Codecs.com News & Guides RSS Feed https://www.free-codecs.com Codecs.com RSS Feed https://www.free-codecs.com https://www.free-codecs.com/images/logo.png How to Play an M3U IPTV Playlist in VLC (and Stop the Buffering) https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-play-an-m3u-iptv-playlist-in-vlc.htm Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Turn the VLC you already have into an IPTV player - load M3U links, files and Xtream logins, then fix buffering and dead channels.

How to Play an M3U IPTV Playlist in VLC (and Stop the Buffering)

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]]> Microsoft's New Defender Update for Windows Install Images: Does Your USB Stick Need It? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/microsoft-s-new-defender-update-for-windows-install-images-does-your-usb-stick-need-it.htm Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Microsoft updated the Defender package for Windows install images - here is who needs it and what home users should do instead.

Microsoft's New Defender Update for Windows Install Images: Does Your USB Stick Need It?

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]]> Free Popular IPTV Playlist: Where to Get Fresh, Legal M3U Links in 2026 https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/free-popular-iptv-playlist.htm Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 A no-nonsense guide to the most reliable free and legal IPTV playlist sources, with fresh M3U links by country and category and a quick way to test them before you watch.

Free Popular IPTV Playlist: Where to Get Fresh, Legal M3U Links in 2026

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]]> Google Bans Android TV Box Maker Over Malware on 1.3 Million Boxes - Is Yours One of Them? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/google-bans-android-tv-box-maker-over-malware-on-1-3-million-boxes-is-yours-one-of-them.htm Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Google banned Android TV box maker Videostrong over factory-installed malware - how to tell if your Mecool or no-name box is affected.

Google Bans Android TV Box Maker Over Malware on 1.3 Million Boxes - Is Yours One of Them?

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]]> Data Centers Next Door: Why Neighbors Are Saying No https://www.free-codecs.com/news/data-centers-next-door-why-neighbors-are-saying-no.htm Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 A new database of 10,000+ public comments finds most local speakers oppose data centers - here is what it shows and what it leaves out.

Data Centers Next Door: Why Neighbors Are Saying No

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]]> MakeMKV Beta Key November 2026 https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-use-makemkv-for-free.htm Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 The current MakeMKV beta key, how long it lasts, and what to do on the day it stops working.

MakeMKV Beta Key November 2026

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]]> The End of Unlimited AI: Grok, ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini Now Ration Your Usage https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-end-of-unlimited-ai-grok-chatgpt-copilot-and-gemini-now-ration-your-usage.htm Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Paid AI plans now come with usage meters - here is what Grok, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Claude changed and how to check your limit.

The End of Unlimited AI: Grok, ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini Now Ration Your Usage

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]]> France Votes a Tax on Every Gigabyte - Why VLC Says It Could Cost 1 Million Euros a Year https://www.free-codecs.com/news/france-votes-a-tax-on-every-gigabyte-why-vlc-says-it-could-cost-1-million-euros-a-year.htm Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 France voted a 5.5 cent tax on every gigabyte big online services send - why the makers of VLC are worried and what it means for you.

France Votes a Tax on Every Gigabyte - Why VLC Says It Could Cost 1 Million Euros a Year

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]]> Windows 11 Boots on 128MB of RAM - Can Your Old PC Run It Too? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-boots-on-128mb-of-ram-can-your-old-pc-run-it-too.htm Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 26H2 just booted on 128MB of RAM - here is what Pico11 is and how to slim Windows 11 on your own PC today.

Windows 11 Boots on 128MB of RAM - Can Your Old PC Run It Too?

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]]> HDR Video Looks Washed Out on Your PC? How to Fix It https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/hdr-video-looks-washed-out-on-your-pc-how-to-fix-it.htm Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Why 4K HDR films look grey and flat on Windows, and the free player and Windows settings that make them look right on any screen.

HDR Video Looks Washed Out on Your PC? How to Fix It

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]]> Rufus 4.16 Beta Fixes a Bug on Millions of PCs and Brings Back the Old Right-Click Menu https://www.free-codecs.com/news/rufus-4-16-beta-fixes-a-bug-on-millions-of-pcs-and-brings-back-the-old-right-click-menu.htm Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Rufus 4.16 Beta works around an AMI firmware bug on millions of PCs and can restore Windows 11's classic right-click menu.

Rufus 4.16 Beta Fixes a Bug on Millions of PCs and Brings Back the Old Right-Click Menu

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]]> Dutch Broadcasters Demand an Illegal IPTV Crackdown - What It Means for Viewers in the Netherlands https://www.free-codecs.com/news/dutch-broadcasters-demand-an-illegal-iptv-crackdown-what-it-means-for-viewers-in-the-netherlands.htm Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Dutch broadcasters want police to go after illegal IPTV sellers - what it means for viewers and the legal alternatives.

