The HEVC disabled issue is now affecting a range of HP and Dell laptops, leaving users unable to play H.265 content inside modern browsers. Although many processors from Intel and AMD include built-in HEVC support, some laptop owners discovered that videos relying on this codec simply refuse to load in Chrome, Firefox and other browsers. Instead, they encounter endless loading screens with no explanation.
Why HEVC disabled behavior appears on modern laptops
In earlier generations, HEVC decoding worked automatically through a device’s hardware. However, several HP and Dell systems no longer allow this functionality. Documentation for recent HP business models — such as the ProBook 460 G11, ProBook 465 G11 and EliteBook 665 G11 — confirms that hardware acceleration for H.265 has been intentionally switched off on those platforms.
Meanwhile, Dell does not explicitly state that HEVC support is disabled. Nevertheless, the company notes that only specific configurations can stream HEVC content properly. As a result, many base and entry-level systems now fail to play modern H.265 videos unless users switch to external software.
How manufacturers expect users to handle HEVC playback now
Even though hardware support is off, HEVC video still works in standalone applications. Programs like VLC and Windows Media Player continue to handle the codec without issues because they rely on their own decoding methods. However, browser-based playback remains broken for affected devices.
HP acknowledged that it disabled HEVC acceleration on selected models back in 2024. The company now recommends using “licensed third-party software solutions” instead. Dell offers a similar suggestion for customers whose laptops no longer support HEVC inside browsers. Only premium Dell models still retain native playback capabilities.
Why HEVC disabled decisions may be tied to licensing fees
Neither HP nor Dell publicly explained the reasoning behind the change. Nevertheless, evidence suggests a financial motivation. Royalty fees for the HEVC codec increased after September 30 of this year. The cost rose from 20 cents to 24 cents per unit once a manufacturer exceeds 100,001 units shipped.
Because HP and Dell are among the world’s largest laptop vendors, these seemingly small fees quickly scale into significant expenses. Therefore, disabling HEVC hardware features on select devices may help reduce royalty obligations.
What the HEVC disabled shift means for users
This change affects everyday workflows in several ways. For instance, users may struggle when trying to watch videos embedded on websites or streaming platforms that rely on H.265. Although software players still work, switching between tools can become inconvenient. Consequently, people who rely on browser-based playback must now install additional applications or choose alternative codecs when possible.
Furthermore, creators and companies distributing video content may need to consider providing fallback formats for users whose devices no longer support HEVC natively.
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