Hevc codec download windows 10

The  aka. / video codec allows you to play UHD videos on your Windows 10 devices. These extensions are designed to take advantage of hardware capabilities on some newer devices.

While playing any video, if you get a message that the video needs HEVC / H.265 codec to play it, here's how you can get the said codec for free from the Microsoft Store.

What is High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)?

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265 and MPEG-H Part 2, is a video compression standard that was designed as part of the MPEG-H project. It offers approximately 25% to 50% better data compression at the same level of video quality and supports resolutions up to 8192x4320, including 8K UHD.

When a video compressed with HEVC codec, you need a specific HEVC Video Extension to play such video in Windows 10. These extensions are designed to take advantage of hardware capabilities on some newer devices - including those with an Intel 7th Generation Core processor and newer GPU to support 4K and Ultra HD content.

For devices that don’t have hardware support for HEVC videos, software support is provided, but the playback experience might vary based on the video resolution and PC performance.

How to purchase the HEVC / H.265 video extension?

Earlier the required codec was shipped along with Windows 10, but now with the recent builds of Windows 10, Microsoft stopped giving it freely to the users. Now they charge a nominal fee of $0.99 to buy the HEVC /H.265 video extensions from the Microsoft Store. You can either click the link or search for the extension in the Microsoft Store. And once installed, restart the system for the changes to take effect.

How to download the HEVC / H.265 video extension for free?

Though the software giant now charges for the HEVC / H.265 video codec to the end-users, there's a way to get it for FREE as the company ships it to OEM without any charges. For the device manufacturers, the HEVC / H.265 video extension is a hidden product in the Microsoft Store. You can follow this link to download the HEVC / H.265 video extensions for free from the store. Once installed, restart the system for the changes to take effect.