves performance. You can often find this information on the manufacturer's website.
How to play HEVC videos on other devices like TVs or smartphones?
Quick Answer: The support for HEVC varies depending on the device. Check the device's specifications. Many newer smart TVs and smartphones have built-in HEVC support.
How to find free HEVC video samples to test playback?
Quick Answer: Search online for "free HEVC sample videos." Several websites offer short clips for testing purposes. Be cautious about the source of these files.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has equipped you with all the knowledge you need to enjoy your HEVC videos on Windows 11! If you encounter any further issues, don't hesitate to ask!