sudo apt install mint-meta-codecs
Sometimes, installing the codec isn't enough. If you are playing a high-resolution HEVC file (like a 4K MKV movie) on older hardware, the video might play slowly or choppy because the CPU is doing all the work. You need hardware acceleration.
Add these lines to enable HEVC hardware decoding via VA-API:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mc3man/trusty-media sudo apt update sudo apt install vlc-plugin-libde265 install hevc codec for mkv video on linux mint link
If you prefer using the command line, you can install the exact same package with a single command: sudo apt update && sudo apt install mint-meta-codecs -y Use code with caution.
As of 2025, due to licensing. Use a native player.
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal. Add these lines to enable HEVC hardware decoding
To play video within an MKV container on Linux Mint, you typically need to install a set of multimedia codecs that are not included by default due to licensing. 1. Install via the Application Menu (Easiest)
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras ffmpeg gstreamer1.0-libav gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly -y
(Mint inherits these from Ubuntu; includes patent-encumbered codecs) Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal
What are you running (Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE)? What error message do you see when opening the file? What graphics card is in your computer? Share public link
mkdir -p ~/.config/mpv nano ~/.config/mpv/mpv.conf
This provides the x265 decoder, which handles HEVC (H.265) playback in most players like VLC, MPV, or Celluloid.
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