Microsoft rolls out new update for its Video universal app bringing native MKV file support to Windows 8.1. The company first brought MKV file support to Xbox One early this year, then the company announced that Windows 10 will natively support the open standard free container format too. Now Windows 8.1 gets the same native file support through the new built-in codec in the video app.
For those unfamiliar, MKV (Matroska Multimedia Container) is an open standard free container that is popularly use on high-definition videos. In particular MKV files are heavy popular on pirated copies of movies and TV shows through file sharing sites and Bit Torrent. Nevertheless, there are many legitimate reasons for Microsoft to add native support to Windows.
Up until now users had to install the codec or download a piece of software like VLC to play MKV files, but with the new video app update, Microsoft is pushing one more element to make the Windows experience more seamless between screens and versions of the operating system.
Although we are moving toward an online streaming video model instead of physical media or download model, having MKV natively supported in Windows adds another way for users to play and share video content without having to resource to third-party applications.
Keep in mind that Microsoft adding MKV support to Windows 8.1 does not necessarily mean that you can play every single video with the extension .mkv, as the support is limited to the codec and subtitle implementation. However, we can assume that it will improve in future updates.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].