Missing codecs is one of the most recurring problems faced by PC users during movie playback, video-conferences, live streaming and video editing. Four programs that are aimed specifically at resolving issues pertaining to missing codecs have been discussed below.

Codec Toolbox – Detect Broken Codecs and Filters

This free beta program for Windows scans all installed codec information and detect broken codecs and filters. It can read and change merit of codecs and list the codecs installed on the system. The portable program is still under development and the option to automatically resolve the codec problems is currently not available. The program is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows.

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Codec Sniper – Fix Broken Video Codecs

This too is a portable software program that displays all of video and audio codecs on your system and allows you to delete broken, old and redundant codecs. The program enables codecs to be categorised by class, name, path and name, version and status. The status column specifies whether a codec is ‘ok’ or ‘broken’. The delete button works on all installed codecs on the system and needs to be used with discretion.

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Codec Installer – Find and Install Missing Codecs

This program can be used to analyse a video file and will show technical data pertaining to its audio and video codecs. The program comes with an option to download any missing codec that you may have identified. It requires the .net framework 2.0 and runs on all Microsoft OS.

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GSpot – Find Missing Audio and Video Codecs

Claimed to be suitable for users without technical expertise, enables a user to see what audio and video codecs are being used by a file. The program helps identify what codecs (audio and video) are required to play an media file. The programme comes with an advanced UI including ‘dual-mode’ and hyperlinked ‘persistent’ tool tips. The freeware requires no installation and runs on all Windows versions.

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