Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC

FFmpeg is an open-source command-line tool for converting, recording, and streaming audio and video files. While it lacks a graphical user interface, setting it up on Windows is straightforward. Follow this step-by-step guide to install and configure FFmpeg properly.

Step 1: Install 7-Zip

1. Go to 7-Zip’s official website and download the latest version.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. 7-Zip is needed to extract the FFmpeg compressed files.

Step 2: Download FFmpeg

1. Visit FFmpeg official builds page.
2. Click on the release builds link on the left panel.
3. Download the ffmpeg-release-full.7z file.

Step 3: Extract and Move FFmpeg

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your Downloads folder.
2. Right-click the downloaded FFmpeg file, select 7-Zip > Extract Here.
3. Rename the extracted folder to FFmpeg.
4. Cut the FFmpeg folder by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + X.
5. Paste the folder into the root of your hard drive (C:).

Step 4: Add FFmpeg to System Path

1. Open the Start Menu, type cmd, and select Run as Administrator.
2. Enter the following command to add FFmpeg to your system path:

setx /m PATH "C:ffmpegbin;%PATH%"

3. Close the command prompt.

Step 5: Verify Installation

1. Open a new Command Prompt window.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

ffmpeg -version

3. If FFmpeg is correctly installed, you will see version details displayed.

Now, FFmpeg is successfully installed on your Windows PC and ready for use in media conversion tasks.