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Media Player Codec Pack Plus

The fullest toolkit in the range for advanced users, HTPC setups, and anyone who wants the broadest package with extra playback components.

  • ✓ Best for high-end systems and users who want more than a basic install.
  • ✓ Includes broader playback support plus extra tools beyond the Standard edition.
  • ✓ A stronger fit for enthusiasts, advanced troubleshooting and specialist playback workflows.
Free download Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7 Version 5.5.2 110.0 MB
Plus edition installer screenshot
Plus is built for users who want the fullest package and more advanced options.
 
 

The fullest toolkit for advanced Windows playback

The fullest toolkit in the range for advanced users, HTPC setups, and anyone who wants the broadest package with extra playback components. Plus is the edition for users who want the largest toolkit in the range rather than the most balanced default recommendation.

A closer look at Plus

Good fit forHTPC users, advanced home setups, higher-end hardware, and people who want the most complete package.
Playback focusBroadest coverage with extra tools and components for users who need more than everyday playback.
Installer styleStill straightforward to install, but better suited to users who understand they want the bigger toolkit.

Plus is the edition for users who want the largest toolkit in the range rather than the most balanced default recommendation.

It is a strong choice when you work with more varied file types, want more playback flexibility, or simply prefer the fullest available package for a capable Windows system.

If you do not specifically need the extra breadth, Standard remains the easier recommendation for most visitors.

Hardware-aware installation

Plus detects key system hardware instead of assuming every Windows PC has the same decoding capabilities. During Detailed Installation the CPU and GPU are checked before suitable default processing and acceleration options are presented.

Graphics detectionNVIDIA, AMD/ATI and Intel graphics can be identified so known functional acceleration settings can be recommended where appropriate.
CPU and threadsProcessor identification and thread detection help codecs use an appropriate number of threads within codec limits.
Compatibility fallbackHardware acceleration is optional. Compatible formats can still use software decoding when a suitable GPU path is unavailable, subject to CPU performance.

Read the hardware detection and compatibility guide →

What you get with Plus

  • All editions include CW-Lossless, CW-Lossy, CW-MOD and CW-Surround. DSD and HDCD playback are available through CW-Lossless.
  • Plus requires 64-bit Windows. Includes MPC FFmpeg and CW-PlayBridge recovery playback.
  • Broad playback support with a larger overall toolkit than Standard.
  • Better suited to advanced users, enthusiast systems, HTPC setups and mixed media libraries with unusual formats.
  • Good choice when you want extra playback-related tools instead of the smallest possible install.
  • Supports common modern containers and codecs plus a wider set of extras for deeper compatibility work.
  • Still free to download with no registration required.

Release history

Compare the three editions

Most popular

Standard

Balanced everyday playback support for most Windows users.

Free download. No registration and no hidden cost.
View Standard Edition
Advanced

Plus

Fullest toolkit with extra codecs and utilities for power users.

Free download. No registration and no hidden cost.
You are viewing this edition
Lightweight

Lite

Smaller install for older or lower-power systems.

Free download. No registration and no hidden cost.
View Lite Edition

Start with Standard if you are unsure. Choose Plus for the fullest toolkit, or Lite when you want the smallest and simplest install.

Plus edition components, features and common format examples

Edition detail

Why choose Plus?

The fullest toolkit in the range for advanced users, HTPC setups, and anyone who wants the broadest package with extra playback components.

  • Best fit: HTPC users, advanced home setups, higher-end hardware, and people who want the most complete package.
  • Playback focus: Broadest coverage with extra tools and components for users who need more than everyday playback.
  • Installer style: Still straightforward to install, but better suited to users who understand they want the bigger toolkit.

Media Player Codec Pack Plus is the most complete edition, with additional encoders, advanced playback tools and FFmpeg-based recovery playback for users who want the broadest feature set.

It is designed for advanced playback setups, HTPC systems and users who want more flexibility than the Standard edition.

The format lists are representative highlights ordered by priority and recency. Many additional video, audio, subtitle, playlist and container formats are also supported.

Need help deciding first? Compare all three editions on the homepage, then come back here for the deeper component and format details.

Common and high-priority formats are shown below. Many additional video, audio, subtitle, playlist, codec and container formats are also supported.

Common compression types

  • AV1
  • HEVC / H.265
  • H.264 / AVC
  • VP9
  • APV
  • ProRes
  • VC-1
  • MPEG-4
  • MPEG-2
  • DivX
  • XviD

Raw codec stream examples

  • .av1
  • .hevc
  • .h265
  • .265
  • .h264
  • .264

Common video file types

  • .ivf
  • .nuv
  • .hdmov
  • .mk3d
  • .m2t
  • .apv
  • .prores
  • .bdmv
  • .m2ts
  • .mts
  • .evo
  • .mkv
  • .webm
  • .mp4
  • .m4v
  • .mov
  • .ts
  • .3gp
  • .3g2
  • .flv
  • .avi
  • .vob
  • .ogm
  • .ogv
  • .rm
  • .rmvb
  • .dv
  • .mxf

