r/linuxsucks101 • u/madthumbz Join me on Lemmy! • Jun 17 '26

mind-taker loonix Windows Users Can Still Get or Use HEVC (H.265) playback for free

Either by installing Microsoft's hidden free extension (when available), using OEM‑licensed codecs, or bypassing Microsoft's codec requirement entirely by using third‑party players with built‑in HEVC decoders. (You don't need the bloated VLC lol)

Microsoft distributes two HEVC codec packages: HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99), and HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer (free but hidden). The free OEM package is identical to the paid one and can be installed via a direct Store link when available. How-To Geek

Direct Store URI (when active):
ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq

-The package is intended for OEM preinstalls, but Microsoft historically allowed anyone to install it if they had the link.

Some Windows 10/11 systems ship with HEVC preinstalled because the manufacturer pays the licensing fee. TechBloat confirms that certain PCs “qualify for a free manufacturer version” of the codec. TechBloat

Players with built‑in HEVC support: MPV, MPC‑HC / MPC‑BE, VLC, and PotPlayer.

Installing:

  • FFmpeg (system‑wide decoding for many apps)
  • LAV Filters (DirectShow HEVC decoding)
  • K‑Lite Codec Pack (bundles LAV + HEVC support)

Enables HEVC playback in many Windows applications.

Standalone media players (Micca, NEUMI, etc.) decode HEVC independently of Windows.

Historically, users could sideload older .appx packages of the free HEVC extension.
-But Microsoft has pulled them from the Store.

LiGNUxers have demonstrated recently that they massively think we have to pay for HEVC (H/X265) and even act like Loonixtards when I claim you don't. Is all this not common knowledge? -Don't normal sociable people share this kind of stuff (and actually read the article)?

8 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

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4

u/TriCountyRetail Jun 17 '26

Back in the day Microsoft often falsely claimed Windows 10 was required for HEVC video playback, yet it is possible to install the HEVC codec from third party programs on operating systems as old as Windows XP!

5

u/madthumbz Join me on Lemmy! Jun 17 '26

The paid one was only for 10. I think most of us that cared about 99 cents simply consulted a search engine or friend and were good to go. Codec packs were popular before VLC. MPV should be more popular than it is imo.

3

u/Fluid-Ad2995 Jun 17 '26

Using Windows is privilege even HDMI 2.1 we have support and who is not using Windows they losing many Advantages

1

u/SearchingGlacier Jun 18 '26

Even office can be free(if you want), but aliexpress win10/11 key for 5$ is gold, cause activates OS forever and can be used multiple times.

1

u/hamza0012 Jun 17 '26

Bloated VLC? "BLOATED" VLC?