Microsoft confirms Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 ditches AC-3 codec (Dolby Digital)

Still obtained these audio recordsdata? You may not be capable of play AC-3 music in native Microsoft Windows apps anymore. Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 is not going to embody the well-known AC-3 codec, also referred to as Dolby Digital. However, some gadgets may nonetheless have the outdated codec if the producer contains it. This change doesn’t have an effect on third-party media gamers.

When you put in Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 and attempt to play outdated audio encoded within the AC-3 codec, Media Player is not going to open it. This contains Microsoft Windows 11’s fashionable Media Player and different in-built apps able to enjoying audio. By default, Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 will not embody the AC-3 codec, generally generally known as Dolby Digital.

As first noticed by Microsoft Windows Latest, Microsoft confirmed this modification in a assist doc quietly revealed earlier this week. The doc states that Microsoft Windows will proceed to assist widespread codecs resembling FLAC or ALAC, however the “AC-3 codec is no longer included with Microsoft Windows starting with version 24H2.”

“On versions of Microsoft Windows prior to Microsoft Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is included. Beginning with Microsoft Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is no longer included with Microsoft Windows,” Microsoft famous in a assist doc first noticed by Microsoft Windows Latest.

Microsoft additionally confirmed that some gadgets might proceed to ship with the AC-3 codec, however that’s solely when the producer chooses to preinstall it. For instance, if an OEM is an in depth accomplice of Dolby, it could preinstall an AC-3 codec.

When the AC-3 codec is added manually, you may nonetheless play recordsdata encoded with the AC-3 audio codec (Dolby Digital) in native apps.

AC-3 codec will nonetheless work by way of third-party apps like VLC and MPV on Microsoft Windows

AC-3 codec (Dolby Digital) debuted within the 90s and is being phased out, so this isn’t a stunning transfer. All streaming platforms and media firms have stopped using the codec when encoding latest media recordsdata.

However, you may nonetheless come throughout some actually outdated recordsdata encoded in AC-3 codec, as this codec as soon as used to carry a big presence within the audio market.

In that case, you received’t be capable of play the audio file using the native apps on Microsoft Windows 11, however you may all the time change to raised alternate options just like the open-source MPV participant.

Microsoft says it’s nonetheless dedicated to supporting widespread and fashionable codecs listed within the following desk:

The firm continues to supply some codecs by paid “packs” within the Store. These packs embody MPEG-2 Video Extension, HEVC Video Extension, VP9 Video Extension, AV1 Video Extension, and Web Media Extension.

Microsoft additionally clarified that it received’t take away assist for the AC-3 codec in older variations of Microsoft Windows.

In addition to AC-3 codec, Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 is about to take away Cortana, WordPad, Steps Recorder and several other different legacy companies. The updates will start rolling out on present PCs in September/October.