How to Fix “You need a media feature pack” Error?

The error message You need a media feature pack appears when Windows cannot find the essential components required to play audio or video. This problem mostly occurs on N and KN editions of Windows, where these media technologies are intentionally excluded due to regional licensing laws. It may also show up after a Windows update that stripped out media features or a clean installation that didn’t include them.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If Windows Update is broken, it can’t fetch or apply new features like the Media Feature Pack. This troubleshooter fixes:

• Corrupted update cache
• Stuck update services
• Interrupted previous updates

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
   
2. Select Other troubleshooters.
   
3. Find Windows Update and click Run.
   
4. Apply the recommended fixes and restart if asked.
5. Go back to Windows Update and install any pending updates.
6. Try reinstalling the Media Feature Pack from Optional Features or the official Microsoft download link.

If you are still unable to install the media feature pack, check out our detailed guide on it. –> Unable to Install Windows Media Feature Pack? Fix it NOW!

2. Install Media Feature Pack Through Optional Features

This method works when Windows can properly detect that you’re running an N/KN edition. The Optional Features section lets you re-add everything that’s missing.

1. Open Settings > System > Optional features.
   
2. Click View features.
   
3. Search for Media Feature Pack and select it.
   
4. Click Next, then Install.
5. Restart your PC once done, and test media playback again.

3. Install the Media Feature Pack from Microsoft’s Website

If the pack isn’t showing in Optional Features, your Windows may not be identifying itself correctly. Installing manually ensures you get the exact version that matches your system.

1. Press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter.
   
2. Visit the official Media Feature Pack download page.
3. Find your Windows version (e.g. 22H2) in the list and download the matching pack.
   
4. Run the installer and follow the steps to complete setup.
5. Restart your system after installation and recheck media functions.

4. Install Media Feature Pack Using DISM

If all other methods fail, you can use DISM to directly install media capabilities via command line. This avoids issues with broken UI, corrupted feature lists or stuck services.

1. Right-click on Start and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
   
2. To install Windows Media Player, run:

   dism /online /add-capability /capabilityname:Media.WindowsMediaPlayer~~~~0.0.12.0

   

3. To install the full Media Feature Pack, use:

   dism /online /add-capability /capabilityname:Media.MediaFeaturePack~~~~0.0.1.0

   

4. Restart your system and verify if audio/video now work properly.