Table of Contents
- Is There Really a Disappointing Way to Get HEVC Codec Without Paying on Windows 11?
- What is HEVC and Why Do You Need It?
- The Official Way: Microsoft Store (Costs Money)
- Free Options (But They’re Risky)
- Method 1: Device Manufacturer Version (Mostly Gone)
- Method 2: PowerShell Command (Advanced Users Only)
- Why Does Microsoft Charge for HEVC?
- Better Free Alternatives
- Use VLC Media Player
- Other free players that work
- Install Codec Packs
- When You Actually Need the Official Extension
Is There Really a Disappointing Way to Get HEVC Codec Without Paying on Windows 11?
Getting HEVC codec for free on Windows 11 is tricky. The short answer is no, you cannot easily get it for free anymore. Microsoft removed the free version in early 2023, leaving users with limited options.
What is HEVC and Why Do You Need It?
HEVC stands for High Efficiency Video Coding. It’s also called H.265. Think of it as a smart way to make video files smaller without losing quality. Videos from your iPhone, GoPro, or Android phone often use this format.
Here’s why HEVC matters:
- Saves space: A one-minute video in regular format takes 400MB, but HEVC only needs 280MB
- Better quality: Same video quality with half the file size
- Modern devices: Most new phones and cameras use HEVC by default
The problem? Windows 11 doesn’t support HEVC right out of the box. When you try to play these videos, you get an error message.
The Official Way: Microsoft Store (Costs Money)
The most reliable method is buying HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store for $0.99. Yes, it’s disappointing that you have to pay for something so basic.
Steps to get the paid version:
- Open Microsoft Store
- Search for “HEVC Video Extensions”
- Choose the one from Microsoft Corporation
- Pay $0.99 and install
Don’t worry about the low ratings. The extension works fine. People give it bad reviews because they’re angry about paying for it.
The $0.99 fee is a one-time payment, not monthly. Once you buy it, you own it forever.
Free Options (But They’re Risky)
Method 1: Device Manufacturer Version (Mostly Gone)
Microsoft used to offer a free version called “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer”. This was meant for computer makers like Dell and HP. The free version has been removed from most regions.
Some websites still host copies of this free version. But here’s the catch:
- Not guaranteed to work: Success varies by computer
- Security risk: Unofficial downloads might contain harmful software
- May not work: Microsoft keeps patching these workarounds
Method 2: PowerShell Command (Advanced Users Only)
If you find the free version file online, you can install it using PowerShell:
- Download the file (be very careful about the source)
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Run this command:
Add-AppxPackage "Microsoft.HEVCVideoExtension_2.0.61931.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.appxBundle"
Warning: This method is unreliable and potentially unsafe.
Why Does Microsoft Charge for HEVC?
The reason is simple: patents and licensing fees. Companies like Samsung and Apple hold patents on HEVC technology. Microsoft has to pay these companies to use HEVC in Windows.
Instead of including this cost in Windows price, Microsoft decided to charge users separately. It’s frustrating, but it’s legal business practice.
Better Free Alternatives
Use VLC Media Player
The easiest solution is downloading VLC media player. It’s completely free and plays HEVC videos without any extra setup. VLC includes built-in HEVC support.
Other free players that work
- 5KPlayer
- PotPlayer
- MPC-HC
- KMPlayer
Install Codec Packs
You can download free codec packs like:
- K-Lite Codec Pack: Popular and safe option
- Media Player Codec Pack Plus: Supports many formats
These packs add HEVC support to Windows Media Player and other software.
When You Actually Need the Official Extension
Sometimes free players aren’t enough. You need the official Microsoft extension for:
- Professional software: Apps like DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro
- Streaming quality: Netflix and other services need it for 4K HDR content
- System-wide support: All Windows apps can then handle HEVC files
- Built-in apps: Photos app and Windows Media Player integration
Getting HEVC codec for free on Windows 11 is disappointing and difficult. Your best options are:
- Pay the $0.99 – Most reliable and safe method
- Use VLC player – Free but only works in that one app
- Try codec packs – Free but may have compatibility issues
Microsoft’s decision to charge for basic video support feels greedy. But $0.99 is still cheaper than the time you’ll waste trying risky free methods.
The good news? Once you solve this problem, you can enjoy smaller video files and better quality. HEVC really does make a difference for storage space and streaming quality.