Common audio file types

  • .dsf
  • .dff
  • .eac3
  • .thd
  • .truehd
  • .mlp
  • .adts
  • .adt
  • .m4b
  • .wv
  • .shn
  • .tak
  • .tta
  • .spx
  • .mod
  • .it
  • .xm
  • .s3m
  • .m4a
  • .aac
  • .opus
  • .flac
  • .alac
  • .ac3
  • .dts
  • .ogg
  • .oga
  • .mka
  • .mp3
  • .wma
  • .wav
  • .ape
  • .ofr
  • .mpc
  • .aiff
  • .aif

Common playlist file examples

  • .m3u8
  • .m3u
  • .pls
  • .cue

Common subtitle file examples

  • .srt
  • .sub
  • .ssa
  • .ass
  • .vtt

Hardware detection details

  • Graphics card GPU detection can recommend known functional acceleration settings during installation for NVIDIA, AMD, ATI and Intel hardware, including dedicated and onboard GPUs.
  • Processor identification and thread detection can tune codecs to use the best number of threads within codec limits, with tablet and laptop recommendations available to improve performance and save power.

Resolution support

All resolutions including SD 480i and 480p, 576i and 576p, HD 720i and 720p, 1080i and 1080p, 4K Ultra HD and beyond.

This makes Plus a practical choice for everything from older SD content to modern HD and higher-resolution playback, depending on the edition.

Core codecs and decoders

  • CW-Surround decoding for Dolby Pro Logic, Pro Logic II and Pro Logic IIz.
  • CW-Lossless 1.1.1.0 for ALAC, FLAC, APE, PCM/WAV, HDCD, DSD and OptimFROG playback.
  • CW-Lossy 1.0.1.0 for MP3, AAC and Opus playback with frequency compensation.
  • CW-MOD 1.0.1.0 for OpenMPT-based tracker module playback.
  • LAV Video decoder 0.83 x86 and x64.
  • LAV 3D plugin 3.0 x86 and x64.

Playback, splitters and rendering tools

  • ffdshow DirectShow Video Codec 1.3.4533 x86 and x64.
  • XviD Video Encoder Codec 1.3.7 x86 and x64.
  • XviD MTK Video Encoder Codec 1.3.2 x86 and x64.
  • x264 Video Encoder Codec r44.2851 x86 and x64.
  • Lagarith Lossless Video Encoder 1.3.27 x86 and x64.
  • LAV Audio Decoder 0.83 x86 and x64.

Additional included components

  • LAME MP3 ACM Codec 4.0 x86.
  • AC3 ACM Codec 2.2.1.0 x86.
  • AAC ACM Codec 1.9.1.0 x86.
  • Haali Media Splitter and Decoder 1.13.138.44 x86 and x64 for MP4, MKV, OGM and AVI files.
  • LAV Splitter 0.83 x86 and x64.
  • AviSynth+ r2772 frame server x86 and x64.
  • madVR Video Renderer 0.92.17 x86 and x64.
  • xy-VSFilter 3.0.0.211 x86 and x64 for subtitle reading.
  • Icaros 3.3.6.0 x86 and x64.

Utilities included with Plus

  • Media Player Classic - FFmpeg 2.8.3 x64, an alternative player for troublesome files; Plus only.
  • CW-PlayBridge 1.0.1.0 for recovery playback in MPC Home Cinema.
  • MPC Home Cinema 2.8.4 x64, the pack’s integrated primary player.
  • Disc Handler for double-click playback on Blu-ray disc icons in Windows Explorer.
  • Codec Settings GUI for codec, graphics and sound settings.
  • Codec Settings UAC Manager for copying settings between users.
  • Video GPU/CPU Test Tool for testing real sample files with GPU or CPU playback.
  • Audio PCM/Dolby Test Tool for testing and calibrating multi-channel PCM analog output and Dolby Digital.
  • Power Tuning Tool for adjusting Windows power options for improved video/audio stability.
  • Update Checker that checks for updates.
  • Tray Menu for quick utility access and fast audio profile switching.
  • Optional hardware survey on the finish page; selected by default, with a local preview and an option to uncheck before finishing.

Helpful guides and setup links

After installing, these pages can help with Windows file association issues and common playback setup tasks.

Formats – video, audio, container and codec reference
Guide – Step-by-step Plus installation guide
Guide – How to set file associations in Windows 8.1 and 8
Guide – How to set file associations in Windows 11 and 10

Frequently asked questions

  • Who is Media Player Codec Pack Plus best for?

    Plus is for advanced users, HTPC owners, and anyone who wants the fullest codec pack with a broader set of components than the Standard edition.

  • Should I choose Plus or Standard?

    Choose Plus when you know you want the bigger toolkit and extra components. If you mostly want smooth everyday playback on a normal PC, Standard is usually the better pick.

  • Does Plus support common playback formats like MKV, MP4 and HEVC too?

    Yes. Plus still covers mainstream playback formats, but it goes further for users who want more flexibility and a larger install.

  • Is Plus still free?

    Yes. Plus is a free download with no registration required.

  • Will Plus be too much for an older PC?

    Possibly. On older or lower-power systems, Lite may be the better fit if you want a smaller install footprint.