Allow Internet Explorer to play media files that use alternative codecs

Policy ID: EnableAlternativeCodec
Scope: Computer Configuration, User Configuration
Supported on: At least Internet Explorer 9.0
Source: Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category: Windows Components › Internet Explorer › Internet Settings › Advanced settings › Multimedia

Description

This policy setting specifies whether Internet Explorer plays media files that use alternative codecs and that require additional software.

If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer plays these files, if the appropriate software is installed.

If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer does not play these files.

If you do not configure this policy setting, the user can change the "Enable alternative codecs in HTML5 media elements" setting on the Advanced tab in the Internet Options dialog box.

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main View registry values

EnableAlternativeCodecREG_SZ

UserHKEY_CURRENT_USER

HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main View registry values

EnableAlternativeCodecREG_SZ

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