Our verdict: K-Lite Codec Pack is the easiest way to make Windows play nearly every audio and video format in MPC-HC, Windows Media Player and other DirectShow players. The Standard variant is what most people need. The installer has many screens, so take a minute to read them.
About K-Lite Codec Pack
K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of DirectShow filters, codecs and tools maintained by Codec Guide. It comes in four variants: Basic, Standard, Full and Mega. Standard is the recommended one and includes the MPC-HC player plus the essential decoders, with both 32-bit and 64-bit components in one installer.
The installer adapts to your Windows version, can detect and remove broken or conflicting codec packs, and lets you choose every component. The pack is updated often and ships stable development builds of MPC-HC and LAV Filters.
What it does well
- MPC-HC player. Includes Media Player Classic Home Cinema, a lightweight player with Blu-ray title playback and subtitle support.
- LAV Filters. LAV Splitter and the LAV video and audio decoders play AVI, MKV, MP4, FLV and other common formats.
- HDR playback. MPC Video Renderer sends HDR metadata to capable displays or converts HDR colors for normal monitors.
- Explorer integration. Adds video thumbnails and duration and resolution properties for MKV and FLV files in File Explorer.
- Codec cleanup. The installer detects broken filters and can remove over 100 other codec packs to avoid conflicts.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want Windows Media Player, MPC-HC or other DirectShow players to open every video file with hardware acceleration and HDR support.
Look elsewhere
Users who already use VLC or mpv, which bring their own decoders and need no system-wide codecs, or anyone who wants a one-click installer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plays practically every common format
- MPC-HC and HDR renderer included
- Fully customizable install and clean uninstall
- Frequent updates
Cons
- Long installer with many technical options
- System-wide codecs can affect other apps if misconfigured
- Download pages carry ads and a third-party mirror link
How to install K-Lite Codec Pack
Download the Standard variant from codecguide.com and check that the file name and SHA256 hash match the values on the download page. The installer has many screens with preferred player, decoder and hardware acceleration choices; the defaults are fine for most people. Read every screen and untick anything you did not ask for. To update, install the new version over the old one or use the update packs on codecguide.com.
Questions about K-Lite Codec Pack
Is K-Lite Codec Pack free?
Yes. All four variants are free to download and use. Codec Guide accepts donations.
Which K-Lite variant should I choose?
Standard is recommended for most users. Basic has only decoders, while Full and Mega add tools and encoding codecs for editing.
Does K-Lite include 64-bit codecs?
Yes. One installer contains both 32-bit and 64-bit codecs and adapts to your system.
