Windows 11 Codec Pack

Desktop software • Multimedia components

Windows 11 Codec Pack for video and audio playback.

A Windows 11-focused branch of the Media Player Codec Pack family for PCs that need DirectShow playback support for common video and audio files, including MP4, MKV, AV1, HEVC, H.264, XviD, FLAC, AC3 and AAC.

Current release 4.0.1 Released 25 October 2026
Installer size 58.6 MB
Platforms Windows 11 / 10 / Server
Download installer Review included components
Official installers are digitally signed by Cole Williams Software Limited. To verify before installing, right-click the installer and check Properties → Digital Signatures.

Your Windows 11 build and player both matter

Check the full OS build with Win + R, then winver. Windows 11 24H2 (build 26100) changed the standard AC-3/Dolby Digital provision. HEVC also depends on the installed extension, player and graphics decoder path. Compare Windows 11 builds, tested results and codec support.

Version 4.0.1 includes the patched MPC Home Cinema 2.8.3 player, LAV 0.83 and CW audio filters, plus revised settings and optional hardware sharing. The survey checkbox starts selected; preview the information or uncheck it before Finish. Hardware survey details.

Overview

Focused on Windows 11 desktop playback workflows.

The package focuses on the playback components Windows desktop users most often miss: video decoders, audio decoders, splitters, subtitle handling, and practical configuration tools. Select a quick installation path or inspect individual components during setup.

Video decoding

AV1, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, VP8/VP9, VC-1, ProRes, APV, DV, MPEG-1/2 and MPEG-4 ASP, including compatible 10-bit content. x264 and x265 are encoders that produce H.264 and HEVC streams.

Audio decoding

DSD/SACD, high-resolution PCM and DXD, HDCD, FLAC, ALAC, WavPack, APE, OptimFROG, AAC, MP3, Opus and cinema audio, plus tracker music through CW-MOD.

Containers and splitters

MKV, MP4, AVI, WebM, MOV, transport streams, MXF, Ogg video, RealMedia and other containers, alongside compatible DVD and Blu-ray file structures.

Configuration utilities

Includes settings tools, update checking, file association guidance, and quick access utilities for installed components.

Format coverage

Practical format coverage, grouped by playback role

The lists below group the formats people most often confuse: compression families, containers, audio tracks, subtitles and playlists. A file extension alone does not always reveal the codec inside. These examples describe playback through the included MPC Home Cinema and applicable installed filters.

Video codecs and raw streams

  • AV1 (.av1)
  • H.264 / AVC (.h264, .264)
  • H.265 / HEVC (.hevc, .h265, .265)
  • VP8 / VP9
  • VC-1
  • MPEG-1 / MPEG-2
  • MPEG-4 ASP / DivX / XviD
  • Apple ProRes (usually .mov)
  • APV (.apv)
  • DV (.dv)
  • 10-bit H.264 / HEVC

Video containers and disc structures

  • Matroska (.mkv, including compatible 3D content)
  • MP4 (.mp4, .m4v)
  • AVI (.avi)
  • WebM (.webm)
  • QuickTime (.mov, .hdmov)
  • Transport streams (.m2ts, .mts, .m2t, .ts)
  • MPEG program streams (.mpg, .mpeg, .vob, .evo)
  • Blu-ray structures (.bdmv)
  • Ogg video (.ogm, .ogv)
  • Flash video (.flv)
  • IVF (.ivf)
  • MXF (.mxf)
  • NuppelVideo (.nuv)
  • Mobile video (.3gp, .3g2)
  • Windows Media (.wmv, .asf)
  • RealMedia (.rm, .rmvb)

Lossless, high-resolution and DSD audio

  • DSD (.dsf, .dff)
  • SACD disc images (.iso)
  • PCM / WAV (.wav), including DXD audio
  • HDCD decoding (compatible encoded PCM)
  • FLAC (.flac)
  • Apple Lossless / ALAC (commonly .m4a)
  • Monkey’s Audio (.ape)
  • WavPack (.wv)
  • Shorten (.shn)
  • OptimFROG (.ofr)
  • TAK (.tak)
  • True Audio (.tta)
  • AIFF (.aif, .aiff, .aifc)

Compressed audio and cinema tracks

  • MP3 (.mp3)
  • AAC (.aac, .adts, .adt)
  • MPEG-4 audio / audiobooks (.m4a, .m4b)
  • Opus (.opus)
  • Ogg audio (.ogg, .oga)
  • AC-3 / E-AC-3 (.ac3, .eac3, .ec3)
  • Dolby TrueHD (.thd, .truehd)
  • DTS (.dts)
  • MLP (.mlp)
  • Matroska audio (.mka)
  • Musepack (.mpc)
  • Speex (.spx)
  • Windows Media Audio (.wma)

