Video decoding
Support for widely used video families including H.264, HEVC, AV1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, XviD and DivX.
Windows 10 playback support
Codec support for Windows 10 media playback
Windows 10 Codec Pack adds a practical set of DirectShow codecs, filters and splitters for common video and audio files. It is designed for users who still prefer Windows Media Player, Media Player Classic - Home Cinema or other desktop players that use installed system components.
Version2.2.3
Installer45.27 MB
LicenseFreeware
For Windows 10 systems and many earlier desktop Windows versions. Protected, damaged or unusually encoded files may still require a dedicated player or repair workflow.
Overview
Useful when Windows opens the file, but cannot decode it
Windows 10 already includes playback support for many everyday files. A codec pack is most useful when a desktop player reports a missing codec, opens an MKV or MP4 with no sound, or needs older AVI/XviD/DivX support.
Audio tracks
Helps desktop players decode common audio streams such as AAC, AC3, DTS, FLAC and related formats.
Container handling
Splitters help players read the streams inside files such as MKV, MP4, M2TS, AVI, MOV and WebM.
Windows defaults
Codec support and file associations are separate. Use the guide when Windows opens files in the wrong app.
Before you download
A codec pack is helpful for missing playback components, but it is not a repair tool for every media problem.
Good fit
You use Windows Media Player, MPC-HC or other DirectShow players and want broader system-level format support.
Check the file
If only one file fails, the file may be incomplete, damaged, encrypted or encoded in an uncommon way.
Change defaults separately
After installation, use Windows Default apps if you want media files to open in a different player.
Format coverage
The examples below group common file types and codec families users encounter on Windows 10.
Video codecs
Containers
Audio
Subtitles and playlists
Format support can depend on the player, file condition, container structure and whether the stream is protected by DRM.
Included components
A concise list of the main playback components and tools in the current Windows 10 package.
Codecs, filters and splitters
- LAV Video Decoder 0.79.2
- ffdshow DirectShow Video Codec 1.3.4533
- XviD Video Encoder 1.3.7
- x264 Video Encoder v44.2851
- Lagarith Video Encoder 1.3.27
- LAV Audio Decoder 0.79.2
- Sony DSD 1.0 Audio Decoder
- DivX Audio Decoder 4.1
- madFLAC Audio Decoder
- DSP-worx Bass Source Mod Filter/Decoder 1.5.2.0
- Haali Media Splitter/Decoder 16/09/11
- LAV Splitter 0.79.2
- xy-VSFilter 3.0.0.211 subtitle reader
- Icaros 3.3.3 thumbnail provider
Installer screenshots
A quick view of the setup and configuration screens.
Windows 10 codec help topics
Focused FAQ-style pages for common playback and missing codec searches.
Video codec helpMP4, MKV, AVI, HEVC, AV1, XviD and DivX playback questions.Audio codec helpAC3, AAC, DTS, FLAC and missing-sound troubleshooting.Windows Media Player codecsHow installed DirectShow codecs relate to Windows Media Player.Unsupported format helpWhat to check when Windows says a video format is not supported.
FAQ
Windows 10 codec questions
These answers keep expectations clear before installation.
What does Windows 10 Codec Pack do?
It installs codecs, filters, splitters and related tools so DirectShow-compatible desktop players can open more common video and audio files on Windows 10.
Does it replace my media player?
No. It adds playback components and includes Media Player Classic - Home Cinema, but Windows default app settings still decide which program opens a file.
Can it help with MP4 or MKV files?
It can help when the missing part is a decoder, splitter or audio filter used by the MP4 or MKV file. Damaged, incomplete or DRM-protected files may still need a different solution.
Is Windows Media Player supported?
Yes. The package is aimed at Windows Media Player 10 and newer, Media Player Classic - Home Cinema and other DirectShow-compatible players.
Should I install it if I already use VLC?
VLC uses many internal codecs, so it may not need system codecs. This pack is most useful when you want broader support in Windows Media Player, MPC-HC or other DirectShow software.
Download Windows 10 Codec Pack
Install common playback components for DirectShow-compatible media players.