Dutch Broadcasters Demand an Illegal IPTV Crackdown - What It Means for Viewers in the Netherlands

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]]> Intel or Apple Silicon? How to Check Your Mac's Chip Before You Download https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/intel-or-apple-silicon-how-to-check-your-mac-s-chip-before-you-download.htm Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Not sure whether to download the Intel or Apple Silicon version of a Mac app? Check your Mac's chip in seconds and pick the right file.

Intel or Apple Silicon? How to Check Your Mac's Chip Before You Download

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]]> Android Apps Are Back in Windows 11 Search - Streamed From Your Phone, Not Installed https://www.free-codecs.com/news/android-apps-are-back-in-windows-11-search-streamed-from-your-phone-not-installed.htm Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 Search can open your Android phone's apps through Phone Link - which phones work and how to set it up today.

Android Apps Are Back in Windows 11 Search - Streamed From Your Phone, Not Installed

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]]> Windows Sales Drop 27% as Windows 10 Holdouts Stay Put - Is It Still Safe to Wait? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-sales-drop-27-as-windows-10-holdouts-stay-put-is-it-still-safe-to-wait.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows sales fell 27% as Windows 10 holdouts stay put - how to check you still get free security updates until October 2027.

Windows Sales Drop 27% as Windows 10 Holdouts Stay Put - Is It Still Safe to Wait?

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]]> Can You Really Get Windows 11 for Free? 5 Legal Methods That Actually Work https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/can-you-really-get-windows-11-for-free-5-legal-methods-that-actually-work.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Get genuine Windows 11 without spending a dime through these verified free methods that Microsoft officially supports.

Can You Really Get Windows 11 for Free? 5 Legal Methods That Actually Work

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]]> Free EPG URLs for IPTV: TV Guide Links That Still Work https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/free-epg-urls-for-iptv-tv-guide-links-that-still-work.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Free TV guide links that fill in an empty IPTV channel grid, sorted by country and streaming service, tested this month, with the TiviMate and Kodi steps.

Free EPG URLs for IPTV: TV Guide Links That Still Work

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]]> GoPro, DJI or Insta360 Videos Won't Play on Windows? How to Fix It https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/gopro-dji-or-insta360-videos-won-t-play-on-windows-how-to-fix-it.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Black screen or choppy GoPro and DJI clips on Windows, fixed with a free decoder, a driver check or a quick convert, plus what to do with Insta360 files.

GoPro, DJI or Insta360 Videos Won't Play on Windows? How to Fix It

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]]> Nvidia's Free AI Transcriber Is Out - How to Make Subtitles on Your PC Today https://www.free-codecs.com/news/nvidia-s-free-ai-transcriber-is-out-how-to-make-subtitles-on-your-pc-today.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Nvidia's new free speech-to-text model explained, plus the free way to make AI subtitles for your own videos on a Windows PC today.

Nvidia's Free AI Transcriber Is Out - How to Make Subtitles on Your PC Today

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]]> How to Configure MPC Video Renderer for High-Quality Video Playback https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/a_step-by-step_guide_on_how_to_use_mpc_video_renderer.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Set up MPC Video Renderer with MPC-BE for sharp, HDR-ready, low-CPU playback - the free, open-source alternative to madVR.

How to Configure MPC Video Renderer for High-Quality Video Playback

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]]> 0xc00d5212 'Encoded in a Format That's Not Supported' - The Free Fix for Windows https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/0xc00d5212-encoded-in-a-format-that-s-not-supported-the-free-fix-for-windows.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Fixes the 0xc00d5212 'format not supported' error in Media Player and Photos by finding the missing decoder and installing the free one.

0xc00d5212 'Encoded in a Format That's Not Supported' - The Free Fix for Windows

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]]> Windows 11's New Right-Click Menu Is Out - How to Get It and Where 7-Zip Went https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-new-right-click-menu-is-out-how-to-get-it-and-where-7-zip-went.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's customizable right-click menu is rolling out now - how to get it, set it up and bring back missing 7-Zip and VLC entries.

Windows 11's New Right-Click Menu Is Out - How to Get It and Where 7-Zip Went

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]]> PhotoCraft 0.17: 17 Versions in 4 Weeks - How Close Is It to Photoshop Now? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/photocraft-0-17-17-versions-in-4-weeks-how-close-is-it-to-photoshop-now.htm Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Four weeks and 17 versions in, free PhotoCraft adds its first AI tools - here is how close it really is to Photoshop and who should try it now.

PhotoCraft 0.17: 17 Versions in 4 Weeks - How Close Is It to Photoshop Now?

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]]> HEVC Not Working on a Dell or HP Laptop? How to Check and Still Play Your Videos https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/hevc-not-working-on-a-dell-or-hp-laptop-how-to-check-and-still-play-your-videos.htm Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Why H.265 video stalls on some Dell and HP business laptops, how to confirm the decoder was switched off, and the free ways to play your files anyway.

HEVC Not Working on a Dell or HP Laptop? How to Check and Still Play Your Videos

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]]> Windows 11 Search Can Finally Drop Bing - How to Turn Off Web Results https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-search-can-finally-drop-bing-how-to-turn-off-web-results.htm Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 Search can now skip Bing entirely - how to switch off web results, what you lose and why the toggle may not show up yet.

