Windows 11 is available in several editions. One of the lesser-known editions is Windows 11 N.
What is Windows 11 N edition?
The Windows 11 N edition packs all the features available in other editions of Windows 11 except for a few media-related technologies. For instance, the Windows Media Player (Legacy), Voice Recorder, and Skype are not available in the N edition.
Although most users do not miss the Windows Media Player, and Voice Recorder, there are several Windows 11 features that do not work properly because of media technology exclusions.
On a Windows 11 N edition PC without the Windows Media Features Pack installed, the Alarm app does not play sound, live captions do not work, audio and video calling do not work in Microsoft Teams, PDF viewing support is not available in Edge, the Snipping Tool, Voice typing, webcam, Wireless Display, and Windows Hello features do not work.
For Windows 11 N edition users, Microsoft offered a dedicated pack called Windows Media Features Pack that installs all the missing media technologies.
The Media Feature Pack is available to download as an optional feature. That is, you cannot download it directly from the Microsoft website, but you can download and install it using the Optional Features section in the Windows 11 Settings app.
This guide shows you how to install the Media Feature Pack in Windows 11 N edition.
Install Media Feature Pack in Windows 11 N edition
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings app. You can do this either by using the search or simultaneously pressing the Windows logo and I keys.
Step 2: On the left pane of the Settings app, click System. On the right side, scroll down and then click Optional features.
Step 3: On the Optional Features page, click the View features button to see all optional features available for your Windows 11 edition.
Step 4: Scroll down the list to find the Media Feature Pack. Select the Media Feature Pack by selecting the checkbox and then click the Next button.
NOTE: The Media Feature Pack entry does not show up for other editions of Windows 11.
Step 5: Finally, click the Install button to download and install the Media Feature Pack.
Step 6: Once the Media Feature Pack is installed, Windows 11 will not prompt you to restart, but you must restart the PC in order to complete the installation of the Media Feature Pack.
Please note that the Media Feature Pack will not add a few missing apps, such as Skype, Windows Voice Recorder, and some media codecs. You only need to install them from the Microsoft Store.
Our how to install Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
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