How to Get the HEVC and HEIC Extensions for Free!
By Timothy Tibbetts |
Playing HEVC or HEIC requires downloading the HEVC encoder from Microsoft for 99 cents. While not a bank-buster, the encoders should be included in Windows & 11 for free. After all, Microsoft keeps touting how advanced these operating systems are.
Once you have the codecs, you can play High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) videos on your Windows 10 or 11 devices in any video app. These extensions are designed to utilize hardware capabilities on newer devices, including those with an Intel 7th Generation Core processor and newer GPU to support 4K and Ultra HD content. Software support is provided for devices that don't have hardware support for HEVC videos, but the playback experience might vary based on the video resolution and PC performance. These extensions also let you encode HEVC content on devices that don't have a hardware-based video encoder.
We now have a workaround that will allow you to download the HEVC codec for free, as it should be.
There's only one catch - If Microsoft discovers this loophole, they might close it.
There are two ways to get the HEVC Video Extensions for free.
Video tutorial:
In a new browser tab, type in ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq
Click on Open Microsoft Store when prompted.
Click on Install.
Another option is to open the Microsoft Store link from the Command Prompt by typing in start ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq
For a multimedia player with the codecs built-in, try the freeware VLC Media Player.
Once you have the codecs, you can play High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) videos on your Windows 10 or 11 devices in any video app. These extensions are designed to utilize hardware capabilities on newer devices, including those with an Intel 7th Generation Core processor and newer GPU to support 4K and Ultra HD content. Software support is provided for devices that don't have hardware support for HEVC videos, but the playback experience might vary based on the video resolution and PC performance. These extensions also let you encode HEVC content on devices that don't have a hardware-based video encoder.
We now have a workaround that will allow you to download the HEVC codec for free, as it should be.
There's only one catch - If Microsoft discovers this loophole, they might close it.
There are two ways to get the HEVC Video Extensions for free.
In a new browser tab, type in ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq
Click on Open Microsoft Store when prompted.
Click on Install.
Another option is to open the Microsoft Store link from the Command Prompt by typing in start ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq
For a multimedia player with the codecs built-in, try the freeware VLC Media Player.