Windows 11 Search Can Finally Drop Bing - How to Turn Off Web Results

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]]> Facebook Now Uses AI to Pull Pirate Sports Streams Mid-Match - What It Means for You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/facebook-now-uses-ai-to-pull-pirate-sports-streams-mid-match-what-it-means-for-you.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Meta says Facebook now spots and removes pirate sports streams while they are live - here is what changes for viewers and where to watch legally.

Facebook Now Uses AI to Pull Pirate Sports Streams Mid-Match - What It Means for You

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]]> Windows 11 26H2 Now Out for Everyone - Not Showing Up? Here's the Fix https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-26h2-now-out-for-everyone-not-showing-up-here-s-the-fix.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 26H2 is now out for every eligible PC - here is why yours may still not see it and how to fix that.

Windows 11 26H2 Now Out for Everyone - Not Showing Up? Here's the Fix

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]]> Your TikTok Data Is a Weapon: Censorship Claims and What the App Now Collects https://www.free-codecs.com/news/your-tiktok-data-is-a-weapon.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 What changed under TikTok's new US owners - the censorship claims, the new data it collects on you, and the ARTE documentary that saw it coming.

Your TikTok Data Is a Weapon: Censorship Claims and What the App Now Collects

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]]> Windows 11 Finally Lets You Customize the Right-Click Menu - Here's What's Coming https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-finally-lets-you-customize-the-right-click-menu-here-s-what-s-coming.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's right-click menu is getting a redesign you control, along with new Start menu sizes and phone controls in Quick Settings.

Windows 11 Finally Lets You Customize the Right-Click Menu - Here's What's Coming

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]]> Streamed Shuts Down - Why Free Sports Streams Stopped Working on Dozens of Sites https://www.free-codecs.com/news/streamed-shuts-down-why-free-sports-streams-stopped-working-on-dozens-of-sites.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Streamed, the hidden player behind dozens of free sports streaming sites, has shut down - why your streams stopped and where to watch legally instead.

Streamed Shuts Down - Why Free Sports Streams Stopped Working on Dozens of Sites

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]]> Canva Craft: Free AI Images in Canva - and No, It's Not PhotoCraft https://www.free-codecs.com/news/canva-craft-free-ai-images-in-canva-and-no-it-s-not-photocraft.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Canva's first home-made AI image model, Craft, is free to try in Dream Lab - here's how to use it and how it differs from the PhotoCraft editor.

Canva Craft: Free AI Images in Canva - and No, It's Not PhotoCraft

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]]> How to Remove Unwanted Objects From Photos on Windows 11 for Free https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-remove-unwanted-objects-from-photos-on-windows-11-for-free.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 The free Photos app in Windows 11 can erase people and objects from your pictures - here is how to do it today and what the new editor adds.

How to Remove Unwanted Objects From Photos on Windows 11 for Free

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]]> The New Microsoft Photos Skips Windows 10 - Why Yours Still Works https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-new-microsoft-photos-skips-windows-10-why-yours-still-works.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Photos becomes Photo Viewer plus a new gallery on Windows 11, while Windows 10 keeps the old app - what we found inside the new package.

The New Microsoft Photos Skips Windows 10 - Why Yours Still Works

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]]> Phone Videos Won't Play on Your PC? The Free Fix for iPhone, Samsung and Pixel https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/phone-videos-won-t-play-on-your-pc-the-free-fix-for-iphone-samsung-and-pixel.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Why videos from an iPhone, Samsung or Pixel open with sound but no picture on a Windows PC, and the free two-minute fix that makes them play.

Phone Videos Won't Play on Your PC? The Free Fix for iPhone, Samsung and Pixel

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]]> Windows 11's Photos App Can Finally Open SVG Files - How to View Them Today https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-photos-app-can-finally-open-svg-files-how-to-view-them-today.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's redesigned Photos viewer can open SVG images at last - here is what it fixes, what it doesn't, and how to view SVG files today.

Windows 11's Photos App Can Finally Open SVG Files - How to View Them Today

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]]> Arc Browser Shuts Down on December 22 - How to Save Your Tabs and Where to Switch on Windows https://www.free-codecs.com/news/arc-browser-shuts-down-on-december-22-how-to-save-your-tabs-and-where-to-switch-on-windows.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Arc stops working on Windows and Mac on December 22 - here is how to save your tabs and passwords and which free browser to move to.

Arc Browser Shuts Down on December 22 - How to Save Your Tabs and Where to Switch on Windows

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]]> How to Stream Videos with MPC-HC https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how_to_stream_videos_with_mpc-hc.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Enrich your media experience by streaming and downloading online videos directly through MPC-HC.

How to Stream Videos with MPC-HC

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]]> Codec Is Not Supported on Android or Samsung? How to Fix It https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-fix-codec-is-not-supported.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Why Android and Samsung phones show 'codec is not supported', and four free fixes - from switching to VLC to adding the MX Player custom codec.

