HP and Dell have disabled built-in HEVC video decoding support on select business laptops, leaving owners unable to play H.265 content smoothly in web browsers despite capable hardware. The companies cite licensing costs as a likely factor, with rates set to rise in January. Users must rely on third-party software for HEVC playback.
Laptops equipped with sixth-generation Intel Core processors or later, as well as AMD chips since 2015, include integrated hardware support for decoding and encoding HEVC, also known as H.265. However, HP and Dell have turned off this feature on various models to avoid licensing fees.
HP openly discloses the disablement in datasheets for models like the ProBook 460 G11, ProBook 465 G11, and EliteBook 665 G11. A note states: “Hardware acceleration for CODEC H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) is disabled on this platform.” This change began in 2024 for the 600 Series G11, 400 Series G11, and 200 Series G9 products. An HP spokesperson explained: “Customers requiring the ability to encode or decode HEVC content on one of the impacted models can utilize licensed third-party software solutions that include HEVC support. Check with your preferred video player for HEVC software support.”
Dell applies similar restrictions but provides less upfront information. For instance, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 lacks mention of HEVC in its product page or manual. A support page specifies HEVC streaming support only on configurations with an optional discrete graphics card, add-on video card, integrated 4K display, Dolby Vision, or CyberLink Blu-ray player. Dell's statement notes: “HEVC video playback is available on Dell’s premium systems and in select standard models equipped with hardware or software, such as integrated 4K displays, discrete graphics cards, Dolby Vision, or Cyberlink BluRay software. On other standard and base systems, HEVC playback is not included, but users can access HEVC content by purchasing an affordable third-party app from the Microsoft Store.”
The decision aligns with rising HEVC licensing costs. Access Advance announced in July that royalties for over 100,001 units will increase from $0.20 to $0.24 each in the US starting January. In Q3 2025, HP sold 15,002,000 laptops and desktops, while Dell sold 10,166,000, per Gartner. System administrators on Reddit have reported issues, with one noting that newer machines require removing the Microsoft Store HEVC codec or disabling hardware acceleration, leading to performance degradations like no background blurring in conference apps.
This move has frustrated users, especially for professional lines priced over $800. A Redditor commented: “This is pretty ridiculous, given these systems are $800+ a machine, are part of a ‘Pro’ line... and more applications these days outside of Netflix and streaming TV are getting around to adopting HEVC.”