How to Obtain the HEVC Codec for Free on Windows 11?

Finding a free version of the HEVC codec can be challenging. Although the Internet Archive hosts an OEM version, its functionality is inconsistent, especially since Microsoft may have addressed the loophole that allowed its free use. A reliable alternative is the HEVC codec available for purchase at $0.99 in the Microsoft Store.

HEVC, which stands for High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265), is a state-of-the-art video compression standard that maintains high video quality while significantly reducing file size compared to older formats like H.264. However, it’s important to note that HEVC’s compatibility is not as extensive as its predecessor.

As someone who frequently captures videos and photos on my smartphone, I regularly transfer my media to my PC, where I have ample storage. To minimize space usage, I prefer recording videos in HEVC format. For instance, a one-minute video in the standard MP4 format can be approximately 400MB, whereas the same video in HEVC takes around 280MB, making it a resource-efficient option.

However, one downside is the inconvenience of manually adjusting the settings to open each HEVC file. Instead of the usual double-click to play, I find myself right-clicking on each video to select a compatible media player like VLC for playback.

Playing HEVC Files on Your Windows Device

The easiest way to enable HEVC support on your Windows PC or laptop is by purchasing the codec from the Microsoft Store. To do this, simply search for “HEVC” and select the correct option, which is the official HEVC Video Extensions.

This HEVC Video Extensions application allows Windows to natively support HEVC video playback. Despite its 1.5-star rating, which may be misleading, this extension is functional. Its low rating could stem from the fact that Microsoft charges $0.99 for it, despite the widespread nature of the HEVC format across over 1.4 billion Windows PCs.

Can You Obtain Official HEVC Video Extensions Without Charge?

Previously, Microsoft offered a free version of the HEVC Video Extensions, primarily for OEMs such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. This version was provided under the assumption that device manufacturers covered the licensing costs. This arrangement is why it was free for consumers.

Testing by Windows Latest has confirmed that the HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer can still be found archived on the Internet Archive. It works on some devices; however, results may vary as the latest versions of Media Player might not support it anymore.

If you wish to try this option, download the archived file from the link above and follow these steps:

Unzip the downloaded file, then open PowerShell with Administrator privileges.

Execute the following command:

Add-AppxPackage "Microsoft. HEVCVideoExtension_2.0.61931.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.appxBundle"

Once this process is completed, you should be able to test its functionality by opening an HEVC file using the default Windows Media Player.

Note: The command from the archive link may lack a final quotation mark. Ensure you include it to prevent errors while executing the command.

Why is the HEVC Video Extension a Paid Feature on the Microsoft Store?

The HEVC codec is subject to multiple patents held by various companies, including major players like Samsung and Apple. Although Apple isn’t a significant contributor in terms of patent volume, its promotion of the HEVC and HEIF standards beginning in 2017 significantly increased their adoption through iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra.

As a result, Microsoft is legally obligated to pay licensing fees for the encoding features of HEVC in Windows. This expense has led the tech giant to pass the cost onto consumers via the $0.99 HEVC Video Extensions.

Interestingly, the HEIF Image Extension is offered for free in the Microsoft Store, although it has received numerous negative reviews regarding installation difficulties. Despite our testing indicating no issues, the complaints persist.

Similar Performance in Free and Paid Versions

For all practical purposes, there is no notable difference in functionality between free and paid versions of the HEVC Video Extensions. The original free version was specifically intended for OEM use.

The Advantage of Installing HEVC Video Extensions Over Third-Party Media Players

By installing the HEVC Video Extensions, you enable OS-level codec support, allowing other applications to decode (play) and encode (export) HEVC files efficiently. While free media players like VLC and MPC support HEVC natively, professional applications such as RealityScan often require this OS-level support to function correctly.

If you have an HDR-certified 4K display and the necessary hardware, you may find that some apps, such as Netflix, only offer basic HD options without the HEVC Video Extensions. This is because many streaming services rely on the HEVC codec to deliver high-quality content cost-effectively due to its reduced storage requirements.

Despite HEVC’s popularity, many users may be hesitant to undertake the installation of additional codecs and extensions. On a related note, Microsoft has recently introduced JPEG XL format support in Windows 11, suggesting potential changes in their approach toward codec management in the future.

Source & Images