How to install free HEVC codecs on Windows 10 (for H.265 video)

Windows 10 supports video files encoded using High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265 video . Microsoft charges for its official codecs and doesn't include them in Windows 10. However, you can get them for free without pulling out your credit card and spending $0.99.

How HEVC video works on Windows 10

HEVC video is becoming more common. iPhones now record video in HEVC by default, and 4K UHD Blu-rays also use HEVC.

These codecs will let you watch those videos on your PC, but they're only necessary for apps like Microsoft's Movies & TV video player , included with Windows 10, and other Windows apps that take advantage of codecs built into Windows.

For example, the popular third-party video player VLC includes built-in codecs. To play HEVC (H.265) videos in VLC, simply install VLC and open them.

For built-in support, you'll need codecs. These codecs aren't included with the latest versions of Windows 10, but must be installed from the Microsoft Store. They're also required to encode video in HEVC (H.265) format in apps that use the Windows 10 system codec.

How to install free codecs

There are actually two different codec packs you can get from the Store. They are both identical, but one costs $0.99 and one is free.

If you search for HEVC in the Store, you'll see the HEVC Video Extensions pack for $0.99. This fee likely reflects Microsoft's licensing costs for the codecs.

However, you can also get the HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer pack for free. It’s the same as the $0.99 pack, but it’s completely free. Click the link and select Get to install it. That’s it!

This package appears to be for computer manufacturers to pre-install the codecs on their PCs. However, there is nothing stopping anyone from installing these codecs on their system, you can just follow the direct link to find them.

Security updates are also available on the Store

The Microsoft Store will automatically install security updates for these codecs just like updates for other included apps.

This came as a surprise to many when Microsoft began distributing critical security updates for codecs through the Store on July 1, 2020. It did not do so through Windows Update like regular security patches.

We recommend that you make sure that automatic app updates are enabled for security reasons. To do so, open the Microsoft Store on Windows 10, click Menu > Settings , and make sure Update Apps Automatically is set to On.