H264 File Extension

What is H264 file?

File with H264 extension contains video data encoded using H.264 compression standard. Usually it is just a MP4 file. This format is frequently used by various specialized devices – digital cameras, high-resolution DVD recorders, etc. H.264 encoding standard was offically accepted in 2003 as ISO MPEG-4 part 10 standard and following the ITU-T naming convention designated as AVC - Advanced Video Coding.

H.264 codec allows encoding, or compressing, a video, but such file is usually saved in a defined container file, and thus H264 file do not follow a strictly-defined format. H264 file can be a RAW data encoded with H.264 and additional metadata, as well as MP4, AVI, or MKV movie containers that use the H.264 standard. H264 files can be opened using almost any media player or video editing software tools.

Programs which support H264 file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support H264 files. Files with H264 suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 11/23/2019

How to open file with H264 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening H264 files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with H264 files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with H264 files.

Step 1. Install Windows Media Player software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening H264 files is that no program that can handle H264 files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Windows Media Player or one to the listed programs: QuickTime Player, Creator NXT Pro, VideoStudio Pro. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Windows Media Player website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Windows Media Player and update if needed

You still cannot access H264 files although Windows Media Player is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Windows Media Player cannot handle files with H264 may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Windows Media Player.

Step 3. Assign Windows Media Player to H264 files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate H264 files with latest version of Windows Media Player you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the H264 file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Windows Media Player is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open H264 files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the H264 file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with H264 extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the H264 file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the H264 file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the H264 file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the H264 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. H264 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the H264 file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with H264 extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the H.264 Encoded Video Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Windows Media Player

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with H264 extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with H.264 Encoded Video Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle H264 files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the H264 file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on H264 file.