For most users using Windows 10/11 N editions, the lack of this important feature can be a real headache. For running applications such as Skype, Video Editor, and even some websites that require media playback functionality, the Media Feature Pack is a must. However, what if the Media Feature pack not showing in optional features Windows 10?
In this article, we’ll help you understand why this Media Feature Pack is missing and how you can easily get it back on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device. If you’ve never had to deal with this problem or if you’ve dealt with it before, this guide will walk you through getting the Media Feature Pack installed and working.
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Part 1: Why Can't I See Media Feature Pack Windows 10/11?
Part 2: How to Fix Media Feature Pack Not Showing on Windows 10/11 N?
- Method 1: Install Media Feature Pack from Settings
- Method 2: Download and Add Media Feature Pack Manually
- Method 3: Add Media Feature Pack with PowerShell
Part 3: FAQs on Media Feature Pack Not Showing in Windows 10/11
Bottom Line
Part 1: Why Can't I See Media Feature Pack Windows 10/11?
PC doesn't have media feature pack Windows 11 is more likely to happen if you are running a Windows 10 or 11 N edition. Special versions of Windows called “N” editions are created for the European market and don’t include certain multimedia technologies like Windows Media Player, Music, Movies & TV, or even some codecs required for media playback.
If you’re using an N edition of Windows, you should normally be able to download and install the Media Feature Pack to enable these functionalities. Yet it doesn’t always show up under the Optional Features section as expected, leaving users in the lurch.
Microsoft’s official documentation says that the media feature pack missing or not visible in some Windows N versions due to inconsistencies or installation problems caused by version updates or system settings. The issue may sometimes be because the system settings are not fully updated to enable the pack to be installed.
Media Feature Pack List for Windows 10/11 N Editions
Before we get into the fixes of media feature pack not found when add a feature, we need to know which editions of Windows require the Media Feature Pack. This Media Feature Pack is made for Windows 10 and 11 N editions. If you want to make sure your version is good enough, go to Settings > System > About and see if your edition ends with an “N.”
Part 2: How to Fix Media Feature Pack Not Showing on Windows 10/11 N?
Don’t worry if the Media Feature Pack isn’t appearing where it should in the Optional Features section of your settings. Below, we provide some ways to get things working again.
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Method 1: Install Media Feature Pack from Settings
First, let’s begin with the easiest way to do this: install the Media Feature Pack directly within your Windows settings. Usually, this feature is in the Optional Features menu under Apps & Features. Follow these steps:
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Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
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Go to Apps > Optional Features.
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Scroll down and click on Add a feature.
In the search box, type "Media Feature Pack." Select the feature from the list and click Install.
Tips:
If you cannot find the Media Feature Pack in the Optional Features list, you might be running an older version of Windows that doesn't fully support this method. Ensure that your system is up-to-date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates. If updates are pending, install them and restart your computer
Method 2: Download and Add Media Feature Pack Manually
In some cases, especially with older versions of Windows, the Media Feature Pack may need to be manually downloaded and then turn on media feature pack. Here’s how you can do it:
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Go to Microsoft’s official Media Feature Pack page and download the appropriate version for your Windows N edition.
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Once downloaded, run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Restart your computer to complete the installation.
Tips:
Be sure to download the correct version that matches your exact Windows build. If you're unsure of your Windows version, you can find it by typing "winver" into the search bar and pressing Enter. This will display your current version and build number.
Method 3: Add Media Feature Pack with PowerShell
If the above methods fail, you can use PowerShell, a powerful command line tool to add media feature pack to Windows. You can manually add features using PowerShell, but it’s more technical and tends to work only in stubborn cases. Here’s how to do it:
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1.Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). In the PowerShell window, type the following command: DISM /Online /Get-Capabilities
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Type DISM /Oline /Add-Capability /CapabilityName: Windows Media Feature Pack name and hit Enter to install it. You should replace the Windows Media Feature Pack name with the name you found from the displayed list.
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Once you’ve run the command, restart your computer to apply the changes.
FAQs on Media Feature Pack Not Showing in Windows 10/11
Q1: Why can’t I see Optional Features in Windows 10?
If you don’t see Optional Features under Apps & Features, it’s probably because of outdated system settings or a missing Windows update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates to make sure your system is fully up to date. You may also want to look to see if you’re running an N edition of Windows.
Q2: Why can’t I install the Media Feature Pack?
Reasons why cannot add Media Feature pack to Windows are many. Make sure that you have an N edition of Windows first. If it is, but the pack still won’t install, try restarting your computer or manually installing the feature using PowerShell. Running the System File Checker tool may help if there is another possibility: a system corruption issue. To do this, open Command Prompt (Admin) and type the following command: “sfc /scannow” to install Media Feature Pack.
Bottom Line
When you’re trying to fix the Media Feature Pack not showing in Optional Features on Windows 10/11, it can be a very frustrating experience, especially when it’s tied to essential multimedia functionalities. But you can resolve this problem easily with the steps in this guide if you follow them. One of these methods will work for you, whether it’s a simple update in the Settings menu or a more technical approach via PowerShell.
You can restore full media functionality to your device by manually downloading the necessary files, making sure your system is up to date, or by using PowerShell.
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