N versions: adding the Media Feature Pack

N versions of Windows are missing the media features. This is not a fault and not a shortcoming of your licence, but a separate edition for the European market. The missing components can be added afterwards free of charge – with the Media Feature Pack from Microsoft.

What is missing from an N version

Without the Media Feature Pack, the following components, among others, are not present:

• Windows Media Player
• The Windows Media Format libraries that many programs use for audio and video playback
• The Camera app and parts of voice recording
• Codecs for playing common audio and video formats

In practice you often only notice when another program starts with an error message. Video conferencing software, music programs and some games rely on these libraries.

Checking whether you have an N version

1. Open Settings with the Windows key and I.
2. Go to System → About.
3. Read the edition under Windows specifications. If there is an N after the name, for example Windows 11 Pro N, it is an N version.

Installing the Media Feature Pack

Since Windows 10 version 1909, the pack is no longer offered as a separate download but provided as an optional feature directly within Windows. This is the simplest and safest route:

1. Open Settings.
2. On Windows 11, go to System → Optional features; on Windows 10, to Apps → Optional features.
3. Click Add an optional feature or View features.
4. Type Media Feature Pack into the search box.
5. Tick the Media Feature Pack entry and click Next and then Install.
6. Wait until the progress is complete, then restart the computer. The restart is essential.

After the restart, Windows Media Player and the media libraries are available. You can check this using the search in the Start menu.

Using PowerShell

If you would rather avoid the interface, you can also add the pack in PowerShell with administrator rights. The command Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Media* lists the available media packages along with their status. You then install a package with the status NotPresent using Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name followed by the exact name from the list.

If something goes wrong

• The entry does not appear in the list: Install all outstanding Windows updates first. The list of optional features is refreshed when Windows updates.
• The installation stops: Check the internet connection. The pack is downloaded from the Microsoft servers. On company networks a WSUS server can block access.
• Programs still report missing codecs: The restart was probably skipped. Do it now.
• You do not have an N version but see similar errors: Then the Media Feature Pack is not the cause. Check the graphics drivers instead, and the system files with sfc /scannow.
• The pack is missing again after a major feature update: This happens occasionally. Simply repeat the installation through the optional features.

If you are unsure about your edition, or if the installation will not go through, you can reach us via the contact page.