Windows 10: HEVC codec needs an Internet connection

Hi,I am trying to setup and use the Microsoft HEVC codec on a machine without an Internet connection.I downloaded the appxBundle containing the codec and installation through Powershell works as expected. However, the codec itself will not work until it has connected to sls.update.microsoft.com at least once.I'm using the codec with Media Foundation: MFTEnumEx enumerates the HEVC decoder correctly, but the IMFActivate::ActivateObject function fails with an error code of 0x800704CF - The network location cannot be reached. Wireshark shows me the DNS requests for sls.update.microsoft.com.

:)

 

Installation of HEVC codec

Any attempt to install HEVC codec, purchased from MIcrosoft Store, is a failure. What can be the reason?

 

HEVC codec purchase

I purchased the HEVC codec so my family can watch videos on our media pc. Unfortunately the restricted local users (kids) can't use the codec. Surely you don't expect everyone using the pc to separately purchase this codec?

 

Is HEVC still supported on Windows 11?

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Yes, HEVC (H.265) video codec is still supported on Windows 11. However, it's possible that you may encounter compatibility issues with certain applications or media players when trying to play or edit HEVC videos.

In your case, it seems that Windows Media Player on Windows 11 is not recognizing the HEVC codec, even after installing the HEVC Video Extension. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including outdated codecs or conflicting installations.

Here are a few suggestions to help resolve the issue:

1. Verify codec installation: Double-check that the HEVC Video Extension is installed correctly. Go to Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features, and search for "HEVC Video Extension" in the list. If it's installed, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it again.
   
2. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 operating system is up to date with the latest updates. Go to Settings -> Windows Update and click on "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer if necessary. Sometimes, updates include fixes for codec-related issues.
   
3. Use alternative media players: Since you mentioned that VLC Player can play the HEVC videos without any issues, consider using VLC Player or other third-party media players as an alternative to Windows Media Player. VLC Player is known for its extensive codec support and can handle a wide range of video formats.
   
4. Use alternative video editing software: If you're unable to open the HEVC videos in Davinci Resolve on Windows 11, you can try using alternative video editing software that supports HEVC. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro or HandBrake (for video conversion).
   
5. Contact software support: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, it would be beneficial to reach out to the support team of Davinci Resolve or the developers behind the HEVC Video Extension. They may have specific recommendations or updates to address compatibility issues on Windows 11.
   

It's worth noting that installing codec packs from third-party sources, such as the K-Lite codec pack, can sometimes cause conflicts or unexpected behavior. It's generally recommended to rely on official codec extensions or software updates provided by the application developers.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist