Advanced Codecs for Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 16.5.0

Overview

For those who employ media players that rely on codecs in order to render multimedia files, the Win7codecs bundle (Windows 7 Codecs) is an absolute must-have. Although small, the Win7codecs package contains an extensive list that will enable you to make the most of your player. The number of multimedia file formats that you will be able to render is only limited by the actual player. All in all, this free codec package is quite versatile. But let us explore its uses and possibilities even further.

Installation

For a codec bundle of this magnitude, the actual size of the Win7codecs bundle is relatively low: 23 MB. Once you download the kit, the Win7codecs will first remove any other codec found on your operating system. This is a means of ensuring that no incompatibilities will cause the multimedia player to crash or function improperly. At this point it is worth noting that this codec bundle comes in 18 different languages, in order to account for the individual needs of users worldwide. Moreover, you will be glad to know that installing the Win7codecs bundle will not hinder the default Windows media player, nor will it attempt to modify its current settings in any way. Moreover, besides the large variety of formats it is able to decode proficiently, versatility of the codec bundle resides in the fact that it is able to exert its job equally well with all other players.

Interface

The interface of theWin7codecs bundle is clean and intuitive. In fact, this is actually a relief for most users who have had negative experiences with other codec packages in the past, due to the extremely complicated interfaces, with tons of strange settings. In the upper part of the settings window, you will notice the configuration and misc tabs, located next to the individual settings for particular file types. The help menu button ends the sequence of tabs. The central section of the window provides access to the actual setting options for the bundle and the individual file types in terms of the codec or codecs that should be employed for rendering. If you have made a mistake regarding a certain setting, you can easily revert to the default changes via the “Reset All” button in the lower left part of the screen. Moreover, you are able to use the suggested settings of the developer by clicking the check box located in the lower middle section of the window.

Pros

One of the most appreciated features of the Win7codecs is the fact that it does not make any file associations. Consequentially, you will be able to render certain file formats with the exact type of multimedia player you choose. At the same time, installing and uninstalling parts of, or the full bundle of codecs, is as easy as it gets. The codecs are fully optimized, thus running them will not put a lot of pressure on your system. In addition, this bundle is quite proficient in aiding any player render, even problematic file types like .mkv, .flac, .divx, or .rmvb. Not only that, but it comes with imbedded thumbnail view support. These qualities can only be topped by the fact that it comes free of charge and users are able to incorporate it within their own applications.

Cons

The Win7codecs package will not work for those who have changed the name for certain operating system files or have the Media Center Decoding Utility. The reason is that when the codecs are attaching themselves to the system, they are unable to access the necessary resources. However, in order to get the Win7codecs up and running all you need to do is revert the modifications and/or uninstall the MCDU. 

Alternatives

Whilst none of the following alternatives present the same exhaustive codec list as Win7codecs, you may want to try the Windows Media Player 9 Codec Pack or K-Lite Mega Codec Pack Full.

Conclusion

The Win7codecs bundle is an invaluable ally for any type of media player and has proven a lot of versatility in both working with the most popular and the most problematic file formats of today. The codec package comes free of charge and does not require specific players to run.