Tracker music through CW-MOD

  • ProTracker and related modules (.mod)
  • FastTracker II (.xm)
  • Impulse Tracker (.it)
  • Scream Tracker 3 (.s3m)
  • MultiTracker (.mtm)
  • Unreal music packages (.umx)
  • Compressed modules (.mo3)

Subtitles, playlists and cue sheets

  • SubRip (.srt)
  • MicroDVD / VobSub (.sub, .idx)
  • SubStation Alpha (.ssa, .ass)
  • WebVTT (.vtt)
  • M3U playlists (.m3u, .m3u8)
  • PLS playlists (.pls)
  • MPC-HC playlists (.mpcpl)
  • Windows Media playlists (.asx, .wax, .wvx, .wmx)
  • RealMedia playlists (.ram)
  • Cue sheets (.cue)

Playback depends on the selected components, player, driver and encoding. CW-Lossless provides specialist lossless/DSD playback; CW-Lossy handles MP3, AAC and Opus; CW-MOD handles tracker music. Native DSD and DoP require a compatible device and output path: S/PDIF normally cannot carry native DSD, and the WASAPI DoP route requires compatible hardware. DXD is high-rate PCM, commonly stored in WAV; a .dxd extension alone does not identify playable audio. Disc structures do not imply support for commercial disc decryption or menus. Playlists reference other media, so their entries must also be accessible and supported; playlist association options are unselected by default. Modern Windows apps may use a separate Media Foundation playback path.

Product family

A Windows 11 branch of Media Player Codec Pack.

The main Media Player Codec Pack site presents the broader Windows family, including Standard, Plus, and Lite edition choices for different users. This page keeps the message tighter for Windows 11 users who want a direct desktop codec package.

View Media Player Codec Pack
FocusWindows 11 Codec PackMedia Player Codec Pack
AudienceWindows 11 desktop usersWindows 11, 10, 8.1, 7 and supported Windows Server users
Choice modelSingle focused Windows 11 downloadStandard, Plus and Lite editions
Best useDirectShow and Windows Media Player support on Windows 11Choosing a general-purpose codec edition across Windows versions
Format languageMP4, MKV, AV1, XviD, H.264, HEVC and audio codecsBroad everyday playback: MKV, MP4, AV1, HEVC, FLAC and more

Codec help

Windows 11 playback guides

Focused pages for the most useful search paths: audio codec issues, broad video codec support, Windows Media Player codecs, and unsupported format errors.

Audio Codec for Windows 11Fix videos that play with no sound and common AAC, AC3, DTS or FLAC playback issues. Video Codec for Windows 11Understand MP4, AV1, MKV, XviD, H.264, HEVC and other video codec support. Windows Media Player CodecsCodec support for Windows Media Player and DirectShow-compatible desktop players. Fix Unsupported Video FormatTroubleshoot missing codec, unsupported file type, black screen and 0xc00d36c4 errors. HEVC playback choicesCompare Microsoft HEVC Video Extensions, the codec pack MPC-HC route, and HEVC.now browser playback. Dolby / AC3 audio helpUnderstand Dolby Access, AC3/Dolby Digital no-sound issues, and Store entitlement differences.

Playback fixes

How codec-related playback issues usually show up

Most playback failures fall into a small number of practical categories. Start with the symptom, then check the file type and the codec information reported by your media player.

Unsupported format errors

When Windows reports that a file format is unsupported, a missing decoder, splitter, or container handler is often the cause. The Windows 11 branch focuses on common playback gaps for MP4, MKV, AV1, HEVC, H.264, XviD, AVI, and related files.

Video plays with no sound

Audio-only problems are commonly linked to AC3, DTS, AAC, FLAC, or other audio tracks that the current player cannot decode. The package includes audio decoding components intended for DirectShow-compatible desktop players.

HEVC, MKV, or 4K files open poorly

Newer or higher-resolution media can depend on HEVC/H.265, H.264, subtitle filters, and container splitters. The installer gives users a structured way to add the required playback components on Windows 11 PCs.

Included package

Components and utilities

Download version 4.0.1

Codec components

  • LAV Filters 0.83: video decoder, audio decoder and splitter
  • CW-Lossless 1.0.1.0: lossless, Hi-Res, DXD, DSD and HDCD playback with WASAPI/ASIO output
  • CW-Lossy 1.0.1.0: MP3, AAC and Opus playback
  • CW-MOD 1.0.1.0: OpenMPT-based tracker and module playback
  • Dolby Pro Logic, Pro Logic II and Pro Logic IIz options in the customised audio decoder
  • ffdshow DirectShow Video Codec 1.3.4533
  • XviD Video Encoder 1.3.7
  • x264 Video Encoder v44.2851
  • Lagarith Video Encoder 1.3.27
  • Haali Media Splitter/Decoder 1.13.138.44
  • xy-VSFilter 3.0.0.211 subtitle reader
  • Icaros 3.3.6

Utilities

  • Patched MPC Home Cinema 2.8.3: x64 player on 64-bit Windows, downloaded x86 player on 32-bit Windows
  • Revised Codec Settings with sound-device selection and hardware-decoding controls
  • Disc Handler for supported disc playback
  • Codec Settings UAC Manager
  • Update Checker: at most one successful check per day when launched at sign-in
  • Native tray menu with audio profiles, utilities and a website link
  • Optional hardware survey on Finish; selected by default with preview and an option to uncheck

Installer preview

Setup and configuration screens

Review the installation flow before running the setup executable.

