: Installing a pack like the K-Lite Codec Pack or Media Player Codec Pack adds support for HEVC (and many other formats) to Windows Media Player and other DirectShow-based players. When to Convert Instead of Playing
If you prefer using built-in apps like or Photos , you need a system-wide codec.
Finding the "best" way to handle HEVC depends on whether you want to use built-in Windows apps or preferred third-party software.