Microsoft confirms that Windows 11 24H2 will not have AC-3 codec

On the support page for Codecs in Media Player, Microsoft confirms that starting from Windows 11 24H2, the AC-3 codec (Dolby Digital) is no longer included with Windows. However, the older version of Windows will still support AC-3 codec.

Here is what was written on the support page:

AC-3 is an audio codec that supports multi-channel (“surround sound”) audio. It’s also known as Dolby Digital.

On versions of Windows prior to Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is included.

Beginning with Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is no longer included with Windows. However, many device manufacturers will pre-install an AC-3 codec. In these cases, you will still be able to play files encoded with the AC-3 audio codec.

This means that after you install Windows 11 24H2 on your computer, you won’t be able to play old media content in the AC-3 codec, as the Media Player will not launch.

The document also mentioned that Microsoft will continue supporting other popular codecs, such as FLAC, AAC, M4A, ALAC, MP3, MP2, WAV, WMA, 3GP, 3G2, and AMR.

AC-3 codec is old, and popular media companies and streaming platforms have stopped using it, so Microsoft removed it.

The company has also provided a list of additional codec packs from the Microsoft Store, including MPEG-2 Video Extension, HEVC Video Extension, VP9 Video Extension, Web Media Extension, and AV1 Video Extension.

This is not the only feature not included in Windows 11 24H2; you will also not see WordPad, Steps Recorder, Cortana, and other legacy tools. If you have some old files that you want to play, you can always download a third-party app or convert them to another audio format.

Will you miss the support for AC-3 codec (Dolby Digital)? Share your views with our readers in the comments section below.