MPC-BE 1.9.3 / 1.9.3.21 dev
MPC-BE 1.9.3 is a free, open-source media player for Windows whose built-in decoders play MKV, MP4, HEVC and AV1 with no codec pack, a lighter-touch sibling of MPC-HC.
- Updated
- Size
- 19.3MB
- Downloads
- 933.7K
MPC-BE is a free Windows media player that plays almost any video or audio file without a codec pack.
Its own built-in decoders handle MKV, MP4, HEVC, AV1 and more, with hardware acceleration for smooth 4K and HDR.
Version 1.9.3 arrived on 5 November 2026, and MPC-BE is open source, with installer and portable builds.
What MPC-BE Actually Does
MPC-BE, short for Media Player Classic - Black Edition, opens MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, TS, WebM and most other files you are likely to meet, plus DVDs and network streams. It keeps the light, classic Media Player Classic layout, with modern touches such as a seek bar preview and a dark theme.
It is not a copy of the 2006 original. It has been developed as its own player since 2012 and gets several stable releases a year.
Why It Needs No Codec Pack
MPC-BE carries its own splitters and decoders, built on the FFmpeg libraries, so nothing else has to be installed for a file to open.
That is the difference from its sibling MPC-HC, which relies on LAV Filters for decoding.
A pack such as the K-Lite Codec Pack is only worth adding if other programs on your PC need the codecs too.
Which Build to Pick
- x64 installer - the right choice for almost every modern PC.
- x64 portable - no installation and no registry changes, runs from a folder or USB stick.
- x86 installer or portable - only for 32-bit Windows, or to load an old 32-bit filter.
The download page also has nightly build 1.9.3.10. A nightly is a work-in-progress snapshot, so take it only if you need a fix that has not reached a stable release yet.
What Is New in 1.9.3
- NVIDIA hardware decoding now handles H.264 and HEVC 4:2:2 and 12-bit VP9, and runs faster.
- Better HDR colour with improved BT.2020 handling, including BT.2020 PGS subtitles from Blu-ray rips.
- Audio - Bink Video 2 audio support, and DSD music is now converted for playback.
- Interface - dark dialog boxes, extra search folders for audio tracks and subtitles, and fixes for full-screen media controls.
- Installer - now ships MPC Video Renderer 0.11.1.
Version 1.9.1 from August added Dolby Vision in AV1 and the long-press on the left mouse button to speed up playback.
Getting a Better Picture in Five Minutes
Open View, then Options. Under Playback, Output, set the renderer to MPC Video Renderer, which comes with the installer and handles HDR tone mapping well.
Under Internal Filters, make sure hardware decoding is on and pick D3D11 on any graphics card from the last few years. Our MPC Video Renderer guide covers the settings worth changing.
Chasing the last bit of picture quality? madVR looks superb but asks a lot of your graphics card, so treat it as an experiment.
Sound and Subtitles
The built-in audio renderer supports WASAPI exclusive mode and can pass Dolby and DTS audio straight to an AV receiver over HDMI. If a file plays with no sound, the AC3 and DTS audio guide walks through the fixes.
Subtitles load automatically when the .srt or .ass file sits next to the video with the same name. Styling and timing work without extra software, so xy-VSFilter is optional.
Online videos open too: MPC-BE uses yt-dlp to play YouTube and other sites when you paste a link.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
MPC-BE is Windows only. For one player across Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone, VLC Media Player is the better fit.
If you want lots of built-in extras with little setup, PotPlayer is the other popular choice. Our MPC-BE vs MPC-HC comparison helps if you are torn between the two siblings.
Quick questions
Is MPC-BE free and safe?
Yes. It is free, open source and has no ads, bundled offers or tracking.
Do I need a codec pack with MPC-BE?
No. Its own decoders play nearly every common format. Add a codec pack only if other programs need it.
MPC-BE or MPC-HC?
Both are good. MPC-BE has its own decoders and gets more frequent feature updates; MPC-HC is lighter and comes with K-Lite.
Does it play 4K HDR?
Yes. With hardware decoding on and MPC Video Renderer selected, 4K HDR plays smoothly and is tone mapped for SDR screens.
Is there a portable version?
Yes. The 7z builds run from any folder or USB stick with no installation and no admin rights.
More players are in our Media Players section.
Download MPC-BE 1.9.3 and play your first file, or tell us how it compares with your old player.
Available files
- MPC-BE 1.9.3.21x64Archive19.3 MB
- MPC-BE 1.9.3.21Portablex6414.6 MB
- MPC-BE 1.9.3.21Portable32-bit13.2 MB
- MPC-BE 1.9.3.2132-bitArchive17.8 MB
User reviews (33)
ES
Ed Sez
8 Sep 2025
5/5Excellent
In terms of the Art Coefficient; it is a Masterpiece.
The MpcVideoRenderer 0.9.12.2447; is the Gesso on the canvas.
As 3rd Party Elements improve, then the Player itself, will improve.
Codecs can be added and adjusted.
A thing of quality and ease of use.
The best of freeware!
The MpcVideoRenderer 0.9.12.2447; is the Gesso on the canvas.
As 3rd Party Elements improve, then the Player itself, will improve.
Codecs can be added and adjusted.
A thing of quality and ease of use.
The best of freeware!
Reviewed on MPC-BE 1.8.6.70
PE
PePa
8 Aug 2025
1/5Poor
Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item. (W11 Pro)
Reviewed on MPC-BE 1.8.6.2
E
ed sez
3 Aug 2025
5/5Excellent
MPC-BE 1.8.5.72.x64 Portable, Media Player stands out: because it is Outstanding.
Offers you a quality interaction with any media.
User Interface is very friendly.
The Team that produces it, also offers the MpcVideoRenderer 0.9.10.2438, which Compliments the Player, so use it.
All, is easy to put on your PC or Laptop!
Offers you a quality interaction with any media.
User Interface is very friendly.
The Team that produces it, also offers the MpcVideoRenderer 0.9.10.2438, which Compliments the Player, so use it.
All, is easy to put on your PC or Laptop!
Reviewed on MPC-BE 1.8.5 / 1.8.5.72 nightly
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