K-Lite Codec Pack

K-Lite Codec Pack is a widely trusted collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs, and media tools that enables smooth playback of almost any audio or video file on Windows. Whether you are streaming content, watching local movies, or listening to high-quality audio, the pack delivers stable performance and clear output without extra configuration.

Current Release - K-Lite Codec Pack 19.2.9

Release date: October 25, 2025

Version 19.2.9 brings refined compatibility and updated components, including the latest MPC-HC (Media Player Classic Home Cinema) and MPC Video Renderer. These updates improve HDR handling, rendering accuracy, and overall playback stability. Download the newest build to get the best media experience on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

End-to-End Playback Features

This pack is built to cover basic playback needs and advanced media workflows, from standard video files to HDR and 4K content with hardware acceleration.

Installer Highlights

The installer is designed for simplicity and precision. It supports full customization and automatically evaluates your Windows version and existing codecs to avoid conflicts.

• Component-level control: Select exactly which decoders, filters, and tools you want to install.
• Silent deployment options: Designed for IT teams and scripted rollout scenarios.
• Automatic repair mode: Detects and fixes broken or conflicting codecs to keep playback stable.
• Compatibility safeguards: Identifies problematic codec packs and removes conflicts before installation.

Comprehensive Format Coverage

K-Lite Codec Pack supports nearly every modern audio and video format. The included LAV Filters (Video, Audio, Splitter) provide fast, reliable decoding for DirectShow applications.

• DirectShow-ready: Works with Windows Media Player, MPC-HC, PotPlayer, KMPlayer, and other DirectShow-compatible players.
• Lean by design: Only essential, high-quality components are included to keep the system stable.
• Broad format playback: Handles MP4, AVI, MKV, FLAC, H.264, HEVC, and many more.
• Hardware acceleration: Supports DXVA, Quick Sync, and CUDA on compatible GPUs.
• Video containers: MKV, WebM, MP4, MOV, AVI, OGM, M2TS, TS, MPG, MPEG, 3GP, WMV, ASF, MXF, FLV, RM, RMVB, DV, and more.
• Audio formats: MP3, FLAC, M4A, AAC, OGG, WAV, WMA, WV, APE, MKA, Opus, MPC, TAK, ALAC, AMR, OFR, TTA, RA, SPX, and more.
• Video codecs: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9, AV1, VC-1, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 (ASP), H.263, Theora, MJPEG, ProRes, Huffyuv, Cineform HD, Indeo, Lagarith, DNxHD, and more.
• Audio codecs: AC3, DTS, AAC, MP3, DTS-HD Master Audio, TrueHD, E-AC3, Dolby Atmos, Vorbis, FLAC, WMA, Atrac, ADPCM, TrueAudio, Wavpack, APE, OptimFrog, RealAudio, G.711, G.726, G.729, Speex, Tracker formats, and more.

Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC)

Standard, Full, and Mega editions include MPC-HC, a lightweight player known for high-quality rendering and extensive playback controls.

• Timeline previews: Hover to preview frames and navigate precisely.
• Dark interface: Comfortable viewing in low-light environments.
• HDR playback: Works with MPC Video Renderer or MadVR for accurate tone mapping.
• Dolby Vision readiness: Advanced support when paired with the right renderer.
• 3D playback: Supports H.264 MVC with compatible hardware and MadVR.
• High-quality upscaling: MadVR provides advanced scaling in Full and Mega editions.
• Blu-ray playback: Supports disc playback with external decryption tools if required.
• Online video support: Place yt-dlp.exe in the MPC-HC folder to enable streaming playback.
• Subtitle flexibility: Multiple tracks, auto-loading, and detailed style controls.
• Advanced controls: Frame stepping, speed control, and precise audio sync tools.

Additional Tools and Enhancements

• Fast thumbnail generation: Creates Explorer thumbnails for most video formats.
• Codec Tweak Tool: Diagnose and configure DirectShow filters with clarity.
• MediaInfo integration: Inspect codecs, bitrate, and track metadata (Standard/Full/Mega).
• Icaros extensions: Adds thumbnails and property details for MKV, FLV, and more.
• Regular updates: Ongoing maintenance keeps codecs current and secure.
• Community support: Active forums and experienced contributors assist with issues.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Designed for broad Windows compatibility, the pack runs on modern and legacy systems with minimal overhead.

• Operating systems: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 (SP1+), and older support for Vista/XP.
• Architecture: Full 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) support.
• Minimum memory: 512 MB (1 GB recommended for smoother performance).
• Storage requirements: Basic 20-30 MB, Standard 50-70 MB, Full 80-120 MB, Mega 150-200 MB.
• Graphics support: Hardware acceleration works with DirectX 9.0c+ GPUs.
• Player compatibility: Works with nearly all DirectShow-based media players.

Performance Benefits

The pack is optimized for efficiency and stability, avoiding unnecessary components while improving playback speed.

• GPU decoding: Leverages DXVA, Quick Sync, and CUDA for lower CPU usage.
• Efficient memory use: Designed to run smoothly on systems with limited RAM.
• Fast startup: Optimized filter chain reduces loading time for large files.
• Minimal overhead: Lightweight components prevent system slowdowns.
• High throughput: LAV Filters provide excellent performance across formats.

Who This Pack Is For

K-Lite Codec Pack serves casual users and professionals alike with reliable playback and flexible configuration.

