AVC Encoder Video Extension 1.1.21.0

This official Microsoft extension delivers efficient video compression with smaller file sizes while maintaining high visual quality - perfect for live streaming, video conferencing, screen recording, and content creation workflows.

Why Download AVC Encoder Video Extension?

Windows 11 applications that need to encode video content now gain direct access to your GPU's hardware encoding capabilities through this extension.

Instead of relying on slower software-based encoding, apps can offload compression tasks to dedicated video encoding circuits built into modern graphics hardware.

This translates to faster export times, reduced CPU usage, and smoother real-time encoding during livestreams or video calls.

The H.264/AVC codec remains the most widely compatible video format across devices, browsers, and streaming platforms.

While newer formats like HEVC/H.265 and AV1 offer better compression efficiency, AVC provides the broadest playback support and faster encoding speeds - making it the practical choice for applications requiring maximum compatibility.

System Requirements

Before installing, verify your system meets these specifications:

Operating System: Windows 11 build 26100 or higher

Graphics: DirectX 12-compatible GPU with Hardware Feature Level 11 minimum

DirectX: DirectX 12 runtime installed

Most modern Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA graphics processors include dedicated AVC encoding hardware. Intel Quick Sync, AMD VCE, and NVIDIA NVENC all support H.264 encoding and work seamlessly with this extension once installed.

Installation Steps

Getting started takes less than a minute. Download the extension package using the link above, run the installer, and restart any video applications currently open.

The extension integrates directly with Windows' Media Foundation framework, so compatible apps automatically gain access to hardware AVC encoding without additional configuration.

After installation, applications like screen recorders, video editors, and streaming software can leverage GPU-accelerated H.264 encoding. Check your application's output settings to select the hardware encoder option for optimal performance.

AVC vs. HEVC vs. AV1: Which Encoder Should You Use?

Each video codec serves different needs. AVC/H.264 excels in encoding speed and universal compatibility - your encoded videos play on virtually any device without codec installation.

For archiving large video libraries or streaming 4K content where file size matters more than encoding time, consider the HEVC Video Extension which offers roughly 50% better compression. The AV1 codec pushes compression efficiency even further and is now supported across YouTube, Netflix, and major browsers.

For a deeper comparison of these encoding standards and their future trajectory, read our guide: Is AVC/H.264 Making Way for New Video Encoding Stars?

Complementary Downloads

Complete your Windows 11 media setup with these related tools:

For Playback: Install the K-Lite Codec Pack to play virtually any video format, or grab individual extensions like HEVC Video Extension and AV1 Video Extension for native Windows support.

For Advanced Encoding: The x264 Video Codec offers software-based H.264 encoding with extensive configuration options, while x265 HEVC Encoder provides similar flexibility for H.265 content creation.

For Missing Codecs: If you encounter playback errors in the Movies & TV app, the Media Foundation Codecs bundle addresses common missing codec issues across Windows 10 and 11.