Windows 11 Codec Pack installer welcome screen Windows 11 Codec Pack installer welcome screen Windows 11 Codec Pack component selection Windows 11 Codec Pack component selection Windows 11 Codec Pack video codec settings Windows 11 Codec Pack video codec settings Windows 11 Codec Pack audio codec settings Windows 11 Codec Pack audio codec settings Windows 11 Codec Pack codec settings Windows 11 Codec Pack codec settings Windows 11 Codec Pack splitter settings Windows 11 Codec Pack splitter settings Windows 11 Codec Pack system capability detection Windows 11 Codec Pack system capability detection Windows 11 Codec Pack audio channel settings Windows 11 Codec Pack audio channel settings Windows 11 Codec Pack power user settings Windows 11 Codec Pack power user settings Windows 11 Codec Pack tray menu Windows 11 Codec Pack tray menu

FAQ

Common Windows 11 codec questions

Answers to the format, compatibility, and installation questions people commonly search before downloading a codec pack.

What is Windows 11 Codec Pack?

Windows 11 Codec Pack is a free multimedia codec package for Windows PCs. It installs codecs, DirectShow filters, splitters, and utilities for video and audio playback.

How is this related to Media Player Codec Pack?

This site is the Windows 11-focused branch of the broader Media Player Codec Pack family. The main Media Player Codec Pack site covers multiple Windows versions and edition choices, while this page keeps the message focused on Windows 11 playback needs.

Which video formats does the codec pack support?

The included MPC Home Cinema and installed filters cover MKV, MP4, AVI, WebM, MOV, MXF, transport streams and other containers, with codecs including AV1, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, VP9, VC-1, ProRes, APV, DV and MPEG video. Hardware acceleration depends on the GPU, driver, decoding method and stream profile; software decoding remains available for supported streams.

Does it include MP4, XviD, and H.264 codecs for Windows 11?

Yes. The package includes components for MP4 playback, XviD video, H.264/AVC video, H.265/HEVC video, and other commonly searched Windows 11 codec formats.

Can it help with error 0xc00d36c4 or unsupported format messages?

In many common cases, yes. Unsupported format messages such as 0xc00d36c4 can appear when Windows or a desktop media player cannot find the required codec, splitter, or container support for the file.

Will it help if video plays but there is no sound?

It can help when the missing piece is an audio codec or DirectShow filter for tracks such as AAC, AC3, DTS, FLAC, or similar formats used inside video files.

Which media players can use the installed codecs?

The installed components are intended for the included MPC Home Cinema and other DirectShow-compatible desktop players, including compatible Windows Media Player Legacy playback paths. The modern Windows Media Player app can use Media Foundation and separate Store extensions.

Do I need this if I already use VLC?

VLC includes many codecs internally, so many files may already play in VLC. A codec pack is most useful when you want broader playback support across Windows, Windows Media Player, Media Player Classic - Home Cinema, and other DirectShow-compatible software.

Can it help with MP4 or MKV files on Windows 11?

It can help when the issue is a missing DirectShow decoder, splitter, or audio component used by the MP4 or MKV file. Some DRM-protected, corrupted, or unusually encoded files may still require a different player or repair workflow.

Does it include AC3 audio codec support?

The package includes audio decoding components intended to help DirectShow-compatible players handle AC3 and other common audio tracks such as AAC, DTS and FLAC.

Can I choose which codec components to install?

Yes. The installer provides an easy setup path as well as a detailed mode for reviewing and selecting individual codec components and utilities.

Is Windows 11 Codec Pack free to download?

Yes. Windows 11 Codec Pack is offered as a free download from the official website.

When was the current release published?

The current Windows 11 Codec Pack release listed on this page is version 4.0.1, released on 25 October 2026.

Will a codec pack fix every file that will not play?

No. A codec pack can help when the missing piece is a decoder, splitter, subtitle filter, or related DirectShow component. DRM-protected, damaged, partially downloaded, or unusually encoded files may still require a different player, conversion, or file repair workflow.

Official download

Windows 11 Codec Pack 4.0.1

Free 58.6 MB installer, released 25 October 2026, for compatible Windows desktop systems and Windows Server 2025, 2022 and 2019 environments where desktop media playback components are required.

Publisher / Digital signature: Cole Williams Software Limited. SHA256: 223172e38376f920e28db7b010227c66b050843ebbc81d312f8ecfc134152a55. Verify the installer via Properties → Digital Signatures.

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