Media Foundation Codecs 2025-01-23
Microsoft has developed several Media Foundation codecs that are available for free download from the Microsoft Store.
These codecs improve your system's ability to play and work with various video and image formats.
To make things easier, we've gathered them into a convenient pack for quick download and use. Here's a breakdown of what's included and how to get them:
Available Media Foundation Codecs (or Extensions)
HEVC Video Extension
Cost: $1 in the Microsoft Store.
Free Version: Available via an alternative download method (see this guide: How to Download HEVC Video Extension for Free).
Requires a modern GPU with HEVC hardware decoding.
Web Media Extensions
Supports Ogg, Vorbis, and Theora formats.
HEIF Image Extensions
Supports HEIF and HEIC image formats.
Requires the HEVC Video Extension.
Key Consideration for HEVC Codec
The HEVC codec is the only one with a paid option, but you can access the free version if you meet the hardware requirements. This includes having a GPU that supports HEVC hardware decoding, which ensures smooth video playback and editing.
These codecs are essential for modern multimedia experiences, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of video and image formats.
