How to play HEVC / H.265 video on Windows 11

AIX Media Player includes HEVC/H.265 playback for supported files on Windows. Install it from Microsoft Store, then open the video with AIX Player. Local playback is free with no time limit. A separate codec pack is not required for supported files in AIX.

Windows 11 & 10 · Guide reviewed 25 September 2026

Open an HEVC video in three steps

1. Install AIX. Use the official Microsoft Store listing linked above.
2. Open the video. In File Explorer, right-click the file, choose Open with, then AIX Player. HEVC video may be inside an MKV, MP4 or another supported container.
3. Check playback. Try the video locally before casting. Choose an available audio or subtitle track if the default is not the one you want.

HEVC, H.265, MKV and MP4: what is the difference?

HEVC and H.265 name the video codec. MKV and MP4 are containers. A file extension alone does not establish which codec or HDR format is inside. Read the MKV playback guide for more about containers.

If playback stutters

Try a known-good local file and consult the 4K stutter guide. Hardware decoding depends on the graphics hardware, driver and video profile; software fallback does not guarantee smooth high-resolution playback.

If colours look wrong

Use the HDR troubleshooting guide. HEVC is not automatically HDR, and correct HDR presentation depends on the source, display and Windows configuration.

If the file will not open, or subtitles are missing

Check for an incomplete copy or download. Working in a different player is useful troubleshooting evidence, not proof of a particular codec. For missing subtitles, follow the subtitle troubleshooting guide.

Playing on a TV

Follow the guide for your receiver. Casting compatibility differs from playback on the PC. AIX includes 60 casting minutes in total, once; Pro removes that limit.