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If Windows shows “You need an extension to use this file” when you open an HEVC/H.265 video, the first option to try is Microsoft’s free HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer package.
Its Microsoft Store product ID is 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ. The listing is free when Microsoft makes it available for your PC, but it is not guaranteed to appear on every Windows 10 or Windows 11 device. If the free listing is unavailable, Microsoft’s regular HEVC Video Extensions app is the consumer alternative and is listed as a paid app; Microsoft’s Photos documentation currently describes it as costing $0.99.
Download HEVC Video Extension for Free in Windows 10/11
What to download
| Package | Microsoft Store product ID | Price/status | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer | 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ |
Free, when eligible | Windows PCs with compatible hardware HEVC support |
| HEVC Video Extensions | 9NMZLZ57R3T7 |
Paid Store app; Microsoft currently documents it as $0.99 | Systems where the free device-manufacturer listing is unavailable or rejected |
| HEIF Image Extensions | 9PMMSR1CGPWG |
Free | Required alongside HEVC for many .HEIC photographs |
The free package is not a downloadable codec file from a random website. It is a Microsoft Store app, so Microsoft still checks your device, Windows version, region, account, and organization policies before showing an installation button.
Method 1: Open the free HEVC extension directly
The quickest method is to open the Microsoft Store product page with its product ID.
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- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Paste this exact URI:
ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQ- Press Enter.
- If Windows asks which app should open the link, choose Microsoft Store.
- On the HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer page, select Get or Install.
- Close and reopen the video application. Restart Windows too if the codec is still not detected.
If the page opens but has no installation button, the Store has probably determined that the package is unavailable for your device, account, region, or Windows configuration. The URI does not bypass those checks.
Method 2: Open the listing from Command Prompt
You can launch the same Store page from Command Prompt:
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQOpen Command Prompt, run the command, and then select Get or Install in Microsoft Store. This is only another way to open the listing; it does not force an otherwise ineligible installation.
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- Open Start and launch Microsoft Store.
- Search for:
HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer- Select the result published by Microsoft Corporation.
- Select Get or Install.
Use the complete product name. Searching only for “HEVC” can place the paid HEVC Video Extensions app at the top of the results.
Install it with WinGet
If Microsoft’s App Installer and WinGet are available on your PC, run this command in Command Prompt or PowerShell:
winget install --id 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ -s msstoreThe paid Microsoft Store package can be addressed with:
winget install --id 9NMZLZ57R3T7 -s msstoreWinGet’s msstore source uses Microsoft Store product identifiers. Store packages may still require license or account prompts. Running the terminal as administrator can change elevation behavior, but it cannot bypass a region restriction, incompatible hardware, Store policy, or licensing requirement.
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Why the free package may not be available
HEVC, also called H.265, is a video compression format commonly used by newer phones, cameras, streaming services, and 4K video equipment. The free device-manufacturer extension is intended for computers with hardware support for HEVC decoding.
Microsoft’s Store description identifies compatible hardware such as Intel 7th-generation Core processors and newer GPUs. That is a guideline rather than a universal guarantee. Compatibility can depend on the graphics device, driver, OEM configuration, video profile, resolution, bit depth, and other factors.
Microsoft Store may hide or block an app when it is:
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- Unavailable in the current country or region
- Removed or temporarily unavailable from the Store
- Restricted by an account setting or organization policy
- Unavailable because of Microsoft Store problems
When the free listing does not work, the paid HEVC Video Extensions package is Microsoft’s consumer-facing option. Microsoft describes it as providing software support on systems without hardware HEVC support, although playback performance can vary with the video resolution and the computer’s performance.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 differences
Windows 10
HEVC is not included in every Windows 10 installation. Microsoft’s Photos documentation directs users who see an extension error to install HEIF and HEVC extensions from Microsoft Store.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical support, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. Microsoft Store installation may still work on a particular PC, but an unsupported operating system can make Store compatibility and troubleshooting more difficult.
Windows 11
Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 22H2 documentation says HEVC support became available beginning with that release. However, Microsoft’s current codec documentation also describes H.265 as available through the corresponding optional codec pack. In practical terms, your Windows 11 version alone does not prove that every application can decode every HEVC file.
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The claim that “Windows 11 automatically includes HEVC, so an extension can never be required” is too broad and should not be relied on.
Windows N editions: install Media Feature Pack first
Windows 10 N and Windows 11 N omit media technologies included with standard Windows editions. Install the Media Feature Pack before troubleshooting HEVC playback.
Windows 11 N
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Apps > Optional features.
- Next to Add an optional feature, select View features.
- Select Media Feature Pack.
- Select Next, then Add.
- Restart Windows.
Windows 10 N
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Apps > Apps & features.
- Select Optional features.
- Select Add a feature.
- Select Media Feature Pack, then select Install.
- Restart Windows.
Afterward, Microsoft says additional codecs, including HEVC and HEIF extensions, may still need to be installed from Microsoft Store.
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HEVC alone may not open .heic or other HEIF photographs. Microsoft’s Photos guidance says both extensions may be required:
- HEIF Image Extensions
- HEVC Video Extensions
To open the free HEIF listing directly, press Win + R and enter:
ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9PMMSR1CGPWGThen install the package from Microsoft Store. HEIF is the image format/container; HEVC is the video compression technology commonly used inside HEIF photographs. Installing one does not necessarily install the other.
What installing HEVC does not guarantee
The Microsoft extension enables HEVC playback in applications that use the Windows media codec stack. It is not a universal decoder that every program must use.
