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Averdahl
Community Expert
AverdahlCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 30, 2024
Answered

No AC3 codec in Windows 11 24H2 - Solution is needed

  • May 30, 2024
  • 13 replies
  • 74249 views

If i do a clean install of Windows 11 24H2 i cannot playback mp4 files with 5.1 audio. Microsoft writes "Beginning with Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is no longer included with Windows." and no solution is available such as "Buy the AC3 codec in MS Store now!!".

 

To reporduce:

1. Do a clean install of Windows 11

2. Install Premiere Pro

3. Import a mp4 file with 5.1 audio.

 

Result:

The file will be imported as video-only.

 

Expected result:

That the file imports as Video/Audio and that i can playback the file and hear the 5.1 audio.

 

Additional info:

If you have upgraded from a prior version of Windows 11 to 24H2 the AC3 codec is included, so doing a clean install of Win 11 24H2 is vital to reproduce this.

 

I have a HP Z4 G5 workstation and none of the audio drivers for this machine do contain any AC3 codec that Premiere Pro can use.

 

Any solution from Adobe?

 

Microsoft document: Codecs in Media Player - Microsoft Support

    Correct answer Averdahl

    You can install the Dolby Digital codec. Read more here: Dolby Digital Plus Decoder for PC OEMs

     

    This will bring back the audio for you!

     

    quote

    We really hope that Microsoft, Adobe or even Canon will include the codec! I have about ten years of shooting and editing done in this format and I often have to recover past fragments. Shots taken with a Canon that I still use as a forklift. I did a clean install of Win11 two days ago and it took me half an afternoon to find out why I couldn't hear the audios anymore and the files in the premiere montages were no longer recognized. Tonight, guys, it's really hard to discover such a BETRAYAL.


    By @Fondazione_G_Bassetti

     

    13 replies

    Show previous replies
    MyerPj
    Community Expert
    MyerPjCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 10, 2024

    Upvoted, this could cause a real problem going forward.

      Averdahl
      Community Expert
      AverdahlCommunity ExpertAuthor
      Community Expert
      November 10, 2024

      Yes, i think this can be a problem as well and the solution needs to be provided by Adobe. Download install files from odd sites and installers that makes Windows throw warning messages during install is not the way to solve it 2024.

        Ann Bens
        Community Expert
        Ann BensCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        November 10, 2024

        I dont have mp4 with 5.1 audio but mts files with ac3 5.1 which play fine in the beta.

        ac3 stereo works just fine either.

        If I set the Preferences to Use File I get 6 mono tracks.

         

        I have media player, vlc and pot player installed.This is indeed an upgrade from an older W11 version

        I will check my laptop

         

        https://www.free-codecs.com/download/ac3_filter.htm

        We used to do this a long time ago or copy the ac3 codec from Encore?

        Averdahl
        Community Expert
        AverdahlCommunity ExpertAuthor
        Community Expert
        November 10, 2024

        How did you get Win 11 24H2, did you upgrade from let´s say 23H2 to 24H2 or did you wipe the disk and did a fresh install of 24H2? I saw now that you did an upgrade and that explain why it works for you.

        Ann Bens
        Community Expert
        Ann BensCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        November 10, 2024

        Or this one: http://www.vlccodec.com/

        Just checked its an upgrade from 23H2

        I will check my laptop which is a clean install. (needs charging first.)

        R
        Community Expert
        Richard M KnightCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        May 30, 2024

        It seems Windows 11 is dropping the Dolby Digital AC3 codec, does that mean the Premiere will not play videos with that audio?

        R
        RjL190365
        Legend
        May 31, 2024

        It will be dropped beginning with the next major feature update to Windows 11 (24H2). However, this affects only users who reinstall Windows 11 with the 24H2 installer using a clean install. Windows 11 users who upgrade to 24H2 from an older feature update of Windows 11 (such as the current 23H2 version) will still have the AC3 codec installed from that version of Windows.

         

        And yes, Premiere Pro relies solely on that Windows AC3 codec. So, if you perform a clean install of the upcoming 24H2 feature update and then you install Premiere Pro, then your videos with AC3 audio will import without audio.

        John T Smith
        Community Expert
        John T SmithCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        June 1, 2024

        I don't understand what Dolby is doing? Any idea. First it was out of PP, and now out of Windows? What will be the work around?


        I don't use ac3 but if I did I would go to google and enter

         

        dolby ac3 licensing

         

        To find out... since my GUESS is that dolby wants to sell individual licenses

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