iCloud videos downloaded to Windows 10: audio only
when i download video files from icloud on my windows 10 laptop to my hard drive it only plays the audio not the video. All was working fine until last week
Windows, Windows 10 (19045)
Question marked as
This issue occurs because Windows 10 is no longer able to decode the video stream in iCloud-downloaded videos, even though the files themselves are intact. The videos download correctly, but when played back only the audio is heard while the video remains blank. This typically starts suddenly after a Windows update or an iCloud for Windows update, which can remove or break the required video codec support.
Most videos stored in iCloud are encoded using HEVC (H.265), and many newer videos also use HDR. Windows can play the audio portion of these files without issue, but it requires an additional codec to display the video. When that codec is missing or disabled, playback results in audio-only video files.
The most direct fix is to install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. On some systems this is available as a free version called HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, while others require the standard paid version. After installing the codec, restart the computer and try playing the videos again using the Windows Movies & TV app or another default player.
If you do not want to install codecs system-wide, using a media player with built-in decoders is an effective alternative. VLC Media Player can play HEVC and HDR videos without any additional setup. Simply open the downloaded video file in VLC and it should display correctly.
Another option is to convert the videos to a more universally supported format. Video conversion tools such as HandBrake can convert HEVC videos to H.264 (MP4), which Windows supports natively and is often easier to edit or archive.
If you are downloading videos directly from iCloud.com, look for a “Most Compatible” download option when available. This forces iCloud to provide an H.264 version instead of HEVC, which avoids the codec issue altogether.
In short, the videos are not damaged and do not need to be re-downloaded. The problem is caused by missing HEVC decoding support in Windows, and installing the codec or using VLC will fully restore video playback.