Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC) is a free, open-source media player for Windows built to be small, fast and low on system resource use, with an interface that echoes the classic Windows Media Player look. It plays most common video and audio formats using its bundled codecs (LAV Filters) without needing extra codec packs installed, and includes subtitle support and frame-accurate playback controls. Development of the original project was discontinued in 2017 and later revived by community contributors, who continue to maintain it as open-source software.
Why MPC-HC Is Still Used Despite Being "Classic"
MPC-HC's appeal is its minimal, low-overhead design: it starts instantly, uses very little memory, and plays back video with frame-accurate seeking useful for reviewing footage precisely. Because it bundles its own codecs, it plays most formats without extra installs, and its open-source nature means community contributors have kept it updated even after the original developer stepped away from the project.
Media Player Classic (MPC-HC) Features
- Built-In Codecs — plays most video and audio formats via bundled LAV Filters, no separate codec pack needed
- Low Resource Use — minimal memory and CPU footprint compared to many modern media players
- Frame-Accurate Seeking — steps through video frame by frame for precise playback control
- Subtitle Support — loads and renders external subtitle files with timing adjustment
- DVD Playback — plays DVD discs and ISO images directly
- Customizable Interface — toolbar, panels and keyboard shortcuts can be adjusted to preference
- Portable Option — can run without installation from a portable build
How to Install MPC-HC on Windows
- Open the official download page using the button on this page to get the installer from the current MPC-HC project site.
- Download the installer matching your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Run the installer and follow the setup prompts, choosing whether to associate common file types with MPC-HC.
- Launch MPC-HC and open a video or audio file to begin playback immediately.
- Adjust subtitle and output settings in Options if you need to change rendering or audio output devices.
Is Media Player Classic (MPC-HC) really free?
Open Source. Media Player Classic Home Cinema is free, open-source software with no paid tier, maintained by community contributors.
How to download Media Player Classic (MPC-HC) safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for mpc-hc.org — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Media Player Classic (MPC-HC). They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Media Player Classic (MPC-HC)
Other free media players software worth comparing before you decide:
VLC Media Player
A free, open-source player that plays virtually any format with no codecs needed.
PotPlayer
A free, feature-dense media player popular for its extensive filter and rendering options.
KMPlayer
A media player with wide built-in codec support for desktop and mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is MPC-HC still being developed?
The original project was discontinued in 2017; community-maintained forks have since continued development and releases.
Does MPC-HC need separate codecs installed?
No, it bundles LAV Filters internally, so it plays most common formats without extra codec packs.
Is MPC-HC free?
Yes, it is free, open-source software with no paid version.
Can MPC-HC play DVDs?
Yes, it can play DVD discs and DVD ISO images directly.
Is MPC-HC available for Mac or Linux?
No, MPC-HC is developed for Windows only.
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