How to view the Codecs installed on the computer

When opening a video or audio file, sometimes you get the error “A codec is required to play this file”, it is likely that the computer is missing or damaged codec. Now you need to check which Codecs are installed on the computer.

1. What is a codec?

Codec is a synthetic definition of the word “Havempresses” (encryption software) and then “decompresses” (decrypts) the file so that it can be played on the computer. Some codecs contain only the encoder, some contain only the decoder, and possibly both.

Codecs are released separately for audio and video files. A file type cannot be played if your computer lacks a codec that supports it.

So how do you know which codecs are installed on your PC and which codecs are missing?

2. How to see which codecs are installed in Windows 10

Using System Information

You can check which codecs are installed on your device using the System Information page in Windows. However, this way only shows general information of the codecs.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type msinfo32.

Step 2: In the right pane, you expand Components >> Multimedia >> Video Codecs or Audio Codecs depending on the category you want to see. The right pane is where the codecs installed on the computer are displayed.

However, this information is limited to showing the manufacturer, version, size and date of creation of the codec.

Using Windows Media Player

Since Windows Media Player comes pre-installed in Windows 10, it is also the default audio and video player. You can also look up a detailed list of codecs with this software.

Step 1: Import wmplayer in Run (Windows + CHEAP).

Step 2: Right-click an empty space in the top bar (just below the software name bar), expand the item Help >> About Windows Media Player.

Step 3: Click Technical Support Information.

This will open one in your web browser. Scroll down and you will find the audio and video codecs installed on your PC. The information is somewhat more specific and you can see what formats the codec supports.

Using the software InstalledCodec

InstalledCodec is a small piece of software that allows you to view detailed information about the codecs installed on your system.

Step 1: Get InstalledCodec depending on the version of Windows you are using: 32-bit or 64-bit.

Step 2: Proceed to extract and open the software (file.exe).

The software will display all the codecs installed on the computer and detailed information about them.

You can also disable the codec by right clicking and selecting Disable Selected Items.

Conclude

The above are simple ways to help you see what types of Codecs are installed on your computer. If you realize that you are missing a codec, read the following article to know how install more codecs.