Codec Is Not Supported on Android or Samsung? How to Fix It

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]]> PowerToys 0.102: Lock a Mouse Button and Hide the Cursor While You Type https://www.free-codecs.com/news/powertoys-0-102-lock-a-mouse-button-and-hide-the-cursor-while-you-type.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Microsoft's free PowerToys 0.102 adds two new mouse tools - one holds a button down for you, the other hides the pointer while you type.

PowerToys 0.102: Lock a Mouse Button and Hide the Cursor While You Type

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]]> iPhone Photos Finally Open in Windows 11 Photos With Nothing Extra to Install https://www.free-codecs.com/news/iphone-photos-finally-open-in-windows-11-photos-with-nothing-extra-to-install.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's rebuilt Photos app opens iPhone HEIC photos with nothing extra to install - here is when it arrives and what still needs the free extensions.

iPhone Photos Finally Open in Windows 11 Photos With Nothing Extra to Install

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]]> DOCX or ODT? LibreOffice's Attack on Microsoft's File Format, and Which One You Should Use https://www.free-codecs.com/news/docx-or-odt-libreoffice-s-attack-on-microsoft-s-file-format-and-which-one-you-should-use.htm Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 LibreOffice's backers say Microsoft gamed the vote that made DOCX an official standard - here is what that means for the files you save.

DOCX or ODT? LibreOffice's Attack on Microsoft's File Format, and Which One You Should Use

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]]> AV2 Is Coming to YouTube and Chrome - Will Your PC Play It? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/av2-is-coming-to-youtube-and-chrome-will-your-pc-play-it.htm Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 YouTube plans to stream AV2 video on the web from early 2027 - here is what the new codec changes and whether your PC will be able to play it.

AV2 Is Coming to YouTube and Chrome - Will Your PC Play It?

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]]> Windows 11 Gets a Built-In Internet Speed Test https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-gets-a-built-in-internet-speed-test.htm Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Windows 11 is getting a built-in internet speed test - here is how to use it to find out whether your connection is why your streams keep buffering.

Windows 11 Gets a Built-In Internet Speed Test

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]]> Ultra IPTV and Mega IPTV Shut Down in Chile - What 400,000 Subscribers Need to Know https://www.free-codecs.com/news/ultra-iptv-and-mega-iptv-shut-down-in-chile-what-400-000-subscribers-need-to-know.htm Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Chile has blocked Ultra IPTV and Mega IPTV and arrested 16 people - here is what it means for subscribers and how to keep watching TV legally.

Ultra IPTV and Mega IPTV Shut Down in Chile - What 400,000 Subscribers Need to Know

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]]> Spotify Family Plan QR Code Check: How It Works and What Happens If You Miss It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/spotify-family-plan-qr-code-check-how-it-works-and-what-happens-if-you-miss-it.htm Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Spotify now asks some Family plan members to prove they live together with a QR code scan - here is how it works and what to do if it fails.

Spotify Family Plan QR Code Check: How It Works and What Happens If You Miss It

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]]> Sony's Last 4K Blu-ray Player Is Gone - What Disc Owners Can Do Now https://www.free-codecs.com/news/sony-s-last-4k-blu-ray-player-is-gone-what-disc-owners-can-do-now.htm Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Sony has stopped selling its last 4K Blu-ray player - here is what that means for your disc collection and how to keep watching on a Windows PC.

Sony's Last 4K Blu-ray Player Is Gone - What Disc Owners Can Do Now

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]]> Chrome Can Now Check What You Copy - What Gets Sent to Google and How to Turn It Off https://www.free-codecs.com/news/chrome-can-now-check-what-you-copy-what-gets-sent-to-google-and-how-to-turn-it-off.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Chrome now checks suspicious commands you copy to stop fake-fix scams - here is what it sends to Google and how to switch it off.

Chrome Can Now Check What You Copy - What Gets Sent to Google and How to Turn It Off

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]]> Microsoft Edge Will Soon Merge PDFs and Rearrange Pages for Free - What to Use Until Then https://www.free-codecs.com/news/microsoft-edge-will-soon-merge-pdfs-and-rearrange-pages-for-free-what-to-use-until-then.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft Edge is getting built-in tools to merge PDFs and rearrange pages - here is what is coming and what to use until it lands.

Microsoft Edge Will Soon Merge PDFs and Rearrange Pages for Free - What to Use Until Then

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]]> How to Convert EAC3 Audio to AC3 or AAC With XMedia Recode https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-convert-eac3-audio.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 EAC3 track will not play on your TV or phone? Convert it to AC3 or AAC free with XMedia Recode, keeping the video untouched so it takes minutes, not hours.

How to Convert EAC3 Audio to AC3 or AAC With XMedia Recode

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]]> Copy Text From Any Picture on Windows 11 - The Built-In Way and 3 Free Tools https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/copy-text-from-any-picture-on-windows-11-the-built-in-way-and-3-free-tools.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Four free ways to copy text from pictures, screenshots and scans on Windows 11, from the built-in Snipping Tool to batch tools.

