When a video encoded in AV1 will not play in a Windows media app, AV1 Video Extension adds codec support for compatible apps. Microsoft’s extension handles AV1 playback and can also provide encoding support to applications that use it.
How does the extension handle AV1 video?
AV1 Video Extension makes AV1 decoding available to Windows applications that support the format. That can include AV1 videos played from a streaming service or opened from local storage in an app such as Movies & TV.
The extension also provides AV1 encoding support for compatible applications. The app still needs to support the relevant playback or encoding workflow; installing the codec does not add a media-player interface of its own.
What affects AV1 playback performance?
A processor or graphics card with AV1 hardware decoding can handle playback with lower resource use and power consumption. Without that capability, playback relies more on software decoding, which can put a heavier load on the processor, particularly for demanding video.
Can it play every AV1 video?
The video must be AV1-encoded, and the player or streaming app must be able to use Windows codec support. The extension supplies the AV1 codec; it does not replace the app used to open or stream the video.
Pros
- Enables AV1 playback in compatible Windows media apps
- Supports AV1 video from streaming and local sources
- Provides AV1 encoding support to compatible apps
Does AV1 Video Extension play videos by itself?
No. It provides AV1 codec support for compatible Windows apps, such as Movies & TV, which play the video.
Can I use it with AV1 videos stored on my PC?
Yes. A compatible media app can use the extension to play local AV1 files.
Does AV1 playback require special graphics hardware?
No, but an AV1-capable processor or graphics card can decode the video in hardware with lower resource use and power consumption.