Microsoft Updates AV1 Codec to 2.0.7.0 - Here's Why It Matters

Microsoft has quietly pushed AV1 Video Extension 2.0.7.0 to the Microsoft Store, bringing a fresh maintenance update to the codec that now powers nearly a third of all Netflix streaming. The update landed on February 5, 2026 - and if you're on Windows 10 or 11, you'll want to grab it.
 

The jump from version 2.0.6.0 to 2.0.7.0 appears focused on stability and compatibility improvements.

Microsoft doesn't publish detailed changelogs for their media extensions, but these incremental updates typically address decoder reliability, hardware acceleration edge cases, and integration with the latest Windows builds.

Why This Update Matters More Than You Think

AV1 is no longer "the future" - it's the present. Netflix confirmed that AV1 handles 30% of all its streaming traffic, with the codec on track to overtake H.264 as their primary delivery format.

YouTube now encodes over 75% of its videos in AV1. See Enable AV1 Codec on YouTube for Better Video Quality

If your Windows machine can't decode AV1 properly, you're already behind.

What Changed in 2.0.7.0?

Microsoft treats these Store extensions as silent infrastructure updates. No flashy release notes, no blog posts.

The version bump from 2.0.6.0 (released November 2025) to 2.0.7.0 suggests targeted fixes rather than major feature additions.

Based on the update pattern, expect improvements in hardware-accelerated decoding across Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA GPUs.

Previous versions occasionally stumbled on specific GPU driver combinations - particularly with older Intel integrated graphics trying to handle 4K AV1 content.

The Bigger Picture: AV1 Is Winning

This update arrives at a pivotal moment for AV1 adoption. Netflix's December 2025 tech blog revealed some striking numbers: AV1 streaming sessions use one-third less bandwidth than both H.264 and HEVC while delivering higher visual quality scores.

They also report 45% fewer buffering interruptions compared to older codecs.

The hardware ecosystem has caught up too. Since 2023, virtually every device submitted for Netflix certification supports AV1 playback at 4K/60fps. Apple's M3 and A17 Pro chips added hardware AV1 decoding. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 brought it to mid-range Android phones.

Meanwhile, Meta reports that over 70% of video across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger now uses AV1 encoding.

The codec's royalty-free status - unlike the licensing headaches surrounding HEVC - has made it the obvious choice for platforms watching their bottom line.

Should You Update?

Yes. Even if your current AV1 playback seems fine, keeping the extension current ensures you don't hit unexpected issues with new content. Netflix's Film Grain Synthesis feature, productized in July 2025, requires proper decoder support to render cinematic grain without ballooning file sizes.

If you're still relying on VP9 for most of your streaming, the switch to AV1 delivers roughly 30% better compression at equivalent quality. That means sharper video on the same connection, or the same quality using less data.

For users who prefer a comprehensive solution, the K-Lite Codec Pack bundles AV1 support alongside LAV Filters for system-wide compatibility across all your media players.

What About AV2?

The Alliance for Open Media has AV2 in active development, promising another 30% compression improvement over AV1. Netflix has positioned its infrastructure for AV2 adoption, but the timeline remains unclear.

For now, AV1 is the codec to have - and version 2.0.7.0 keeps your Windows system ready for everything streaming platforms are throwing at it.

Need help optimizing your AV1 playback? Check our AV1 decoding optimization guide for tips on getting the best performance from your hardware.