Copy Text From Any Picture on Windows 11 - The Built-In Way and 3 Free Tools

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]]> Is Your Plex Server Mining Crypto for Hackers? How to Check and Fix It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/is-your-plex-server-mining-crypto-for-hackers-how-to-check-and-fix-it.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Attackers are turning unpatched Plex servers into crypto miners - here is how to tell if yours is one and how to fix it.

Is Your Plex Server Mining Crypto for Hackers? How to Check and Fix It

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]]> Windows 11 Is Dropping 8 Copilot Actions From File Explorer - Here's What to Use Instead https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-is-dropping-8-copilot-actions-from-file-explorer-here-s-what-to-use-instead.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft is removing eight Copilot shortcuts from the File Explorer right-click menu - here is what goes, what stays and the free tools that fill the gap.

Windows 11 Is Dropping 8 Copilot Actions From File Explorer - Here's What to Use Instead

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]]> JustWatch TV Is Here: What's Free, What It Costs and Is the Lifetime Deal Worth It? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/justwatch-tv-is-here-what-s-free-what-it-costs-and-is-the-lifetime-deal-worth-it.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 JustWatch, the app that tells you where to stream, now streams films itself - here is what is free, what costs money and whether the lifetime deal pays off.

JustWatch TV Is Here: What's Free, What It Costs and Is the Lifetime Deal Worth It?

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]]> Is MovieBox Safe? What 300 Million Downloads Don't Tell You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/is-moviebox-safe-what-300-million-downloads-don-t-tell-you.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 MovieBox just passed 300 million downloads - here is what we could and could not verify about its safety, and the free legal apps that do the same job.

Is MovieBox Safe? What 300 Million Downloads Don't Tell You

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]]> How to Put Comics and Manga on a Kindle Colorsoft (Full Screen, in Color) https://www.free-codecs.com/news/how-to-put-comics-and-manga-on-a-kindle-colorsoft.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Turn CBZ, CBR and PDF comics into full-screen, full-color books for the Kindle Colorsoft with a free converter and a USB cable.

How to Put Comics and Manga on a Kindle Colorsoft (Full Screen, in Color)

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]]> Can You Get in Trouble for Using a Dodgy Firestick in the UK? What the Crackdown Means for Viewers https://www.free-codecs.com/news/can-you-get-in-trouble-for-using-a-dodgy-firestick-in-the-uk-what-the-crackdown-means-for-viewers.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The UK is jailing illegal IPTV sellers and sending letters to buyers - here is the real risk for viewers and the legal ways to watch sport instead.

Can You Get in Trouble for Using a Dodgy Firestick in the UK? What the Crackdown Means for Viewers

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]]> Windows 11's Bing Wallpaper App Now Opens Bing When You Click Your Desktop https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-bing-wallpaper-app-now-opens-bing-when-you-click-your-desktop.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app now opens Bing when you click the desktop - here is how to stop it and still get a fresh wallpaper every day.

Windows 11's Bing Wallpaper App Now Opens Bing When You Click Your Desktop

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]]> Windows 11's New Photos App Opens HEIC Faster - If Your PC Can Open HEIC at All https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-new-photos-app-opens-heic-faster-if-your-pc-can-open-heic-at-all.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The redesigned Windows 11 Photos app is faster, edits HEIC and WebP and adds iCloud - here is what changes and how to make HEIC photos open.

Windows 11's New Photos App Opens HEIC Faster - If Your PC Can Open HEIC at All

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]]> Winamp at 29: From Llama to Legacy Player, and What Comes Next https://www.free-codecs.com/news/winamp-at-29-from-llama-to-legacy-player-and-what-comes-next.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The player that taught a generation to keep their own music files is relaunching as a streaming service - here is how Winamp got here and what it means for you.

Winamp at 29: From Llama to Legacy Player, and What Comes Next

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]]> Kaleido 4 Makes Color E-Readers Better. Should You Buy Now or Wait? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/kaleido-4-makes-color-e-readers-better-should-you-buy-now-or-wait.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 E Ink's new Kaleido 4 color screen explained in plain words, plus a clear answer on whether to buy a color e-reader now or wait for it.

Kaleido 4 Makes Color E-Readers Better. Should You Buy Now or Wait?

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]]> Google Now Asks Edge Users to Switch to Chrome on Windows 11 - Should You? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/google-now-asks-edge-users-to-switch-to-chrome-on-windows-11-should-you.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Google is nudging Edge users toward Chrome with a new pop-up - here is what it does and how to pick the browser that suits you.

Google Now Asks Edge Users to Switch to Chrome on Windows 11 - Should You?

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]]> No 4K or HDR on Disney+ Premium? Why It Happened and How to Get Money Back https://www.free-codecs.com/news/no-4k-or-hdr-on-disney-premium-why-it-happened-and-how-to-get-money-back.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 A codec patent fight switched off 4K and HDR for Disney+ Premium in 11 EU countries - which devices got 4K back and how to ask for money back.

