How to Update HEVC Video Extensions on Windows 11 and 10

HEVC videos suddenly won't play, or the Photos app says you need a codec - updating the free HEVC extension usually fixes it in two minutes.

HEVC, also called H.265, is the video format most phones, drones and 4K cameras record in.

Windows plays it through a small Microsoft Store add-on, and the Store does not always keep that add-on current by itself.

This guide shows how to check your version, update it by hand, and switch on automatic updates.

Step 1: Check Which Version You Have

1. Open Settings. Press the Windows key and I together.
2. Go to Apps, then Installed apps. On Windows 10 it is Apps, then Apps and features.
3. Search for HEVC. Look for HEVC Video Extensions or HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer.
4. Open Advanced options. Click the three dots next to it - the version number is listed near the top.

Prefer a one-line check? Paste this into PowerShell and it lists every HEVC package with its version:

Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*HEVC*"} | Select Name, Version, Status

No result means the extension is not installed at all. Get the free HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer first, then come back.

Step 2: Update It in the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store. Make sure you are signed in.
2. Click Downloads in the lower-left corner. Older versions of the Store call this page Library.
3. Click Check for updates. On older Store versions the button reads Get updates.
4. Find HEVC in the list. If an update is waiting, it downloads straight away, or click Update next to it.

You can also jump straight to the free listing: press Windows key and R, paste the line below and press Enter.

ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq

Step 3: Turn On Automatic App Updates

1. Click your profile picture. It sits at the top of the Microsoft Store window.
2. Open Settings. Some Store versions call it App settings.
3. Switch App updates on. From now on the Store installs new HEVC releases in the background.

When the Update Fails or Nothing Changes

• Restart first. Pending Store updates often finish only after a reboot.
• Clear the Store cache. Press Windows key and R, type wsreset.exe and press Enter, then check for updates again.
• Repair the extension. In Advanced options, click Repair, and if that does not help, click Reset.
• Reinstall it cleanly. Our guide on uninstalling HEVC and HEIF extensions covers the removal step.
• The Store will not cooperate at all? Use the PowerShell install method instead.

Still Won't Play? Skip the Extension Entirely

Some players carry their own HEVC decoder, so they never depend on the Windows extension. VLC Media Player and PotPlayer both play H.265 out of the box.

Want to test a file without installing anything? Drop it into our online HEVC player.

If the video still refuses to open, work through our HEVC troubleshooting guide.

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