How to install HEVC and HEIF codecs on Windows 11
Why is there no need to pay for HEVC/HEIF support on Windows?
The names of these standards can be a bit confusing, so a little explanation is needed. HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) - also known as H.265 - is for video, but the videos themselves can come in many different file formats. The HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container) codec is used for images, but you often see them as HEIF files.
In many cases, the codecs needed to view HEVC/HEIF content will be pre-installed on Windows 11. But if they aren't already on your machine, you'll have to install them manually.
You can install support for these formats from the Microsoft Store. However, if you're in the US or certain countries, you may be surprised to find that you'll have to pay for them.
That's because these codecs have licensing fees associated with them, and Microsoft charges users to use them. However, don't worry, because there are several ways to get support for these formats for free, which the article will cover in the next section.
Alternatives for 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.
VLC is a great media player that combines HEVC/HEIF support with its software. Download and install VLC, you will 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.
- (Free of charge)
To view HEIF photos, you can install GIMP, which is a free and open source photo editor that supports many photo formats, including HEIF.
- (Free of charge)
If you want to support Windows native HEVC/HEIF files, install the K-Lite Codec Pack. There are multiple downloads, but most users will want to stick with the Standard plan.
You must be vigilant during the installation process to ensure it does not automatically include unwanted programs. That's why it's a good idea to install the K-Lite Codec Pack through Ninite, which installs the Windows software without other unnecessary stuff included.
- (Free of charge)
If you have tried all of the above methods and still cannot open HEVC/HEIF media files, consider converting these files to another format. You can use CloudConvert to quickly convert HEIF images online or install any of the best video converters on Windows 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 on Windows 11 will help you take full advantage of your device's hardware capabilities.
You should read it
- Facebook cooperates to improve the quality of streaming video
- WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe - Professional Video Converter
- Quiz: Are you a computer savvy person?
- What happens if obnoxious mosquitoes disappear completely on Earth?
- 8 things not to be missed when traveling 'phượt' Ha Giang
- Upload all content from any DVD to YouTube
- Microsoft confirmed the Denim update to replace the new camera
- Best tablet? iPad 2, Xoom or Galaxy Tab
May be interested
- What is VVC (Versatile Video Coding)?video files are large, and streaming them over the internet would be difficult without codecs. codecs are constantly evolving to optimize this technical process, and when it comes to new, improved codecs, vvc (versatile video coding) cannot be ignored.
- How to Stop Vista Showing the 'Com Surrogate Has Stopped Working' Errorthe 'com surrogate has stopped working' error can be a real headache for windows vista users. it is caused by compatibility errors with certain codecs. these codecs are utilities the process your media files. solving this problem will be a...
- How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windowswhile the heic extension for ios photos has become quite common these days, there is still no built-in support for this format on windows, and you need to install additional codecs from the microsoft store. additionally, if you want to use...
- Link download KMPlayer 4.2.2.40kmplayer is a well-known media player that plays movies, music and more. kmplayer supports various codecs and high definition services. you can also add external codecs to kmplayer 4.2.2.40.
- How to install Windows 8.1 from USBin addition to installing windows 8.1 from a traditional dvd, we can install windows 8.1 from a usb flash drive with a simple and fast way to do it.
- How to install Windows 10 from USB with ISO fileinstalling win 10 from usb requires usb boot or iso file windows 10. installing windows 10 with usb is not too difficult if you follow the instructions to install win 10 details below of tipsmake.com.
- Learn about LDAC, aptX, LHDC: High-Resolution Bluetooth Audio Codecsconfused about many existing bluetooth codecs? don't worry anymore! the following article will explain to you what the popular bluetooth codecs are today, how they work, which are better than the other, and why.
- Install Windows 10 with a super fast USB in just a few simple stepsthere are many ways to install windows 10 on your computer. in this article, techz will guide you how to install windows 10 with usb quickly and easily.
- Install Win 10 for Android tabletthere is a program called change my software that promises to install windows on android devices. note this will void the warranty of the tablet.
- How to install Windows 7 using USB - Create a bootable USB to install Windows 7we will guide you how to install windows 7 using usb from a to z, starting with creating a usb to install windows 7 until installing and setting up the windows 7 operating system from usb.