No 4K or HDR on Disney+ Premium? Why It Happened and How to Get Money Back

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]]> Broadcasters Want Your VPN to Block Pirate IPTV. What It Means for You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/broadcasters-want-your-vpn-to-block-pirate-iptv-what-it-means-for-you.htm Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Courts and lawmakers want VPNs to block pirate sports streams - here is where France, Spain and the US stand and what changes for ordinary users.

Broadcasters Want Your VPN to Block Pirate IPTV. What It Means for You

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]]> All Five Ice Age Movies Hit Netflix for Three Months Before Ice Age 6 https://www.free-codecs.com/news/all-five-ice-age-movies-hit-netflix-for-three-months-before-ice-age-6.htm Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The five Ice Age movies are on Netflix for a limited time - here is when they leave, what is included and when Ice Age: Boiling Point arrives.

All Five Ice Age Movies Hit Netflix for Three Months Before Ice Age 6

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]]> Nvidia Broadcast 2.3 Can Now Upscale Your Old Videos to 4K - Here's the Catch https://www.free-codecs.com/news/nvidia-broadcast-2-3-can-now-upscale-your-old-videos-to-4k-here-s-the-catch.htm Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Nvidia Broadcast 2.3 can now upscale and smooth recorded videos on RTX PCs - here is what works and how to get your files accepted.

Nvidia Broadcast 2.3 Can Now Upscale Your Old Videos to 4K - Here's the Catch

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]]> Microsoft Defender Now Covers Linux Desktops - Just Not for Home Users https://www.free-codecs.com/news/microsoft-defender-now-covers-linux-desktops-just-not-for-home-users.htm Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft Defender has reached Linux desktops, but only for businesses - here is what it covers and what home Linux users can use instead.

Microsoft Defender Now Covers Linux Desktops - Just Not for Home Users

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]]> FilmCraft Wrote Its Own Video Codecs - Here's What It Can't Play https://www.free-codecs.com/news/filmcraft-wrote-its-own-video-codecs-here-s-what-it-can-t-play.htm Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 FilmCraft 0.8 reads HEVC, AV1 and ProRes with its own homemade decoders instead of FFmpeg - here is what plays, what fails and how to fix it.

FilmCraft Wrote Its Own Video Codecs - Here's What It Can't Play

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]]> The New Apple TV 4K Still Can't Run TiviMate - Here's What IPTV Users Get Instead https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-new-apple-tv-4k-still-can-t-run-tivimate-here-s-what-iptv-users-get-instead.htm Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The new Apple TV 4K is a great IPTV box with one catch - TiviMate is still Android-only, so here is what to run instead.

The New Apple TV 4K Still Can't Run TiviMate - Here's What IPTV Users Get Instead

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]]> Tiny11 Builder Is Now a Real App - Make Your Own Slim Windows 11 26H2 https://www.free-codecs.com/news/tiny11-builder-is-now-a-real-app-make-your-own-slim-windows.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The new Tiny11 Builder app turns an official Windows 11 26H2 ISO into a slimmer one - here is what it strips and how to use it safely.

Tiny11 Builder Is Now a Real App - Make Your Own Slim Windows 11 26H2

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]]> Windows 11 24H2 Gets Its Last Update - It Fixes Dolby Audio, Then You're on Your Own https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-24h2-gets-its-last-update-it-fixes-dolby-audio-then-you-re-on-your-own.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The last-ever 24H2 update fixes the Dolby Digital crash - here is what it changes and how to get off 24H2 in one restart.

Windows 11 24H2 Gets Its Last Update - It Fixes Dolby Audio, Then You're on Your Own

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]]> How to Make a Windows 11 Bootable USB: Media Creation Tool vs Rufus https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-make-a-windows-11-bootable-usb-media-creation-tool-vs-rufus.htm Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Two free ways to make a Windows 11 install USB, which one suits your PC, and how to boot from the stick once it is ready.

How to Make a Windows 11 Bootable USB: Media Creation Tool vs Rufus

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]]> How to Tell If a Download Is Safe (Even When the Link Looks Real) https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-tell-if-a-download-is-safe.htm Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Five free checks on the file itself - name, signer and fingerprint - that catch a swapped installer even when the download link looked genuine.

How to Tell If a Download Is Safe (Even When the Link Looks Real)

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]]> AI Copied Photoshop in Days. Finishing It Is the Hard Part https://www.free-codecs.com/news/ai-copied-photoshop-in-days-finishing-it-is-the-hard-part.htm Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 AI copied twelve famous programs in two weeks - what that means for the apps you pay for, why free rivals still lose, and how to trust a download.

AI Copied Photoshop in Days. Finishing It Is the Hard Part

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]]> Install a Leaner Windows 11 With Rufus - No OneDrive, Copilot or Ads https://www.free-codecs.com/news/install-a-leaner-windows-11-with-rufus-no-onedrive-copilot-or-ads.htm Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 A Windows 11 26H2 PC idling at 2.5GB of RAM went viral - here is what the Rufus trick really does and how to try it.

