With the release of Windows 11, many users are excited to upgrade and experience the new features and improvements. However, one issue that has been causing frustration for some users is the inability to play HEVC files on the new operating system.
HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) is a digital media format that offers higher quality video at lower bitrates, making it a popular choice for streaming and downloading videos. In this article, we will discuss why HEVC files may not be playing on Windows 11 and how to fix it.
Why Can’t I Play HEVC Files on Windows 11?
Lack of Codec Support
The main reason why HEVC files may not be playing on Windows 11 is due to the lack of codec support. A codec is a software that encodes and decodes digital media files, allowing them to be played on a device. Windows 11 does not come with built-in support for HEVC codecs, unlike its predecessor Windows 10.
Licensing Issues
Another reason for the lack of HEVC support on Windows 11 is due to licensing issues. HEVC is a patented technology, and Microsoft has to pay a licensing fee to use it in their operating system. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to remove HEVC support to cut costs.
How to Play HEVC Files on Windows 11
Install HEVC Codec
The easiest way to play HEVC files on Windows 11 is to install the codec yourself. There are several third-party HEVC codecs available for download, such as the popular K-Lite Codec Pack. Once installed, your media player should be able to play HEVC files without any issues.
Use a Different Media Player
If you do not want to install a codec, you can also use a different media player that has built-in HEVC support. Popular media players like VLC and PotPlayer have native support for HEVC files and can play them without the need for additional codecs.
Convert HEVC Files to a Different Format
If you are unable to play HEVC files on Windows 11, you can also convert them to a different format that is supported by your media player. There are many free online file converters available that can convert HEVC files to formats like MP4 or AVI, which can then be played on Windows 11.
How to Enable HEVC Support on Windows 11
If you do not want to install a third-party codec or use a different media player, you can also enable HEVC support on Windows 11 by following these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 device.
- Search for “HEVC Video Extensions” and click on the first result.
- Click on the “Get” button to download and install the HEVC Video Extensions.
- Once installed, your media player should be able to play HEVC files without any issues.
How to Check if Your Device Supports HEVC
If you are unsure whether your device supports HEVC, you can check by following these steps:
- Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”.
- Expand the “Display adapters” section.
- Right-click on your graphics card and select “Properties”.
- Go to the “Details” tab and select “Hardware Ids” from the drop-down menu.
- Look for “HEVC” in the list of hardware ids. If it is present, your device supports HEVC.
Takeaways
Playing HEVC files on Windows 11 may require some additional steps, but it is not impossible. By installing a codec, using a different media player, or converting the files to a different format, you can easily play HEVC files on your Windows 11 device. Additionally, you can also enable HEVC support on Windows 11 by downloading the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. With these solutions, you can enjoy your favorite HEVC videos on the new operating system without any issues.
