A bandwidth extension encoder for encoding an audio signal has a signal analyzer, a core encoder, a parameter calculator, and a window controller. The audio signal has a low frequency signal having a core frequency band and a high frequency signal having an upper frequency band. The signal analyzer is configured for analyzing the audio signal, the audio signal having a block of audio samples, the block having a specified length in time. The signal analyzer is furthermore configured for determining from a plurality of analysis windows an analysis window to be used for performing a bandwidth extension in a bandwidth extension decoder. The core encoder is configured for encoding the low frequency signal to acquire an encoded or frequency signal. The parameter calculator is configured for calculating bandwidth extension parameters from the high frequency signal. The window controller is configured to provide control information indicating analysis window functions.