How to update Windows Media Player codecs

Hi Mike4UT,

I hope you are doing well. First I would recommend you to check for the latest updates using automatic updates. If there are new codec’s or required codec’s it will be downloaded and installed by the automatic update feature of windows vista.

To access windows updates click on start, click on control panel and then click on windows updates. You will see all the important and required updates.

I will also include the link for our codec package which you can directly download and install.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/AllDownloads.aspx?displang=en

Use the above link for downloading codec packages for all the versions of windows media player.

I hope this information will be helpful.

Please let us know if you require further help.

Regards
Rehman- Microsoft Support

Hi KenF,

The links are in my reply above :

All you need is good Codec - Get these if 32 bit.

CCCP - Free - also get the free insurgent tool
http://cccp-project.net/

FFDSHOW - free
http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow/

Check here :

Plug-ins for Windows Media Player
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx

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VLC needs no Codec usually so use it as a backup, when it asks to take over file associations just say no.

VLC - Free
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

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If 64 bit and you need codec.

Read this 1st and either go that route or use the one below. (Vista or Windows 7)

http://www.vistax64.com/sound-audio/152850-vista-codec-pack-32bit-64bit-media-player-codecs.html

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If 64 bit - can run WMP in 32 or 64 bit mode.

Or try these :  Download - SAVE - go to where your put them RIGHT CLICK - RUN AS ADMIN.

For 32 bit use these  - OR the 32 bit ones listed above which I prefer.

K-Lite Codec Pack 7.1.X (or newer)
http://www.codecguide.com/

For 64 bit use these :

K-Lite Codec Pack (64-bit) 4.6.X (or newer)
http://www.codecguide.com/

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You need to know which you are using 32 or 64 WMP

Switch, Change or Set 64-Bit Windows Media Player 11 (WMP11) in Windows Vista x64 as Default
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/01/19/switch-change-or-set-64-bit-windows-media-player-11-wmp11-in-windows-vista-x64-as-default/

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And you can use this when needed as no codex is usually required.

VideoLAN - VLC media player
http://www.videolan.org/

Hope this helps.