Users who have trouble playing certain videos on new Dell or HP laptops with recent CPUs may not realize that both companies have quietly disabled H.265 (HEVC) video encoding and decoding. The decision, most likely aimed at cutting licensing costs, could complicate video streaming, editing and other related tasks. Over the past few weeks, users on various forums have been trying to fix video playback errors on new Dell and HP laptops. Although the specific problems differ, recent software decisions by both OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) appear to be the root cause in every case.
Dell and HP Laptops Affected by the HEVC Decoding Problem
The complaints have come from owners of popular laptop models, mostly business laptop lines. The list of affected models includes the Dell Pro 16 Plus, Dell Pro 14, Latitude 7350, HP ProBook 460 G11, ProBook 465 G11, EliteBook 665 G11 and other similar models. The affected devices are generally equipped with Intel Core Ultra 100V and 200V CPUs, chips from the newest generation.
For some users, video playback works only in certain web browsers or in VLC Media Player, while others report that it is broken in every app. The HEVC test website, which streams a lot of content in this format, can help users determine whether their system is affected. Many users spent weeks troubleshooting because Dell and HP disabled HEVC support on the affected integrated graphics chips without any public announcement. Instead, notices about the update were buried in laptop spec sheets and support pages.
Why HEVC Was Quietly Disabled, and the Policy Exceptions
Asked about the issue, both companies confirmed the change in statements to Ars Technica but gave no specific reason. HP said it had disabled the hardware HEVC codec on its 600 Series G11, 400 Series G11, 200 Series G9 and other devices. Dell stated that the feature is now included only on products with an integrated 4K display, a discrete GPU, Dolby Vision support or a CyberLink Blu-ray player. This suggests the features are being kept only on the highest-end laptop models.
HEVC, also known as H.265, is the successor to H.264 and handles video compression. It lets devices play and encode high-quality video formats such as 4K, 8K and HDR. Because using HEVC requires a licensing fee that some companies have chosen not to pay, some devices may require users to buy the HEVC Video Extensions codec from the Microsoft Store for 0.99 USD. However, some affected Dell and HP laptop owners report that even buying this codec does not solve the problem.
Licensing costs are expected to rise in January, which may have prompted Dell and HP to disable HEVC support on select devices right now. The decision risks frustrating users who spent hundreds of dollars on PCs that previously included this functionality, especially if they only learn about the change after a long troubleshooting process or through media reports. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about OEMs' responsibility to consumers.