Install a Leaner Windows 11 With Rufus - No OneDrive, Copilot or Ads

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]]> Kodi Finally Runs Natively on Windows ARM Laptops - Kodi 22 RC1 Is Out https://www.free-codecs.com/news/kodi-finally-runs-natively-on-windows-arm-laptops.htm Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Kodi finally runs natively on Windows ARM laptops - here is what Kodi 22 RC1 changes and whether to try it yet.

Kodi Finally Runs Natively on Windows ARM Laptops - Kodi 22 RC1 Is Out

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]]> MPC-HC 2.8.3 Gets a Windows 11 Makeover - Here's How to Turn It On https://www.free-codecs.com/news/mpc-hc-2-8-3-gets-a-windows-11-makeover-here-s-how-to-turn-it-on.htm Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 MPC-HC 2.8.3 gives the free media player a Windows 11 look, and here is how to switch it on.

MPC-HC 2.8.3 Gets a Windows 11 Makeover - Here's How to Turn It On

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]]> JPEG XL Is Back in Chrome: What It Means and How to Open JXL Files https://www.free-codecs.com/news/jpeg-xl-is-back-in-chrome-what-it-means-and-how-to-open-jxl-files.htm Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Chrome 155 brings back JPEG XL images by default - what the format does better, which browsers show it, and how to open .jxl files on Windows.

JPEG XL Is Back in Chrome: What It Means and How to Open JXL Files

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]]> Free M3U Playlist for TiviMate: Legal Lists That Load Cleanly https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/free-m3u-playlist-for-tivimate-legal-lists-that-load-cleanly.htm Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Free M3U playlists that load cleanly in TiviMate, how to add one so it keeps itself fresh, and why the free version only holds one list.

Free M3U Playlist for TiviMate: Legal Lists That Load Cleanly

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]]> Free AI-Built Photoshop and Premiere Alternatives: What Early Testers Found https://www.free-codecs.com/news/ai-built-photoshop-and-premiere-alternatives-are-free-to-try.htm Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Testers tried the free AI-built Photoshop, Premiere and Lightroom clones in their first week - what impressed them, what broke, and what to use meanwhile.

Free AI-Built Photoshop and Premiere Alternatives: What Early Testers Found

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]]> Free Football IPTV Playlist URL: What Actually Works, and What Never Will https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/free-football-iptv-playlist-url.htm Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The honest answer on free football IPTV playlists - which URLs open, why the premium-league lists never do, and how to test yours before kick-off.

Free Football IPTV Playlist URL: What Actually Works, and What Never Will

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]]> How to Download HEVC Video Extension for Free https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how_to_download_hevc_video_extension_for_free.htm Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Get the genuine HEVC Video Extension free - the direct Store link, or the Adguard method when that fails, plus the fix for Windows 10.

How to Download HEVC Video Extension for Free

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]]> Free USA IPTV Playlist: The American TV That Is Really Free https://www.free-codecs.com/news/free-usa-iptv-playlist-the-american-tv-that-is-really-free.htm Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The American channels that really are free - news, FAST and sports - as M3U links checked this month, plus why ESPN is never on a free list.

Free USA IPTV Playlist: The American TV That Is Really Free

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]]> Windows 11 26H2: What's Really New and How to Check You Have It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-26h2-what-s-really-new-and-how-to-check-you-have-it.htm Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Windows 11 26H2 is mostly a switch, not a new Windows - here is what it turns on and how to check you have it.

Windows 11 26H2: What's Really New and How to Check You Have It

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]]> ChatGPT Is Now Watermarking Its Text in Europe - Here's What That Means for You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/chatgpt-is-now-watermarking-its-text-in-europe-here-s-what-that-means-for-you.htm Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 ChatGPT text in Europe now carries an invisible watermark - here is how it works and how to check AI content yourself.

ChatGPT Is Now Watermarking Its Text in Europe - Here's What That Means for You

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]]> Realtek Audio Console Missing? How to Download and Install It on Windows 11 and 10 https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/realtek-audio-console-missing-how-to-download-and-install-it-on-windows-11-and-10.htm Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Where to get Realtek Audio Console for free, why it only appears with the UAD driver, and what to do when the Microsoft Store refuses to install it.

Realtek Audio Console Missing? How to Download and Install It on Windows 11 and 10

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]]> Windows 7 in 2026: Where to Get It Legally and How to Run It Safely https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/windows-7-in-2026-where-to-get-it-legally-and-how-to-run-it-safely.htm Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Where to get Windows 7 legally now that Microsoft has pulled the download, and how to run it safely in a virtual machine or on an offline PC.

Windows 7 in 2026: Where to Get It Legally and How to Run It Safely

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]]> Google Freezes Its Open Source Bug Bounty After a Flood of Junk AI Reports https://www.free-codecs.com/news/google-freezes-its-open-source-bug-bounty-after-a-flood-of-junk-ai-reports.htm Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Google has frozen part of its open source bug bounty after AI tools buried its engineers in fake reports - what changed and why FFmpeg saw it coming.

