Unlocking Media Features: A Guide to Windows N Editions and Media Feature Packs

In the ever-evolving landscape of Windows operating systems, the inclusion of different feature sets can sometimes leave users scratching their heads, especially when it comes to the Windows N editions. This article takes a deep dive into the recently updated Media Feature Pack list designed specifically for Windows N editions, explaining what these packs are, why they matter, and how users can effectively reinstall necessary media technologies in their systems.

What Are Windows N Editions?​

Windows N editions are tailored versions of Microsoft Windows that cater to markets in the European Economic Area. Due to legal regulations that require Microsoft to provide a version of Windows without its media functionalities, N editions do not come pre-equipped with media-related technologies. This means tools like Windows Media Player, Groove, Movies & TV, and Skype are absent out of the box.
But fret not! Enter the Media Feature Pack, which serves as a pacifier for users who wish to restore these stripped features.

The Media Feature Pack Explained​

The Media Feature Pack is a downloadable add-on that reinstates those missing functionalities in the Windows N editions. By installing this pack, users regain access to:

  • Windows Media Player: The classic media player for Windows that plays picture, music, and video files.
  • Groove and Movies & TV: Services that integrate media libraries and provide streaming options.
  • Voice Recorder and Skype: Tools designed for audio capture and video conferencing, respectively.

Compatibility Notes​

The latest information regarding the Media Feature Pack can be found on Microsoft’s support page, which meticulously lists every available pack starting from Windows 8.1 N editions up to the current Windows 11 N editions.

How to Install the Media Feature Pack​

For Windows 10 N:​

  • Click on the Start button.
  • Navigate to Settings > Apps.
  • Search “Optional features“.
  • Click on Add a feature and find the Media Feature Pack from the list of optional features.

For Windows 11 N:​

  • Click on the Start button.
  • Go to Settings > Apps.
  • Search “Optional features“.
  • Select View features next to Add an optional feature and look for the Media Feature Pack.

Early Versions Note​

While some Media Feature Packs for earlier versions of Windows 10 are standalone downloads, from version 1909 onward, the packs are only available as an optional feature.

The List of Media Feature Packs​

Below is a concise catalog of Media Feature Packs, breaking down the historical timeline of when these were made available: Windows Version Media Feature Pack Release Date
Windows 8 N Original Edition
Windows 8.1 N April 2014
Windows 10, Version 1508 November 2015
Windows 10, Version 1607 August 2016
Windows 10, Version 1703 April 2017
Windows 10, Version 1803 April 2018
Windows 10, Version 1903 May 2019
Windows 10, Version 21H1 May 2021
Windows 11 N Latest Updates Available

Note: For versions 1909 and beyond, the Media Feature Pack is an optional feature rather than a separate install.

Why Should You Care?​

For users, having access to a full suite of multimedia technology enhances the overall experience of their operating system. Whether it’s for casual media consumption, professional audio/video work, or staying connected with friends through Skype, these functionalities are indispensable.
Failure to install the Media Feature Pack might feel like rolling a new vehicle out of the showroom without a radio—functional yet strangely devoid of a fundamental feature.

Conclusion: Jump Back Into the Media Pool​

The Media Feature Pack is crucial for those using Windows N editions who want a seamless experience akin to standard releases. If you’re among those users, take action by installing the appropriate Media Feature Pack based on your Windows version and reclaim the multimedia functionalities you deserve.
By staying informed with updates and guides like these, you not only enhance your user experience but also arm yourself against potential headaches caused by missing features. So dive in, enjoy your media content, and keep exploring the rich features Windows has to offer!

Source: Microsoft Support Media Feature Pack list for Windows N editions – Microsoft Support

What’s new in Nero Video 2025?

Replace mode

For the request to change media files on the timeline, Nero Video now features the replace mode to make it easier to use by only pressing “Ctrl” button when dragging media file from library to the timeline.

The only limitation of replace mode is that the replacing media file needs to be longer than the replaced segment.

Video and image file can replace the segment on the video track. Audio file can replace the segment on the audio/music/narration track. Effect can replace the effect segment on the master effects track.

What’s new in Nero Motion Tracker

The latest update of Nero Motion Tracker allows the application to be run outside Nero Video separately which gives you the best freedom to track objects without minding the timeline editing.

Auto face tracking

One of the exciting new features in Nero Motion Tracker is the Auto Face Tracking. With this feature, the motion tracker can automatically detect and track faces in a video. This is especially useful for video editing and surveillance purposes. The Auto Face Tracking feature uses advanced algorithms to accurately identify and follow faces, ensuring that the captured footage is focused on the right subjects. Whether you’re a content creator or a security professional, the Auto Face Tracking feature in Nero Motion Tracker will greatly enhance your workflow.

Add text and clip art

The latest update of Nero Motion Tracker includes the exciting new feature of adding text and clip art to your videos. Now you can easily enhance your videos with stylish text overlays and fun clip art elements. Whether you want to add a catchy title, include captions, or simply decorate your footage with creative graphics, Nero Motion Tracker has got you covered. With a wide range of fonts, colors, and clip art options to choose from, you can unleash your creativity and make your videos truly stand out.

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How to resolve the Out of Memory issue?

The “out of memory” issue is due to the memory allocation errors that occur in Windows 10/11, you can refer to the links below.

To work around this issue, manually configure the size of the page file. To do this, follow these steps:

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  1. Press the Windows logo key + the Pause/Break key to open System Properties.
  2. Select Advanced system settings and then select Settings in the Performance section on the Advanced tab.
  3. Select the Advanced tab, and then select Change in the Virtual memory section.
  4. Clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
  5. Select Custom size, and then set the “Initial size” and “Maximum size” values for the paging file. We recommend that you set the initial size to 1.5 times the amount of RAM in the system.
  6. Select OK to apply the settings, and then restart the system. If you continue to receive “out-of-memory” error messages, increase the “initial size” of the page file.

 

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Continue reading How to resolve the Out of Memory issue?

Nero Video Motion Tracker FAQ

How to get a better tracking result?

To get better tracking results, you shall choose the proper target to track. The target shall have enough features for the application to distinguish between the target and the background. If you choose a plain color to track, the application will not be able to recognize the tracking area with the background. Before starting tracking, please preview your video and check if the target’s size changes much or not. If the target’s size does not change much, turn off the “Adaptive scaling“ option to get better accuracy and performance.

Video Extensions

Q: Why do I need to install the other video extensions from Microsoft Store?

A: The Motion Tracker uses a new 64-bit architecture based on the Microsoft Media Foundation technology which means the video decoding and encoding is different from Nero Video. Microsoft Media Foundation must use video extensions to decode and encode some videos like HEVC.

File Problems

Q1: Some videos can be imported to Nero Video but cannot be used in Motion Tracker, what should I do?

A: You can export the source video to AVC with the original resolution in Nero Video first. Then import the exported AVC video to Nero Video to do motion tracking.

Q2: Some video preview is not good/black/flickering in Motion Tracker, what should I do?

A: You can export the source video to AVC with the original resolution in Nero Video first. Then import the exported AVC video to Nero Video to do motion tracking.

Q3: The preview is different between the Nero Video and Motion Tracker, what should I do?

A: You can export the tracked result in Motion Tracker to video first. Then import the exported video to Nero Video to do further editing.

Hardware Acceleration

Q: What is the function of the “HWA“ button? Why is the button disabled sometime?

A: The “HWA“ button is used to switch between hardware acceleration and software acceleration during playback. When the hardware acceleration is enabled, the button’s color turns orange. The button will be disabled when the video codec does not support hardware or software acceleration.

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