The K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs, and tools. Codecs and DirectShow filters are needed for encoding and decoding audio and video formats. The K-Lite Codec Pack is designed as a user-friendly solution for playing all your audio and movie files. With the K-Lite Codec Pack you should be able to play all the popular audio and video formats and even several less common formats.
There are four variants of the K-Lite Codec Pack:
The basic variant contains everything you need to play all the common video file formats. Such as AVI, MKV, MP4, OGM, and FLV. This pack is for those who like a small no-nonsense pack. It is small, but powerful.
The standard variant contains a few additional features compared to the basic variant. It contains Media Player Classic, which is an excellent player for video files. This pack is recommended for the average user.
The full variant has some extras compared to the standard variant. It additionally contains GraphStudioNext, and a few extra DirectShow filters.
The mega variant is the most complete pack. It additionally contains VFW/ACM codecs for video encoding/editing.
For detailed tables with comparisons of the abilities and contents of the different variants of the codec pack, have a look at the comparison of abilities and comparison of contents pages.
Publisher’s description
What is K-Lite Codec Pack Basic?
K-Lite Codec Pack Basic is a free video player program for Windows from KLCP. It ranks 23rd by popularity among video players in this catalogue.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit and 32-bit as EXE (Inno Setup). The main installer is 22.8 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Updates and version history
The current version is 20.1.0, released on October 18, 2026. 81 versions are listed since February 12, 2021, each with links to its own installer files. That is about 14 releases a year. The last update is less than a month old.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 527,906 times. On Windows it registers 115 file types, including .webp, .mp3, .mp4, .wav and .ts. Similar programs include VLC media player, MPC-BE and QuickTime.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Documented silent install
- Frequent updates (about 14 a year)
- Opens 115 file types
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: K-Lite Codec Pack Basic is a free video player tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is K-Lite Codec Pack Basic safe to download?
- The file is served by files2.codecguide.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
9DF9F48A175EDE3D8EDF069CEFB1E53462A92C1E0BEC786C3649B119E928A9FC· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 81 versions ›81 versions over 6 years · about 14 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.1.0Latest | October 18, 2026 | 22.8 MB | 64-bit EXE (Inno Setup)32-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 20.0.5 | October 8, 2026 | 22.8 MB | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup)64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 20.0.0 | September 17, 2026 | 22.8 MB | 64-bit EXE (Inno Setup)32-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 19.9.5 | August 22, 2026 | 22.7 MB | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup)64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 19.9.0 | August 10, 2026 | 22.6 MB | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup)64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 19.8.5 | July 20, 2026 | 22.4 MB | 64-bit EXE (Inno Setup)32-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 19.8.2 | June 18, 2026 | 22.0 MB | 64-bit EXE (Inno Setup)32-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 19.8.0 | June 16, 2026 | 22.3 MB | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup)64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id CodecGuide.K-LiteCodecPack.Basic -echoco install k-litecodecpackbasic -yK-Lite_Codec_Pack_2010_Basic.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- KLCP
- Category
- Video players
- Licence
- Freeware
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (Inno Setup)
- Version
- 20.1.0
- Released
- October 18, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- October 25, 2021
- Versions listed
- 81
- Updates / year
- 14.3
- Chocolatey downloads
- 527,906
- Website
- codecguide.com
- winget ID
- CodecGuide.K-LiteCodecPack.Basic
- Chocolatey package
- k-litecodecpackbasic
File types it opens (115)
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to K-Lite Codec Pack Basic
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MPC-HC2.8.4MPC-HC is an extremely light-weight, open source media player for Windows. It supports all common video and audio file formats available for playback.Open source193.6K ↓ -
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Frequently asked questions
Is K-Lite Codec Pack Basic free?
Yes. K-Lite Codec Pack Basic is free to use.
Is K-Lite Codec Pack Basic safe to download?
The download comes from files2.codecguide.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install K-Lite Codec Pack Basic with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can K-Lite Codec Pack Basic be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does K-Lite Codec Pack Basic run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of K-Lite Codec Pack Basic?
The versions page lists all 81 versions with links to their official installer files, back to February 12, 2021.
What are alternatives to K-Lite Codec Pack Basic?
VLC media player, MPC-BE, QuickTime, MPC-HC and MPV (Official CI build, MSVC). The alternatives page compares them.