Google Freezes Its Open Source Bug Bounty After a Flood of Junk AI Reports

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]]> See What Every App on Your PC Is Really Doing With Windows 11's Free Sysmon https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/see-what-every-app-on-your-pc-is-really-doing-with-windows-11-s-free-sysmon.htm Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Windows 11 now includes Microsoft's Sysmon activity logger - switch it on in two minutes and see exactly what programs start and connect to.

See What Every App on Your PC Is Really Doing With Windows 11's Free Sysmon

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]]> How to Install TiviMate on a Fire TV Stick (and When You Cannot) https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-install-tivimate-on-a-fire-tv-stick-and-when-you-cannot.htm Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Get TiviMate onto a Fire TV Stick in a few minutes, and learn to spot the new models that will never run it.

How to Install TiviMate on a Fire TV Stick (and When You Cannot)

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]]> Windows 11 Will Use Less RAM - What It Means for Your 8GB PC https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-will-use-less-ram-what-it-means-for-your-8gb-pc.htm Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft is putting Windows 11 on a memory diet for 8GB PCs - here is what changes and what you can do today.

Windows 11 Will Use Less RAM - What It Means for Your 8GB PC

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]]> How to Install an XAPK File on Android https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how-to-install-an-xapk-file-on-android.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 What an XAPK bundle contains, why Android refuses to open one, and the two ways to install it on a phone or from a computer.

How to Install an XAPK File on Android

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]]> Is Xvid Still Relevant in 2026? The Codec That Refuses to Die https://www.free-codecs.com/news/is-xvid-still-relevant-in-2026-the-codec-that-refuses-to-die.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Xvid at 25: why the old AVI codec still turns up in 2026, how it stacks up against H.264, HEVC and AV1, and whether to keep or convert your files.

Is Xvid Still Relevant in 2026? The Codec That Refuses to Die

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]]> Steam's New Pyrowave Codec Cuts Remote Play Lag - Here's the Catch https://www.free-codecs.com/news/steam-s-new-pyrowave-codec-cuts-remote-play-lag.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Steam's Pyrowave codec trades huge bandwidth for near-zero Remote Play lag - now updated with the 1 October beta, its 1 Gbit/s limit and the bitrate reset.

Steam's New Pyrowave Codec Cuts Remote Play Lag - Here's the Catch

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]]> Windows 11 Update KB5124010 Breaks Dolby Digital Audio - Here's the Fix https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-update-kb5124010-breaks-dolby-digital-audio-fix.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft confirms KB5124010 crashes apps that play Dolby Digital audio on Windows 11, and here is the free way around it.

Windows 11 Update KB5124010 Breaks Dolby Digital Audio - Here's the Fix

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]]> Xvid Won't Play on Your Phone or TV? Convert It to MP4 Free (4 Ways) https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/your-xvid-files-won-t-play-on-modern-devices-convert-them-to-mp4-free.htm Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Four free ways to turn old Xvid AVI files into MP4 that plays everywhere, from one-click HandBrake to a single FFmpeg command for a whole folder.

Xvid Won't Play on Your Phone or TV? Convert It to MP4 Free (4 Ways)

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]]> Is DivX Still Worth Using in 2026? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/divx-vs-modern-codecs-why-this-obsolete-format-still-has-1-billion-users.htm Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 DivX in 2026, honestly: still good for old AVI and DivX files, no longer the right tool for new video, TV streaming or HEVC on a Mac.

Is DivX Still Worth Using in 2026?

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]]> Best Modern Codecs: H.264, HEVC, VP9, AV1 and Opus Explained https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/best-modern-codecs.htm Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The five codecs behind almost every video and song online - H.264, HEVC, VP9, AV1 and Opus - and which one to use for playback or your own files.

Best Modern Codecs: H.264, HEVC, VP9, AV1 and Opus Explained

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]]> Fake Blu-ray Drives Are Fooling PS3 Emulation Fans - How to Spot One https://www.free-codecs.com/news/fake-blu-ray-drives-are-fooling-ps3-emulation-fans-how-to-spot-one.htm Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The RPCS3 team warns that counterfeit Blu-ray drives sold online cannot read PS3 discs, and shows how to check yours before the return window closes.

Fake Blu-ray Drives Are Fooling PS3 Emulation Fans - How to Spot One

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]]> How to Install FFmpeg on Windows 11 (and Actually Use It) https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/how_do_i_install_and_use_ffmpeg_on_windows.htm Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Get FFmpeg working on Windows in minutes - one-command or manual install, the PATH fix, ten everyday commands and free GUIs if you prefer buttons.

How to Install FFmpeg on Windows 11 (and Actually Use It)

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]]> Best Video Codec Tutorials: 6 Free Videos That Make Codecs Click https://www.free-codecs.com/guides/recommended_video_tutorials_about_codecs.htm Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Six free videos that explain codecs, containers and compression in the order to watch them, with a hands-on next step after each one.

Best Video Codec Tutorials: 6 Free Videos That Make Codecs Click

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