The new AV1 codec isn't enabled by default. Here is how you are able to install AV1 codec in Windows 10 to allow AV1 video codec support.

AV1 codec is free and developed by Open Media as a successor towards the existing VP9 codec. Just like with VP9, AV1 codec is developed for the web use like online streaming media. When compared with libvpx-vp9, x264 high profile, and x264 main profile, AV1 codec achieved higher data compression while keeping the standard. Not that but unlike HEVC, AV1 codec is royalty-free. This only denotes that the creators do not have to be worried about unnecessary patent infringements.

Taking into consideration the open nature of the AV1 codec, Microsoft included support for AV1 codec in Windows 10. For videos encoded with AV1 codec to experience, you first need to install AV1 codec in Windows 10 and enable it. Without the AV1 codec, the built-in player cannot play AV1 encoded videos. You will notice the "This item was encoded in a format that isn't supported" 0xc00d5212 error. Installing the AV1 codec will fix the 0xc00d5212 error.

Thankfully, it is rather easy to install the AV1 codec in Windows 10. Allow me to show you how.

Steps to Install AV1 Codec in Windows 10

These are the steps you should follow to install the AV1 codec in Windows 10.

Go to the official AV1 codec store page and click on "Get".
If prompted, click the "Open Microsoft Store" button.
Within the Microsoft Store app, click on the "Get" button.
As soon as you click the button, the Store will download the AV1 codec and install it automatically.
Close the shop app.
Reboot Windows.

That is it. You've installed the AV1 codec in Windows 10. To verify if the codec is in working order, download AV1 codec encoded video and then try to listen to it using the Movies & TV app. When the app plays the video, you've succeeded in installing the AV1 codec. Do remember that some third-party media players like VLC have built-in support for AV1 codec.

Uninstall AV1 Codec from Windows 10

When the AV1 codec is causing problems or performance issues, you are able to uninstall it pretty easily.

Follow these steps to uninstall AV1 codec in Windows 10.

Open the Settings app (press Win + I).
Go to the "Apps" page.
Click on the "Apps & features" tab on the left panel.
On the right panel, click "AV1 Video Extension".
Click "Uninstall".
Click on the "Uninstall" within the flyout menu.
Close the Settings app.
Reboot Windows.

As soon as you click the Uninstall button, the AV1 codec will be uninstalled from the system. If you want to reinstall it, stick to the steps in the first section.