Is HEVC (H.265) Video Supported on Windows 10?
Introduction
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is a widely used video compression standard that offers better quality at smaller file sizes compared to H.264. Windows 10 can play HEVC content, but it doesn’t include the codec out of the box.
Key Takeaways
- Not included by default — Windows 10 does not ship with an HEVC decoder.
- Microsoft Store codec — The official “HEVC Video Extensions” costs ~$0.99 and enables system-wide HEVC support.
- Free alternative codecs — “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer” is free if your OEM bundled it.
- VLC plays HEVC for free — No codec installation needed.
- Hardware decoding works — Modern GPUs handle HEVC decoding efficiently.
Installing the Microsoft HEVC Codec
The official route:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for “HEVC Video Extensions”.
- Purchase and install ($0.99).
- Once installed, the built-in Movies & TV app, Photos app, and most other Windows apps can play HEVC.
Some PCs from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others come with the free OEM version pre-installed. Check the Store for “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer.”
Free Player Alternatives
If you don’t want to pay for the codec, these players handle HEVC natively:
| Player | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VLC | Free | Plays virtually any format, includes its own codecs |
| mpv | Free | Lightweight, command-line friendly |
| PotPlayer | Free | Feature-rich, Windows-only |
| MPC-HC (fork) | Free | Classic lightweight player |
These players bundle their own decoders, so they work regardless of whether the system codec is installed.
Hardware Decoding Support
Hardware-accelerated HEVC decoding keeps CPU usage low during playback:
- NVIDIA: GTX 950 and newer (Pascal, Turing, Ampere, Ada, Blackwell)
- AMD: RX 400 series and newer
- Intel: 6th Generation (Skylake) and newer integrated graphics
- Qualcomm: Snapdragon 8cx and newer (for ARM Windows devices)
Most GPUs from 2016 onward support 8-bit HEVC. 10-bit HEVC (HDR) support is available on newer GPUs.
Conclusion
Windows 10 supports HEVC playback, but you need to install a codec — either the $0.99 official extension or a free media player like VLC. If you work with HEVC files regularly, the system codec is worth the small cost for integration with Windows apps. For casual playback, VLC is the easiest free solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Windows 10 play HEVC files by default?
Microsoft removed the built-in HEVC codec starting with Windows 10. You need to install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, which costs about $0.99.
Is there a free way to play HEVC on Windows 10?
Yes. VLC Media Player and mpv both play HEVC files for free without needing the Microsoft codec extension.
Does Windows 10 support HEVC hardware decoding?
Yes, if your GPU supports it. Most GPUs from 2016 onward (NVIDIA GTX 950+, AMD RX 400+, Intel 6th-gen+) have HEVC hardware decode support.