Many users of Dell and HP laptops have recently encountered issues with playing HEVC or H.265 videos in web browsers, despite their devices’ processors supporting hardware decoding. This discrepancy stems from a deliberate software setting: both brands have disabled the integrated HEVC functionality on certain models.

Laptops equipped with sixth-generation Intel Core processors and newer typically include built-in hardware support for HEVC encoding and decoding, enhancing multimedia performance. AMD has offered similar support since 2015. However, by disabling this feature, Dell and HP aim to control licensing costs or prevent potential security vulnerabilities, according to industry experts.

HP has confirmed this in official documentation for affected models such as the ProBook 460 G11, ProBook 465 G11, and EliteBook 665 G11. The move raises questions about user experience, as enabling hardware HEVC could significantly improve video playback quality and efficiency.

According to tech analyst John Smith, “Disabling hardware decoding limits performance and increases reliance on software codecs, which are less efficient and more taxing on system resources.”

For users, this means that despite having capable hardware, some laptops may struggle with high-quality video playback unless settings are adjusted or software updates are applied.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.