Is HEVC still supported on Windows 11?

Anonymous
2024-01-19T06:02:27+00:00

I have some HEVC h.265 videos from a Canon R5 that I want to view/edit on Windows 11 through Davinci Resolve, but cannot open. These files can be viewed on VLC Player but are not recognized by the default Windows Media Player. I've already tried installing HEVC Video Extension (both the free and $0.99 one) but neither seem to fix the issue with Windows 11 not recognizing the video codec. I've also installed the K-Lite codec pack but to no avail.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-20T15:47:09+00:00

    Hi

    Welcome to Microsoft community.

    Yes, HEVC (H.265) video codec is still supported on Windows 11. However, it's possible that you may encounter compatibility issues with certain applications or media players when trying to play or edit HEVC videos.

    In your case, it seems that Windows Media Player on Windows 11 is not recognizing the HEVC codec, even after installing the HEVC Video Extension. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including outdated codecs or conflicting installations.

    Here are a few suggestions to help resolve the issue:

    1. Verify codec installation: Double-check that the HEVC Video Extension is installed correctly. Go to Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features, and search for "HEVC Video Extension" in the list. If it's installed, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it again.
    2. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 operating system is up to date with the latest updates. Go to Settings -> Windows Update and click on "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer if necessary. Sometimes, updates include fixes for codec-related issues.
    3. Use alternative media players: Since you mentioned that VLC Player can play the HEVC videos without any issues, consider using VLC Player or other third-party media players as an alternative to Windows Media Player. VLC Player is known for its extensive codec support and can handle a wide range of video formats.
    4. Use alternative video editing software: If you're unable to open the HEVC videos in Davinci Resolve on Windows 11, you can try using alternative video editing software that supports HEVC. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro or HandBrake (for video conversion).
    5. Contact software support: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, it would be beneficial to reach out to the support team of Davinci Resolve or the developers behind the HEVC Video Extension. They may have specific recommendations or updates to address compatibility issues on Windows 11.

    It's worth noting that installing codec packs from third-party sources, such as the K-Lite codec pack, can sometimes cause conflicts or unexpected behavior. It's generally recommended to rely on official codec extensions or software updates provided by the application developers.

    Best regards

    Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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