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Video won't play on Windows? Fixing HEVC files

Why some videos show a codec error on Windows and how to get a copy that plays anywhere.

Updated

You download a video, double-click it on Windows, and get a black screen, audio with no picture, or a message about a missing codec. The usual reason is HEVC, also called H.265.

What HEVC is

HEVC is a way of compressing video that makes files smaller at the same quality. iPhones record in it by default, and some sites serve it. Windows doesn't always include the decoder for it. Microsoft sells it separately as the HEVC Video Extensions in the Microsoft Store, and some PCs come with it preinstalled while others don't.

How to tell if a file is HEVC

  • Open the file in VLC, then go to Tools, Codec Information. If it says H.265 or HEVC, that's it.
  • Or right-click the file, choose Properties, then Details, and look for the video codec.

Fix 1: play it in VLC

VLC is free, plays HEVC without any add-on, and takes a minute to install. If you only need to watch the video, this is the quickest fix.

Fix 2: install the HEVC extension

Search the Microsoft Store for HEVC Video Extensions. It costs about a dollar. Once installed, the Media Player app and many editors can play HEVC.

Fix 3: download it again as MP4

Go back to the downloader, paste the same link, and choose MP4. We aim to give you an MP4 that plays on any device, so this is the copy to use for PowerPoint, Windows editors or sharing with people on older PCs. See the YouTube downloader or the page for whichever site the video came from.

Other formats

WebM and MKV files also confuse some Windows apps, even when the codec inside is fine. MP4 is the safest container for Windows. Our format guide compares them.

Still not playing?

  • Check the download finished. A partly downloaded file won't play.
  • Try a different player.
  • If the picture plays but the sound doesn't, see video has no sound.

Quick answers

Is HEVC better quality?

At the same file size, HEVC usually looks a little better than the older H.264. At the same quality, it's smaller. For playing anywhere, H.264 in MP4 is still the safest.

Why does it play on my phone but not my PC?

Phones from the last several years include HEVC decoding in their hardware. Windows needs the extension, or a player like VLC.

Does Mac have this problem?

Rarely. Macs have played HEVC natively for years.