Download Xvid Video Codec: Complete Guide to Safe Installation (2025)

If you’ve ever attempted to play a video and received an error along the lines of “codec not supported” or “codec is missing,” then you have probably already encountered the troubles associated with video codecs.

Xvid is one of the most utilized and well-known codecs of the last two decades. It’s open source, well-optimized and compatible with a wide range of devices and software platforms.

In this post, we’ll learn about the Xvid video codec – what it is, its specs, as well as how to download Xvid Video Codec, install, and use it, its pros and cons, and most importantly, how to solve the Xvid issues and errors when you are using it.

What is Xvid Video Codec?

Xvid is a free and open-source software MPEG-4 codec library based on the MPEG-4 Part 2 standard.

Originating as an open-source substitute for DivX, Xvid can be used to losslessly compress digital video files while maintaining (relatively) high visual quality.

Xvid is also called an “eXperimental MPEG-4 Video Codec“, and it is known for:

• High compression ratios
• Excellent video quality
• Broad device and platform compatibility
• Open-source licensing (GNU GPL)

Supported File Formats

Xvid is a codec and not a container, but the following containers are frequently paired with it:

• .AVI (Audio Video Interleave)
• .MP4 (less common with Xvid but possible)
• .MKV (with the right muxing tools)

Why Use the Xvid Codec?

1. Xvid compresses your video files to minimal sizes without losing the original quality. This helps to save space on your hard drive. This is especially helpful when you want to save space or run re-builds faster.
2. Some notes about Xvid-encrypted documents are playable on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It’s compatible with numerous media players such as VLC, KMPlayer, and Media Player Classic and also works on car DVD players as well as standalone DVD players.
3. Also, unlike other codecs, Xvid is free for both commercial and personal use. It is both open-source and community-led.

How to Download Xvid Codec on Windows (10/11)?

Xvid codec is free to download and install. To download Xvid Codec for Windows 10/11 or Windows 7(more secure), you are highly recommended to access the official site of Xvid.

And also some reputable download sites online, like softonic.com, too, are supporting the free Xvid codec download choices.

Common Problems with Downloading Xvid Codec on Windows 10/11 and How to Fix?

• Error opening file for wring.
• Detect file failed, code 5.
• The installer is corrupted or incomplete.
• Xvid.dll freezes/crashes and causes Windows Explorer to close.

There are several causes of Xvid installation errors, including the absence of rights to install Xvid codec, troublesome downloads where corrupted or incomplete files are being installed, and obsolete Xvid codec. The error can be resolved by using one of the following methods:

1. Check if you have xvid.ax file installed on your system; if not, then ensure you have the authority to download & install Xvid codec.
2. If you are installing Xvid codec just to play video or listen to music, you may do it alone.
3. Re-download the install file.
4. Install the newest version of Xvid codec v3. 1. 7, and you will end up with an issue with Xvid.dll.

Also, if you think the setting is too complicated to install the Xvid video codec, then you will only get a totally free media player to play Xvid and other videos with all types of codecs. No need to install them by yourself.

Media Players That Support Xvid Natively

• VLC Media Player
• KMPlayer
• PotPlayer
• Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC)
• GOM Player
• BSPlayer
• DivX Player
• Windows Media Player (after installing Xvid codec)

Is Xvid Still Relevant in 2025?

Yes — newer codecs have better compression, but Xvid remains extremely popular, particularly for:

1. Older hardware (DVD players, USB TV playback).
2. Compatibility testing.
3. Users that have to encode files to avi format in high-speed and high-quality.
4. Those who desire open-source, DRM-free video compression.

For the purposes of archiving, casual watching or compatibility with various types of media, Xvid remains a fine choice.

Using Xvid Codec for Video Encoding

If you want to convert videos to Xvid, you can use programs such as:

1. HandBrake

• Free, open-source
• Cross-platform
• Supports Xvid under certain settings (with external codec plugins)

2. VirtualDub

• Excellent for encoding and editing AVI files
• Has built-in support for Xvid codec

3. FFmpeg

• Command-line tool for professional-grade video processing
• Use the following command to encode in Xvid: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec libxvid -qscale:v 3 output.avi

Conclusion

Xvid is still a useful and helpful video codec today. The ease of use with an open source would make it a great option for compressing, encoding and viewing videos.

If you happen to have very old home videos that are in another format, it’s a great idea to use Xvid to encode them to a classic format that can be played on the PSP.

So, if you want a smooth and safe media experience, remember to download Xvid from an authorized site and use some trustworthy media players, such as VLC or MPC-HC.