Which codecs to install

While the file is playing, right-click the file in the library, and then select Properties. On the File tab, look at the Audio codec and Video codec sections. Use a non-Microsoft codec identification tool. To find one, search for "codec identification tool" on the web. You'll find several tools as well as useful related info. You might be able to tell the format of a file by looking at the file name extension such as.

However, there are limits to this approach. Many programs create files with custom file extensions. And it's possible for anyone to rename a file without changing the file's format. A file with an. To play these items in the Player, you need to have a compatible DVD decoder installed on your computer.

However, if you receive an error message that indicates that you're missing a compatible DVD decoder, select the Web Help button in the error message dialog box to determine how to obtain one.

This might happen if your computer at work doesn't have the same codecs installed on it that your computer at home does. Be aware that your system administrator at work might use Group Policy to prevent you from installing new codecs. Codecs can be written for bit or bit operating systems.

If you're running a bit version of Windows, you need to install bit codecs. For example, if you install a bit codec on a bit operating system, the Player might not be able to play any files that require that codec. Note that many older codecs are only available in bit versions.

Examples of supported video file formats:. Supports 3D video when using included MadVR. High quality video upscaling when using included MadVR. Plays Bluray discs no menu support. Supports streaming video from Youtube, Twitch, and many other websites. Requires placing Youtube-dl. Includes utility for configuring and managing the installed codecs. Download it from here: K-Lite Codec Pack. If you configure this pack correctly, it will have you covered for just about every video file out there.

It will also install codecs corresponding to each type of video file that works well and reliably. So instead of having to transcode all your media files , having a codec pack allows you to play them in the original format that you received them in. This can greatly impact the visual performance of your video playback. Download the version you want and save it to a location you can get to it. We want the advanced mode so we can tweak a few settings to our liking during the installation process.

You could leave it on normal, this would cut out some of the steps in this process. However, you will be missing out on some preferences that could save annoyances when playing back media later on.

I am a user of the Windows Classic Media Player as it is lightweight and has faster network streaming access to files over your network. I would leave this set to the default setting.

The second option you need to decide is the versions of players you want to be installed if you have a bit operating system. Firstly there is a setting to change the shortcut folder. I strongly recommend that you leave this at default, seeing as you would definitely like to access settings to the program via your start menu at some point.

The main purpose of FilMerit is to find and fix problematic codecs and filters and also to alter the priority of which codecs are utilized first merit. In order to do that FilMerit will show a complete list of codecs and filters installed on the system bit codecs only. FilMerit is a single portable executable. Upon launch, FilMerit automatically scans the system and displays a list of codecs and filters in the main window using a tree type format. DirectShow filters are displayed by default but you can simply click the plus next to Audio or Video Compressors to expand the list.

Inexperienced users cannot inadvertently damage or delete installed codecs because you have to physically press the unlock button to allow editing. Download FilMerit. In the past, GSpot was a very popular tool for gathering all sorts of information about a video file. However, despite those issues, GSpot can still show a list of all the installed codecs and filters on the system. The list is color coded so all codecs are listed in green, splitters are in pink, problems are in red, and etc.

Right click and select Details to get more information about a codec or use the bottom option to copy the entire list as text to the clipboard.

GSpot is portable.