How to Play AV1 Videos on Windows 11

AV1 is a modern, royalty-free video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media. It delivers better compression than older codecs like H.264 or VP9, making it ideal for streaming high-resolution video while using less bandwidth.

 

However, native AV1 playback isn't always enabled by default in Windows 11.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to enable AV1 video playback on your Windows 11 system, using the free AV1 Video Extension.

✅ Step 1: Open Microsoft Store

Click the Start Menu and launch the Microsoft Store.

🔍 Step 2: Search for "AV1 Video Extension"

In the top-right search bar, type AV1 Video Extension and press Enter.

🛠 Step 3: Select and Install the Official AV1 Extension

Look for the extension published by Microsoft Corporation. It’s usually free. Click Install.

Note: If you are using a PC managed by an organization (e.g., work or school), you may need admin rights or permission to install this extension.

⏳ Step 4: Wait for the Installation to Complete

The download and installation usually finish in under a minute.

▶️ Step 5: Open an AV1 Video in Your Preferred Player

You can now play AV1 videos using:

• Movies & TV (default Windows media player)

• VLC Media Player (cross-platform and AV1-compatible)

• MPV, PotPlayer, or other advanced players

🎉 That’s it! With the AV1 Video Extension installed, you can now enjoy high-efficiency AV1-encoded videos on Windows 11 with excellent quality and reduced file sizes.

If you're watching downloaded files or streaming from platforms that support AV1 (like YouTube or Netflix), your PC is now ready.

🧩 Bonus Tip:

For the best performance:

• Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.

• Use a media player that supports hardware acceleration of AV1 (VLC and Edge already support it on newer GPUs).