How to install HEVC and HEIF codecs on Windows 11

HEVC and HEIF are codecs that use similar compression techniques to improve video and image quality across a variety of devices. If you can't open these files, here's how you can install support for them on your Windows 11 PC.

Why not pay for HEVC/HEIF support on Windows?

The names of these standards can be a bit confusing, so here's a little explanation. HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) — also known as H.265 — is for video, but the videos themselves can come in a variety of file formats. The HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container) codec is for images, but you'll usually see them as HEIF files.

In many cases, the codecs needed to view HEVC/HEIF content will come pre-installed on Windows 11. But if they aren't on your machine, you'll have to install them manually.

You can install support for these formats from the Microsoft Store, but if you're in the US or certain countries, you might be surprised to find that you have to pay for them.

How to install HEVC and HEIF codecs on Windows 11
HEVC extension on Microsoft Store shows paid version

This is because these codecs have licensing fees associated with them and Microsoft charges users to use them. However, don’t worry, as there are a number of ways to get support for these formats for free, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Alternatives to HEVC/HEIF Support (Free)

If you don't want to pay to open HEVC/HEIF files on Windows, you can use programs that include these codecs for free or install codec packs. The first option is to install a media player that already supports these codecs.

How to install HEVC and HEIF codecs on Windows 11
VLC Media Player shows HEVC codec support

VLC is a great media player that includes HEVC/HEIF support in its software. Download and install VLC, and you'll be able to watch H.265 videos from the app. Other media players, such as DivX and mpv, also include free support for these formats.

To view HEIF images, you can install GIMP, which is a free and open-source photo editor that supports many image formats, including HEIF.

How to install HEVC and HEIF codecs on Windows 11
Editing with the Clone Tool in GIMP

If you want native Windows HEVC/HEIF support, install the K-Lite Codec Pack. There are multiple downloads, but most users will want the Standard pack.

You have to be careful during the installation process to make sure it doesn't automatically include unwanted programs. That's why it's best to install the K-Lite Codec Pack through Ninite, which installs the Windows software without the other unnecessary stuff that comes with it.

How to install HEVC and HEIF codecs on Windows 11
Ninite installer showing selected K-Lite Codec Pack

If you've tried all of the above methods and still can't open your HEVC/HEIF media files, consider converting them to another format. You can use CloudConvert to quickly convert HEIF images online, or install any of the best Windows video converters for HEVC content.

HEIF/HEVC codecs are essential for saving storage space on your PC without sacrificing image and video quality. Adding support for these files to Windows 11 will help you get the most out of your device's hardware.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Instructions to change Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Instructions to change Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Google DNS 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 is one of the DNS chosen by many users, especially to increase network access speed or access blocked Facebook.

How to use TickTick desktop widget instead of to-do apps

How to use TickTick desktop widget instead of to-do apps

Once you put your to-do lists on Windows 11's widget panel, they start appearing in front of you every morning—and suddenly, it's not so easy to ignore them anymore.

How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10

How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10

Windows Security is turned on and proactively protects your device by scanning for malware, viruses, and other security threats.

How to Free Up 48GB on Windows 11 PC Without Losing Any Important Data

How to Free Up 48GB on Windows 11 PC Without Losing Any Important Data

Between temporary files, outdated backups, duplicate data, and unused apps, there are plenty of ways to reclaim space without touching your personal files.

How to view computer configuration easily and quickly

How to view computer configuration easily and quickly

There are many ways for you to view your computer configuration, view your laptop configuration.

Check MD5 and SHA1 to check file integrity

Check MD5 and SHA1 to check file integrity

We will use a specialized program to check the MD5 and SHA1 codes of the file to see if there are any errors in the file. And the MD5 check software HashCalc is one of the quite useful tools to check MD5 and SHA1 codes.

What is the AppData folder in Windows? When should I use it?

What is the AppData folder in Windows? When should I use it?

Have you ever stumbled upon the mysterious AppData folder while rummaging through files on your computer or trying to get a Minecraft mod to work?

How to show hidden files and folders on Windows 10/8/7

How to show hidden files and folders on Windows 10/8/7

To view hidden files, hidden folders, hidden system files on Windows is quite simple. Readers can see detailed instructions on showing hidden files and viewing file extensions in this article.

Fix Windows + Shift + S shortcut not working on Windows 10

Fix Windows + Shift + S shortcut not working on Windows 10

The Win + Shift + S shortcut in Windows 10 allows users to capture a portion or the entire screen and copy it to the clipboard. In most cases, this feature works as expected, but sometimes it can become unresponsive.

12 ways to quickly access Settings on Windows 10

12 ways to quickly access Settings on Windows 10

On Windows 10, Microsoft integrated a new application called Settings. This Settings application is a Metro application created by Microsoft to replace the classic Control Panel application.

List of useful Alt shortcuts to insert special characters in Windows

List of useful Alt shortcuts to insert special characters in Windows

Simply hold down the Alt key and type the corresponding number to insert a special character. If you have memorized the code of your favorite special character, you can insert it in less than a second.

Instructions for sharing files using Nearby Sharing Windows 11

Instructions for sharing files using Nearby Sharing Windows 11

Nearby Sharing Windows 11 is a built-in sharing feature on your computer that lets you send files or web pages directly to others.

How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error on Windows

How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error on Windows

The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error is a memory-related error that typically occurs when a system process or driver attempts to access a memory address without proper access permissions.

Turn off Windows Defender (Windows Security) on Windows 10, Windows 11

Turn off Windows Defender (Windows Security) on Windows 10, Windows 11

How to completely disable Windows Defender on Windows 10? There are several ways to disable Windows Defender on Windows 10, please see the detailed instructions below.

How to use IE Mode to replace the recently discontinued Internet Explorer

How to use IE Mode to replace the recently discontinued Internet Explorer

From Windows 11, Internet Explorer will be removed. In this article, WebTech360 will guide you how to use Internet Explorer on Windows 11.