Windows 11 KB5037853 out with File Explorer features (direct download .msu)
Still got those audio files? You might not be able to play AC-3 music in native Windows apps anymore. Windows 11 24H2 will not include the famous AC-3 codec, also known as Dolby Digital. However, some devices might still have the old codec if the manufacturer includes it. This change does not affect third-party media players.
When you install Windows 11 24H2 and try to play old audio encoded in the AC-3 codec, Media Player will not open it. This includes Windows 11’s modern Media Player and other in-built apps capable of playing audio. By default, Windows 11 24H2 will no longer include the AC-3 codec, commonly known as Dolby Digital.
As first spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft confirmed this change in a support document quietly published earlier this week. The document states that Windows will continue to support popular codecs such as FLAC or ALAC, but the “AC-3 codec is no longer included with Windows starting with version 24H2.”
“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,” Microsoft noted in a support document first spotted by Windows Latest.
