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K-Lite Codec Pack

A curated set of decoders, splitters, and filters with a tuned player included, so any audio or video file on the machine opens and plays correctly without hunting for a format specific application.

Version 19.9.0 68.2 MB Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (32-bit and 64-bit) Updated 3 days ago

Overview

What this release is

The reason this pack has survived for so long while dozens of similar collections disappeared is curation. It is not everything that exists thrown into one installer. It is a chosen set of decoders and splitters that are known to work together, configured so they do not fight over which one handles a given format, which is exactly the problem the careless packs created.

Coverage is effectively complete for anything you will encounter. Every current and legacy video codec, the whole range of audio formats including lossless and multichannel, container formats from the common to the obscure, and subtitle formats with proper rendering rather than a plain text overlay. A file that will not play after installing this is usually damaged rather than unsupported.

Hardware accelerated decoding is configured by default where the graphics hardware supports it, which is what makes high bitrate and high resolution playback smooth on modest machines. The configuration tool lets you set it per format if a particular decoder misbehaves on your hardware.

A tuned build of the lightweight classic player is included and set up sensibly, with subtitle handling, chapter support, playlist management, and the renderer already chosen to suit the hardware detected during setup. If you prefer another player, the decoders serve it just as well since they are registered system wide.

Four install profiles are offered, from a minimal decoder only set for people who already have a player they like, up to the full set with every optional filter and tool. The profile is chosen during setup and can be changed later by running it again.

Feature set

What you get

Curated component set

Chosen decoders and splitters configured to work together, rather than everything available thrown into one installer.

Complete format coverage

Current and legacy video, lossless and multichannel audio, obscure containers, and properly rendered subtitles.

Hardware decoding

Accelerated decoding configured by default where the graphics hardware supports it, adjustable per format.

Tuned player included

A lightweight player set up with a sensible renderer, subtitle handling, chapters, and playlists.

System wide registration

The decoders serve any player you prefer, not only the bundled one.

Four install profiles

From a minimal decoder only set up to the complete package with every optional filter and tool.

Changes in this build

What changed

Decoder components updated to their current releases across the whole pack
Improved hardware decoding support on recent graphics hardware
Better handling of high dynamic range video with correct tone mapping on standard displays
Subtitle renderer updated with more accurate positioning on styled formats
Fixed the audio delay that appeared on certain multichannel streams after seeking

Installation

How to install it

Remove any other codec pack first. Two packs on one machine is the reliable way to break playback entirely.
Extract the archive and run the setup executable as administrator.
Choose the install profile on the first screen. The standard profile suits nearly everyone.
Accept the suggested file associations unless you want another player to keep them.
Run the included configuration tool afterwards to confirm hardware decoding is active for the formats you use.

Hardware

System requirements

Processor	Any 1 GHz or faster processor, hardware decoding reduces the load considerably
Memory	1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommended
Graphics	Any adapter, hardware decoding used when the driver supports it
Storage	200 MB installed
Display	Any
System	Windows 7 through Windows 11, 32-bit or 64-bit

Package

Release information

Title	K-Lite Codec Pack
Version	19.9.0
Developer	Codec Guide
Category	System Utilities
Platform	Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Package size	68.2 MB
Interface languages	English
Release identifier	BS-19900001
Listed	7 years ago
Last rebuilt	3 days ago
Total downloads	168,621

Questions

Before you start

Do I have to use the bundled player?

No. The decoders are registered system wide and serve whatever player you prefer.

Can it be installed alongside another codec pack?

It should not be. Remove the other one first, because two packs competing for the same formats breaks playback in ways that are hard to diagnose.

Which profile should I choose?

The standard one unless you have a reason otherwise. The full profile mostly adds tools that few people ever open.

Why does a file still refuse to play?

Usually a damaged or incomplete download rather than a missing decoder. Check the file size against the source before assuming a format problem.