If you run on Windows, a lightweight codec pack like LAV Filters (the backbone of K-Lite’s “Basic” version) can ensure hardware-accelerated transcoding for exotic formats.
Just know what you’re installing—and more importantly, what you’re not installing along with it. media player codec pack
| Player | Built-in Codec Support | |--------|------------------------| | | Plays almost anything without external codecs (including damaged/incomplete files) | | MPC-HC (Media Player Classic Home Cinema) | Lightweight, includes modern decoders out of the box | | PotPlayer | Extensive built-in support, but proprietary | | MPV | Minimalist but highly capable | | Windows 11 Media Player / Films & TV | Supports HEVC, AV1, MKV, MP4 – though HEVC may require a $0.99 store purchase | If you run on Windows, a lightweight codec