Install Hevc Codec For Vlc Exclusive New!
VLC Media Player includes its own internal codecs, meaning it does not rely on your operating system's default media players to read video files. Legally, VLC utilizes the open-source libde265 and x265 decoding libraries to handle HEVC content.
What are your computer's (specifically the CPU and GPU)?
On some Linux distributions, you might need a specific plugin to enable libde265 support in VLC: install hevc codec for vlc exclusive
If you are reading this, you have likely encountered the dreaded error message: "This video is playing in VLC because the HEVC codec is missing," or perhaps you are just seeing a black screen with stuttering audio.
If your video is stuttering or showing a black screen, VLC might be struggling with high-resolution HEVC playback (like 4K 60FPS). Go to > Preferences . Click the Input / Codecs tab. VLC Media Player includes its own internal codecs,
| | VLC | Windows Media Player | QuickTime (Mac) | |---|---|---|---| | Native HEVC Support | ✅ Yes (built-in) | ❌ Needs paid extension | ❌ Very limited | | Cost | Free | $0.99 for extension | Free but limited | | Hardware Acceleration | ✅ (Windows/Mac/Linux) | ✅ (with extension) | ❌ | | 10-bit HEVC Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | | 4K/8K Playback | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | | Customizable | ✅ Highly | ❌ Minimal | ❌ No | | Cross-Platform | ✅ Windows/Mac/Linux | ❌ Windows only | ❌ Mac only |
You installed VLC thinking it was a magic bullet. But without the exclusive HEVC codec, you are watching 4K movies in slow motion. By following this guide—installing the hardware decoder, tweaking the loop filters, and forcing video outputs—you transform VLC into a professional-grade HEVC player. On some Linux distributions, you might need a
If you want a stable, hardware-accelerated, exclusive HEVC experience—meaning VLC uses your GPU (Graphics Card) efficiently rather than your CPU (Processor)—you need to install the codec manually.
Download the or Basic pack (both include the necessary HEVC decoders).