How to Install the AV1 Video Extension on Windows

Before you start

The AV1 Video Extension adds support for decoding AV1 video in Windows apps that use the platform media framework. It is mainly needed when a video file or capture source is encoded with AV1 and an application cannot decode it using its own built-in codec. Installation is local to the Windows PC and does not require creating an account, but the extension is distributed through the Microsoft Store, so the Store app must be available and able to reach the service.

Check that your Windows version supports the extension. Microsoft documents it for Windows 10 and later. On Windows 10, it is often listed as AV1 Video Extension; on newer builds of Windows 11, AV1 decoding support may already be included or offered through the same extension name. If you use an app that brings its own AV1 decoder, the extension may not be required for that app.

Step-by-step instructions

Use the Microsoft Store rather than downloading the extension from a third-party site. Third-party AV1 codec downloads are often unnecessary and can be an avoidable security risk.

• Open the Microsoft Store app on the Windows PC.
• Search for AV1 Video Extension.
• Select AV1 Video Extension from Microsoft Corporation in the results.
• Choose Install or Get. If the button shows Open instead, the extension is already installed.
• Wait for the installation to finish. No restart is normally required, but closing and reopening the media app may be needed.

If the Store cannot complete the installation, check that the PC is signed in with a Microsoft account only if the Store asks for one. Many Windows installations can install free Store apps without changing the sign-in state.

Check the output

Open an AV1 video in the app that previously failed. A successful result is video that plays, but playback also depends on the recording format, frame rate, bitrate and hardware. The extension provides decoding support; it does not guarantee smooth playback of very high-resolution or high-bitrate AV1 files on older hardware.

To confirm the extension is installed, open the Microsoft Store, search for AV1 Video Extension and check that the button reads Open or Installed. Windows may also list it under installed apps or under media features, depending on the build.

Common problems and next steps

If an app still cannot play AV1 after installation, the app may not use the Windows media framework. In that case, check whether the app has its own codec or decoder setting, or try a different player that supports AV1 through the extension.

If the Store search does not show the extension, the PC may be managed by an organization, the Store cache may need to be reset, or the Windows version may not support it. Confirm that Windows Update is current before repeating the search.

For a recording or capture source that is saved as AV1, playback problems can also come from the encoding settings. If the frame rate or bitrate is very high, the file may decode but still stutter on hardware without accelerated AV1 decoding.