• Everyday users: Play media without worrying about format support.
• Video enthusiasts: Full edition offers advanced rendering and quality controls.
• Editors and creators: Mega edition includes encoding codecs for production workflows.
• IT administrators: Built-in silent install options support large deployments.
• Gamers: Compatibility safeguards avoid conflicts with games.
• Home theater users: Works well with Windows Media Center and similar setups.

Quality Standards and Reliability

Every component is selected for stability, performance, and long-term maintenance.

• Expert curation: Components are chosen by experienced codec developers.
• Active maintenance: Regular updates across core filters and tools.
• Compatibility testing: Validated across Windows versions and player stacks.
• Clean installation: Avoids registry clutter and common conflicts.
• Professional support: Community and developer support channels are available.

Download K-Lite Codec Pack - Select the Right Edition

Choose from four editions, each tailored to a different usage level, from minimal playback to advanced editing workflows.

Standard Edition - Recommended for Most Users

Standard includes MPC-HC, LAV Filters, DirectVobSub, MPC Video Renderer, and essential tools for reliable playback.

Highlights: MPC-HC player, LAV Video/Audio decoders, LAV Splitter, DirectVobSub, MPC Video Renderer, HDR support, hardware acceleration, subtitle controls, Explorer thumbnails, and more.

Download Standard Edition | View Details

Full Edition - Enhanced Visual Quality

Full builds on Standard with MadVR and 3D playback support for higher visual fidelity.

Added features: MadVR renderer, advanced scaling, and 3D playback (H.264 MVC).

Download Full Edition | View Details

Mega Edition - Complete Toolkit

Mega includes everything in Full plus VFW/ACM codecs for encoding and editing.

Added features: x264VFW, XviD, Lagarith, Huffyuv, AC3ACM, Bass Audio Source, MPC Image Source, GraphStudioNext, and more.

Download Mega Edition | View Details

Basic Edition - Minimal Essentials

Basic focuses on core DirectShow filters and does not include a media player.

Includes: LAV Video/Audio decoders, LAV Splitter, DirectVobSub, Codec Tweak Tool, and Icaros extensions.

Download Basic Edition | View Details

Windows compatibility: All editions support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The installer detects your OS and applies the correct configuration.

For full component lists, visit the download page or the capabilities page.

Why Choose K-Lite Codec Pack

K-Lite Codec Pack balances complete format coverage with system stability. It avoids redundant components and focuses on trusted filters and tools that deliver consistent performance.

With two decades of continuous refinement and millions of installations worldwide, the pack has earned a reputation for reliability. Download K-Lite Codec Pack and enjoy clean, dependable playback on Windows.

Quick FAQ

Here are concise answers to the most common questions:

What is K-Lite Codec Pack?

It is a bundled set of codecs, DirectShow filters, and tools for playing most audio and video formats on Windows.

Is it free to use?

Yes. The pack is free and open-source with no paid tiers or subscription fees.

Which edition should I download?

Standard is ideal for most users. Full is best for visual quality. Mega is for editors. Basic is for minimal installs.

Does it support Windows 11?

Yes, it fully supports Windows 11 and earlier modern Windows versions.

Do I need it if I use VLC?

VLC includes its own codecs, but K-Lite is valuable for DirectShow players and includes MPC-HC as an alternative.

Is the installer safe?

Yes. It is clean, malware-free, and maintained by trusted developers. Always download from the official site.

For a full FAQ, visit the complete help page.

Installation Overview

Install the pack in just a few steps:

Step 1: Download the installer

Open the download page and choose the edition that fits your needs.

Step 2: Launch the installer

Run the downloaded file. Administrator access may be required.

Step 3: Select options

Choose components and settings. Default options work well for most users.

Step 4: Finish setup

Complete the wizard and let the installer configure your system.

Step 5: Restart your player

Close and reopen media players to ensure new codecs are loaded.

For detailed instructions, see the FAQ or the About the Pack page.

Supported Media Formats

The pack supports a broad library of video and audio formats.

Video container formats

Common containers: MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV, WebM, OGM, M2TS, TS, MPG, MPEG, 3GP, ASF, MXF, RM, RMVB, DV

Video codecs

Modern codecs: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9, AV1, VC-1

Legacy codecs: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 (ASP), H.263, Theora, MJPEG, ProRes, Huffyuv, Cineform HD, Indeo, Lagarith, DNxHD

Audio formats

Popular audio: MP3, AAC, FLAC, M4A, OGG, WAV, WMA, Opus, MPC, TAK, ALAC, AMR

High-quality audio: DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, TrueHD, Dolby Digital (AC3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC3), Dolby Atmos

Other formats: WV, APE, MKA, OFR, TTA, RA, SPX, Tracker audio

Subtitle formats

SRT, ASS, SSA, SUB, VOB, IDX, PGS, and embedded subtitles in MKV, MP4, and other containers.

Edition comparison

Below is a quick comparison of the four editions:

See the capabilities page or the download page for full details.

Troubleshooting quick tips

If playback issues appear, try these first:

Video does not play

Install Standard or Full, then try the file in MPC-HC for clearer diagnostic messages.

Audio and video are out of sync

Adjust audio delay in MPC-HC or change decoder settings.

Subtitles are missing

Verify DirectVobSub is installed and subtitle filenames match the video.

Codec conflicts

Run the Codec Tweak Tool to detect and resolve filter conflicts.

Performance issues

Enable hardware acceleration and update graphics drivers for best results.

For more guidance, visit the Help Center.

Getting Started

Choose an edition on the download page, install it, and explore full component details on the capabilities page. Additional guidance is available in the Help Center and the About the Pack section.