Codec packs add additional codec support to Windows. Apps like Media Player will then be able to play media files encoded in these formats. The following codecs packs are available: MPEG-2 Video Extension. Adds support for the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video formats. HEVC Video Extension.

Install or Update codecs: Download and install a codec pack that includes the required codec. Popular codec packs include K-Lite Codec Pack and Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP).

VC-1, MPEG-4, H.264, H.265, and H.263 codecs: "Standards-based codec components" (as they are collectively called) enable Windows 10 program such as Windows Media Player to support activities that include the playback and recording of multimedia files that are encoded with standards-based codecs.

VC-1, MPEG-4, H.264, H.265, and H.263 codecs: "Standards-based codec components" (as they are collectively called) enable Windows 10 program such as Windows Media Player to support activities that include the playback and creation of multimedia files that are encoded with standards-based codecs.

VC-1, MPEG-4, and H.264, H.265, and H.263 codecs: Collectively known as "Standards-based codec components." Enable Windows 10 program such as Windows Media Player to support activities that include the playback and recording of multimedia files that are encoded with standards-based codecs.

Here's how to install the Media Feature Pack on Windows 10 N and Windows 11 N: Windows 10 N: Select the Start button, then select Settings >Apps > Apps & features > Optional features > Add a feature. Then locate the Media Feature Pack in the list of available optional features.

VC-1, MPEG-4, and H.264, H.265, and H.263 codecs: Collectively known as "Standards-based codec components." Enable Windows 10 programs such as Windows Media Player to support activities that include the playback and recording of multimedia files that are encoded with standards-based codecs.

This update installs Windows Media Player and related technologies on the N and KN versions of all Windows 8 editions. This update does not include or install Windows Media Center or preinstalled Windows Store apps. Additional software will be required to play back or record certain kinds of media. This includes DVDs.

The Media Feature Pack for Windows 10/11 N is available for download as an Optional Feature. Here’s how to install the Media Feature Pack: On Windows 10 N: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps and Features > Optional features > Add a feature.

When you try to play a file that uses a codec that is not installed on your computer, the Windows Media Player tries to download the codec from a Microsoft server. If the codec is available, the Windows Media Player installs it on your computer and then plays the file.