There are four different variants of the K-Lite Codec Pack. Ranging from a very small bundle that contains only the most essential decoders to a large and more comprehensive bundle. The global differences between the variants can be found below. Detailed differences can be found on the comparison of abilities and comparison of contents pages.
These codec packs are compatible with Windows 7/8.x/10/11. Old versions also with XP/Vista. The packs include both 32-bit and 64-bit codecs, so they work great on both x86 and x64 variants of Windows!
Standard
Small but extremely powerful package for audio and video playback
This contains everything you need to play all common audio and video file formats.
This package includes Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC). This is a very advanced player for high quality playback. It provides many options and useful features. We recommend that you use this player.
Installation of the player is of course optional, just like every other component in the installer can be disabled if desired. So you can also use the K-Lite Codec Pack with any other player that is compatible with DirectShow codecs.
Download Standard
Contents
Changelog
Full
Same as Standard, plus:
MadVR An advanced video renderer with high quality upscaling algorithms.
Plugin for 3D video decoding (H.264 MVC) Note: this requires using MPC-HC with madVR, and also a compatible graphics driver. Recent NVIDIA drivers no longer support 3D video (but you could try "3D Fix Manager").
Download Full
Contents
Changelog
Mega
Same as Full, plus:
A few ACM/VFW codecs such as x264VFW and Lagarith This type of codec is used by certain video editing/encoding applications for working with AVI files. For example VirtualDub. These type of codecs are not used or needed for video playback!
Bass Audio Source For decoding OptimFrog and Tracker audio files (very rare formats).
MPC Image Source For displaying image formats in DirectShow applications.
GraphStudioNext A tool for creating and testing DirectShow graphs.
ffdshow audio processor DirectShow filter that provides some audio processing options. Not used by default. Also not needed or recommened.
ffdshow video processor DirectShow filter that provides some video processing options. Not used by default. Also not needed or recommened.
Important note: The K-Lite Codec Pack does not expand the import abilities of professional video editors such as Adobe Premiere or Vegas Movie Studio. Those applications often only support importing a small set of file formats, and do not support using the type of codecs that are included in the codec pack (DirectShow/VFW). Modern editors often only use their own internal codecs or only support external codecs of the Media Foundation type.
Download Mega
Contents
Changelog
Basic
The Basic version of the K-lite Codec Pack only contains a small set of essential DirectShow filters.
The Basic version does not include a player.
You can use this package in combination with an already installed DirectShow player. For example the old legacy version of Windows Media Player.
Please be aware that Windows 10/11 also contains a modern version of Windows Media Player. The modern WMP does not use DirectShow and thus is not compatible with this codec pack. You need to install Media Foundation codecs to be able to play more formats with modern WMP. By default Windows does not include codecs for HEVC, VP9 and other common video formats.
We strongly recommend to install the Standard package and use the included MPC-HC player. That works much better than Windows Media Player. It also plays practically everything, while WMP is limited to a small set of supported audio and video formats.
Download Basic
Contents
Changelog
Update
Additional updates for the latest version of the codec pack.
This is not a stand-alone installer. This update requires that the latest version of Basic/Standard/Full/Mega is already installed.
Download Update
Beta
Beta versions contain the latest updates and improvements, but they have not yet been tested as well as normal releases.
For experienced users who like to try out the latest stuff and want to provide feedback.
Beta versions are available for Basic/Standard/Full/Mega.
Download Beta
Old versions
Are you looking for an older version? Those can be found here.
If the latest version gives you a problem, then please report that to us so we can fix it!
Download Mega (old versions)
Download Basic / Standard / Full (old versions)
Copyright 2004-2024, Codec Guide. All rights reserved. Usage of this website implies acceptance of our Terms of Use. Contact
Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557
Phone: +59115435987187
Job: Education Supervisor
Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening
Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