An application may instead rely on:
- A built-in decoder
- A separate professional-edition feature
- Its own licensing system
- A hardware decoder with limited profile or bit-depth support
- A media framework that does not recognize Microsoft Store codecs
A video can also be encoded with HEVC and still fail because of unsupported audio, container metadata, HDR format, profile, level, 10-bit decoding, file permissions, or application-specific limitations.
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- [Extensive Compatibility] This media player for TV can play media files from USB hard drives up to 8TB in capacity or micro SD cards up to 1TB in capacity. Supported file systems include FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS. Supported formats include: H.265/HEVC (MKV, MOV, AVI), MPEG, FLV, RM, 3GP, MP4, WMV, RMVB, DAT, MPG, TS, M2TS, JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, MP3, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMA, etc.
VLC and some other third-party players include their own decoders, so they generally do not require Microsoft’s Store extension for playback. That does not mean every editor, browser, or Windows application will work without it.
Fix “This app will not work on your device”
This message usually means the free device-manufacturer package is not eligible for the current PC or Store configuration. Check the following:
- Confirm that the title is HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, not a similarly named third-party app.
- Install pending Windows updates and restart.
- Check that your Microsoft Store region and Windows region are correct.
- Sign in to Microsoft Store with an account that can install Store apps.
- Try the regular paid HEVC Video Extensions listing if the free package remains unavailable.
- On a work or school computer, ask the administrator whether Store access is blocked.
Microsoft Store automatically hides or blocks installation controls for apps it considers incompatible. Changing random system settings or downloading an unofficial codec installer is not a reliable workaround.
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Fix a Store installation that stalls
Reset the Microsoft Store cache:
- Press Win + R.
- Enter
wsreset.exe. - Select OK.
- Wait for the blank Command Prompt window to close and Microsoft Store to reopen.
- Try the HEVC installation again.
Also check Windows Update, date and time settings, location settings, and your internet connection. Restart Windows after recent updates before retrying.
On company-managed PCs, Microsoft Store may be disabled by policy. The RemoveWindowsStore policy is one documented configuration that blocks Store access. Firewall and proxy restrictions can also prevent Store packages from downloading or updating.
Fix an app that still cannot open the video
- Close the affected application completely and reopen it.
- Restart Windows.
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11. In Windows 10, open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Find the affected Microsoft application.
- Select Advanced options.
- Select Repair.
- If Repair does not help, select Reset.
Repair and Reset are not available for every application. If only one file fails, test another HEVC video. The original file may use an unsupported audio track, HDR mode, profile, level, or 10-bit format rather than having a missing codec.
Frequently repeated claims to avoid
- “Every Windows 10 and 11 installation already includes the free HEVC codec.” Incorrect. Microsoft documents Store-based installation and optional codec support.
- “The free device-manufacturer package works on every PC.” Incorrect. Store eligibility varies by hardware, region, account, and policy.
- “HEVC is a monthly subscription.” The Microsoft Store product is sold as an app, not a recurring subscription. The displayed price can vary by region and account.
- “Installing HEVC fixes every HEVC problem.” Incorrect. The application and the file’s technical characteristics still matter.
- “You must install Microsoft’s extension to use VLC.” Not generally true. VLC can use its own decoder.
FAQ
Is the HEVC Video Extension free on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
The free Microsoft listing is HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, product ID 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ. Microsoft Store eligibility is not universal. The regular HEVC Video Extensions listing, product ID 9NMZLZ57R3T7, is a paid app; Microsoft currently describes it as $0.99 in its Photos documentation.
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How do I install the free HEVC extension?
Press Win + R, enter ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQ, and press Enter. Choose Microsoft Store if prompted, then select Get or Install.
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- 【MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT】 - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1, or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 1920x1080p@60fps, 10-bit color, and 100mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
Why is the free HEVC extension unavailable on my PC?
Microsoft Store may restrict the package because of hardware compatibility, Windows build, region, account settings, organization policy, or a change in Store availability. The free listing is intended for devices with compatible hardware HEVC support.
Do I need HEVC and HEIF extensions for HEIC photos?
Often, yes. Microsoft’s Photos guidance says HEIC images may require both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions. The free HEIF product ID is 9PMMSR1CGPWG.
Does Windows 11 already include HEVC?
Some Windows 11 releases provide HEVC support, but the Windows version alone does not guarantee that every application can decode every HEVC file. An application may still request the extension or use a separate decoder.
Can VLC play HEVC without Microsoft’s extension?
Usually, yes. VLC and some other third-party players include their own HEVC decoder. Microsoft’s extension is mainly relevant to Windows applications that use the Windows codec stack.
What should I do if the extension installs but the video still will not play?
Close and reopen the application, restart Windows, and use the app’s Repair or Reset option if available. Also test another file: unsupported audio, HDR, profile, level, 10-bit video, container metadata, or file permissions can cause playback failure.
The Bottom Line
Use the official free listing first: ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQ. It is the legitimate free HEVC option, but Microsoft Store eligibility varies. If it is unavailable, choose Microsoft’s paid HEVC Video Extensions package or use a player with its own decoder. For HEIC photos, install the free HEIF Image Extensions package as well.
Download codec software through Microsoft Store or a trusted application publisher rather than using unofficial “codec pack” installers.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Photos app video-editor file-type error
- Microsoft Support: Microsoft Store app availability and installation
- Microsoft Support: Get apps from Microsoft Store
- Microsoft Learn: WinGet install command
- Microsoft Support: Media Feature Pack for Windows N
- Microsoft Learn: Supported codecs
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