my computer can't play hevc video

Jean Sun 0 Reputation points
2026-09-12T02:55:13.2166667+00:00

i downloaded videos from my cell phone to my PC, but found they are hevc format and I can't play.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video
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  1. Emma1-N 12,285 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-12T08:08:40.0333333+00:00

    Welcome Jean Sun,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that videos transferred from your phone are in HEVC format and cannot be played on your Windows PC.

    Could you confirm:

    • Which app are you using to play the videos (Media Player, Photos, Movies & TV, or another app)?
    • Do you receive any specific error message when opening the file?

    In the meantime, you can try these steps:

    Option 1: Test the video in a different Windows app

    • Try Media Player
    • Try Photos if it is a video recorded on a phone

    Option 2: Reset the Media Player app

    • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
    • Find Media Player
    • Select Advanced options
    • Choose Repair, then try the video again

    Option 3: Check the video properties

    • Right-click the video file
    • Select Properties > Details
    • Share the file type and codec information if available

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-12T02:55:25.1733333+00:00

    HEVC videos usually do not play on Windows when the required codec is not installed.

    Try this:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Apps > Apps & features or Installed apps.
    3. Search for video extension.
    4. Check whether HEVC Video Extensions is installed.
    5. If it is not installed, install HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.

    If the codec is installed and the videos still do not play:

    1. Update the graphics driver through Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, or from the PC manufacturer.
    2. Try playing the file again in Media Player or Movies & TV.

    Windows and Windows media apps do not include every codec by default. Support can be added by installing codec extensions such as HEVC from the Microsoft Store.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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