The new AV1 codec is not enabled by default. Here is how you can install AV1 codec in Windows 10 to enable AV1 video codec support.
AV1 codec is open source and developed by Open Media as a successor to the existing VP9 codec. Just like with VP9, AV1 codec is developed for the web use like online streaming media. Compared to libvpx-vp9, x264 high profile, and x264 main profile, AV1 codec achieved higher data compression while keeping the quality. Not only that but unlike HEVC, AV1 codec is royalty-free. This simply means that the creators don’t have to worry about unnecessary patent infringements.
Considering the open nature of the AV1 codec, Microsoft included support for AV1 codec in Windows 10. For videos encoded with AV1 codec to play, you first need to install AV1 codec in Windows 10 and enable it. Without the AV1 codec, the built-in player cannot play AV1 encoded videos. You will see the “This item was encoded in a format that’s not supported” 0xc00d5212 error. Installing the AV1 codec will fix the 0xc00d5212 error.
Thankfully, it is rather easy to install the AV1 codec in Windows 10. Let me show you how.
Steps to Install AV1 Codec in Windows 10
These are the steps you should follow to install the AV1 codec in Windows 10.
- Go to the official AV1 codec store page and click “Get”.
- If prompted, click the “Open Microsoft Store” button.
- In the Microsoft Store app, click the “Get” button.
- As soon as you click the button, the Store will download the AV1 codec and install it automatically.
- Close the Store app.
- Reboot Windows.
That is it. You’ve installed the AV1 codec in Windows 10. To verify if the codec is working properly, download AV1 codec encoded video and try to play it using the Movies & TV app. If the app plays the video, you’ve succeeded in installing the AV1 codec. Do keep in mind that some third-party media players like VLC have built-in support for AV1 codec.
Uninstall AV1 Codec from Windows 10
If the AV1 codec is causing problems or performance issues, you can uninstall it pretty easily.
Follow these steps to uninstall AV1 codec in Windows 10.
- Open the Settings app (press Win + I).
- Go to the “Apps” page.
- Click on the “Apps & features” tab on the left panel.
- On the right panel, click on “AV1 Video Extension“.
- Click “Uninstall“.
- Click on the “Uninstall” in the flyout menu.
- Close the Settings app.
- Reboot Windows.
As soon as you click the Uninstall button, the AV1 codec will be uninstalled from the system. If you want to reinstall it, follow the steps in the first section.
That is it. I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, check out how to install HEIC codec and view HEIC photos in Windows 10.
