Windows 10: Can't get HEVC videos or hardware decoding to work on Windows 10 or 11

My PC: 2019 Predator PH315-52 Helios 300What I've tried:Upgrading to Windows 11 from 10Uninstalling HEVC codecs from device manufacturer. Wasn't working with them installed and had planned to reinstall them, now I can'tPurchasing, installing, and reinstalling the HEVC codecs from Microsoft via the storeInstalling K-Lite codecsCompletely stumped, can't play HEVC videos at all. If I play them in VLC, I have video but no audio, and no default windows media playing application is even recognising H.265/HEVC videos. I was trying to stream my laptop over Sunshine and Moonlight in HEVC but it's sayin

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Directories with HEVC/x265 or Hi10p/10bit video sluggish

This was working for me in the Anniversary Update and Creators Update, but has been slowly going downhill after the Fall Creators Update (build 1709). After updating to the Fall Creators Update, I could sometimes get thumbnails to show up in Explorer, sometimes
not. I could sometimes get HEVC video to play in Movies & TV and Movie Moments, sometimes not. Now File Explorer won't create any HEVC thumbnails and HEVC video won't play in any of the Microsoft desktop or metro apps.

Here's what I've been able to piece together from a couple of different sources:

• Microsoft removed native HEVC support from the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
• If you applied a feature update from a previous version (Creators, etc.), you were supposed to retain HEVC support. Wasn't quite true for me, which is how I found this thread. The work-around I mentioned in a previous reply has now stopped working.
• Update KB4041994 enables SOME systems to ADD HEVC support back. There's a hidden app in the Microsoft Store called "HEVC Video Extension". Windows may add it manually. The app only enables HARDWARE HEVC decoding.
  You need a video card or processor released within the last ~year to get it though (Kaby Lake, Kaby Lake Refresh and Coffee Lake, and GPUs like AMD's RX 400, RX 500 and RX Vega 56/64, and Nividia's GeForce GTX 1000 and GTX 950 and 960 series.)
• One of the sources suggests software HEVC decoding might become available as a paid app in the Windows Store in the future. No further info available.

I did a clean install of the Fall Creators Update in Virtualbox. Applied all the updates and installed the "HEVC Video Extension" from the store. MP4 opens in Movies & TV metro app; HEVC video is blank, but HE-AAC audio plays. The slow folder refresh issue
with HEVC files exists.

I have a mid-range desktop processor and video card from early 2013. VLC plays 1080p HEVC using just a couple of percent CPU. I can encode 480p 30FPS in real time using the x.265 Medium preset. My system doesn't need hardware-accelerated encoding / decoding.

As for the original issue. I took someone's suggestion and installed Icaros. Explorer refresh is speedy and I get thumbnails not only for HEVC MP4/MKV, but also FLV (like Icaros claims - anything FFMPEG can decode).

Additional info:

• Microsoft removes HEVC codec in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, adds it to Store - gHacks Tech News
• HEVC and the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

 

x265 HEVC Video not playing or thumbnails

Thanks for the reply.
I doubt they have the same video card.
VLC plays HEVC's on both machines without a problem. I wouldn't have thought the video card would effect the thumbnails? From what I have been reading, x265 (HEVC) is normally software decoded (x264 is often hardware decoded).

Cheers
JD

 

Is HEVC still supported on Windows 11?

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