Microsoft provides what is known as the Codec Installation Package. This package includes the MP4 codec for Windows Media Player along with many other commonly used codecs.

Obtaining the Official Codec Package from Microsoft

  1. First, go to www.microsoft.com, Downloads & Trials, then the Download Center.
  2. In the search box where it says “Search All Download Center” type in “codec” and press Enter.
  3. This will open up approximately 17 results. Select “Codec Installation Package for Windows Media Player 7.1 or later.” This codec package supports the current Windows Media Player 10 and 11.
  4. Note that a validation as a customer running a genuine version of Microsoft Windows is necessary.
  5. Validate and the files should be ready for download.
  6. Once the .exe file is downloaded, double click it to run it.
  7. It is recommended that users who are unfamiliar with the settings just click “Next” and install the basic setup.

Using the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack

Note that the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack is not an official release from Microsoft. However, it is a highly supported and a very frequently updated pack. In fact, a recent survey on a technology site showed just as many users using this pack as the official Microsoft pack.

  1. Go to http://www.free-codecs.com.
  2. At the left hand bar, there is a category called “Codec Packs.” Choose either the K-Lite or the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack as both will do the job.
  3. Click the big “Download the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack.”
  4. The website will give access to a page with many download links spread across multiple mirrors. No matter the server downloaded from, the files will be the same.
  5. Once the download is finished, run the .exe file by double clicking it.
  6. For non-experts, it is highly recommended to just install the recommended setup by clicking “Next.”