Where to find codecs in my computer windows 7

Any missing or problem codecs will show in pink in the main window. Each entry has a lot of information displayed on its line including names, descriptions, locations, sizes, and also the merit of the codec, which is the priority a codec is given over other compatible codecs for a particular format.

Another useful option is the ability to enable or disable anything in the list, ideal for troubleshooting. InstalledCodec is a portable program, use x64 Mode in the Options menu to see bit codecs. Download InstalledCodec. VideoInspector is primarily used for the purpose of loading in and gathering information about video files. This includes specific details like the type of video file, what video codecs are required to play the file, and whether they are currently installed on the system.

In addition to video file information, VideoInspector also has a separate window that shows what codecs are installed. All you have to do is press the Codecs button on the left of the program window.

Video codecs will be displayed by default, choose Audio Codecs from the drop down to see if you have the required decoder to play audio in your files. Installer and portable zipped versions are available. Download VideoInspector. Many users might have encountered CodecTweakTool before without actually realizing it. As the name might suggest, CodecTweakTool is more of a repair and optimize utility for Directshow filters and codecs but you can also get a list of what is installed on the system.

CodecTweakTool is a portable executable. The window will show the codecs that are installed along with which ones are currently enabled or disabled. If it turns out that it's not a codec issue, see Troubleshoot audio problems in Windows Media Center for help with audio problems and general playback issues. A codec compresses or decompresses media files such as songs or videos. Windows Media Player and other apps use codecs to play and create media files. A codec can consist of two parts: an encoder that compresses the media file encoding and a decoder that decompresses the file decoding.

Some codecs include both parts, and other codecs only include one of them. Your web browser will open a page that includes a lot of detailed info about the related binary files, codecs, filters, plug-ins, and services installed on your PC. This info should help you troubleshoot problems. There are hundreds of audio and video codecs in use today. Some have been created by Microsoft, but the vast majority of codecs were created by other companies, organizations, and individuals.

However, there might be times when you want to play content that was compressed by using a codec that Windows or the Player doesn't include by default.

In many cases, you can download the necessary codec from the web for free or for a fee. And, in some cases, the Player can automatically use the codecs installed by other digital media playback and creation programs on your computer.

In this situation, you're probably trying to play, burn, or sync a file that was compressed by using a codec that Windows or the Player doesn't include by default. If you know the name of the codec or its ID known as a FourCC identifierfor video codecs or a WaveFormat identifierfor audio codecs , try searching the internet for it. You can often go to a codec manufacturer's website to download the most recent version of a codec. If you don't know the missing codec's name or ID, see How do I tell which codec was used to compress a file and what format a file is in?

Use caution when installing codecs that you find on the internet, particularly some of the free codec packs that claim to include codecs from a wide variety of companies or organizations. There are known compatibility issues with some of the components in these codec packs, and these can trigger serious playback problems in Windows Media Player and other players, cause system corruption, and make it difficult for Microsoft Support to diagnose and troubleshoot playback issues.

Therefore, we strongly discourage you from installing these codec packs and recommend that you remove them if you have installed them and are having problems with the Player. Install codecs, filters, and plug-ins only from trusted sources, such as the provider's official website. Even then, use caution: some codec providers offer minimal customer support. Before installing any digital media components, set up a system restore point. This lets you return to your original system configuration, if necessary.

There isn't a way to determine with absolute certainty the codec used to compress a file, but the following are your best options:. To determine what codec was used with a specific file, play the file in the Player, if possible. That's it! It's simple to use and can make it much easier to watch obscure media files on your computer. Thanks to Addictive Tips for the link! Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read.

Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. How to download codec files required for playing media in Windows 7 If you're having troubles playing a media file in Windows, the odds are good that you need a codec file.