FAQ: Frequently Asked Question

A daily or nightly build is the newest version of a program, compiled automatically from the latest source code every day.

It gives early access to new features and bug fixes before they reach an official release, so developers can collect feedback from people willing to test.

They are safe to download, but they are less stable than official releases and can contain new bugs.

Use them for testing, or when you need a specific fix that has not shipped yet. For everyday use, stay on the latest stable version.

Yes. We check every download we list on CODECS.COM before it goes live.

Links marked EXT Main LINK or EXT Mirror LINK point to the developer's own server, and those files can change after we list them. Scan any external download with your antivirus before running it.

Either will work on almost every phone. A nodpi APK carries graphics for every screen density, and a 120-640dpi APK covers the same range of screens.

If you are unsure, pick nodpi. What matters more is the architecture: most current phones need arm64-v8a, while older ones use armeabi-v7a.

Try the mirror links listed under the main download first.

If none of them work, contact us with the software name and the link that failed, and we will update it.

A codec compresses and decompresses audio or video data. A media player is the program that uses codecs to play your files.

Think of codecs as translators that let the player understand formats such as MP4, AVI or MKV. Our guide on how codecs work explains it step by step.

Your media player is missing the codec needed to decode that audio or video format.

Installing a codec pack, or switching to a player with built-in decoders, usually fixes it. See how to fix codec is not supported for the full checklist.

Codec packs bundle many codecs in one installer, which makes them the easiest option for most people. Individual codecs give you more control and fewer chances of conflicts.

For most users, one well-maintained codec pack is the better choice. Our codec pack guide compares the main options.

Yes. Two or more codec packs can fight over the same formats and cause playback errors, freezes or crashes.

Uninstall the old codec pack before you install a new one.

Usually not, but you should at least restart your media player so it picks up the new codecs.

If a file still will not play, a full restart is the quickest way to rule out a half-finished installation.

The codec must match your media player, not just Windows. A 64-bit player needs 64-bit codecs, and a 32-bit player needs 32-bit ones.

Most current players are 64-bit, which is why packs such as K-Lite Codec Pack 64-bit exist.

Most players list their codecs and filters in the settings. You can also open the file in a tool that reports its audio and video formats, then see whether your player supports them.

Our free Codec Finder shows which codecs a file uses, right in your browser.

The codecs we list are for playing files on your own device.

Streaming services such as Netflix or YouTube use the decoders built into your browser or app, so they do not need extra codecs.

Update when a new file format will not play, when a security update is released, or every few months.

Codec packs on CODECS.COM show the latest version and release date on each download page.

Lossy codecs such as MP3 and H.264 throw away some detail to make files much smaller.

Lossless codecs such as FLAC for audio or Lagarith for video keep every bit of the original, so quality is perfect but files are larger.

Hardware acceleration lets your graphics card decode video instead of the processor.

It makes high-resolution and 4K playback smoother and keeps older computers cool and quiet. Here is how to turn it on in MPC-HC.

The file uses separate codecs for audio and video, and you have one but not the other.

Install the missing video codec or audio codec, or use a complete codec pack that covers both.