HP and Dell, two of the largest computer manufacturers in the world, have started selling some of their laptops with an unpleasant surprise: hardware support for video HEVC (H.265) is disabled by default, even though the processor is capable of handling it.
The measure, uncovered by Ars Technica and confirmed by both companies, mainly affects entry-level and mid-range business laptops, while more expensive models — with 4K screens, dedicated GPU, or advanced multimedia features — continue to have active support.
Behind this change isn’t a technical issue, but an economic one: the increased licensing costs for the HEVC codec, managed by patent pools that group the main rights holders of the technology. For many users, however, the feeling remains that they paid over $800 for a “Pro” laptop missing a basic video feature that was previously assumed to be included.
What exactly have HP and Dell done?
According to available information, the hardware is still present and functional, but the system no longer includes HEVC codecs by default. In practice, Windows cannot use hardware acceleration to play or encode H.265 video at the OS level unless the user relies on third-party software or purchases an additional codec from the Microsoft Store.
Dell has stated that the deactivation affects its “standard and basic systems,” whereas models with integrated 4K screens, dedicated GPU, Dolby Vision support, or specific Blu-ray software continue to have HEVC enabled. HP, on its part, acknowledges that since 2024, HEVC has been disabled on certain professional models, including the latest EliteBook and ProBook series, and points users toward third-party solutions if they need that capability.
The practical result for a buyer is straightforward to describe but difficult to understand: you buy a modern laptop with a CPU capable of decoding HEVC, but some videos stop playing smoothly, CPU usage spikes, or certain apps simply show errors when trying to open content in that format.
The underlying issue: higher HEVC licensing costs
HEVC (H.265) is an widely adopted international video compression standard used in 4K content, streaming services, action cameras, drones, and mobile devices. Unlike open codecs like AV1, HEVC is surrounded by a complex web of patents managed by various pools (HEVC Advance, MPEG LA, etc.) that charge royalties per compatible device.
In July, patent administrator Access Advance announced a rate increase: for volumes exceeding 100,001 units, the royalty fee in the United States rises from $0.20 to $0.24 per device, a 20% increase.
This figure may seem small at first glance, but it’s significant when multiplied by the volumes HP and Dell handle. In Q3 2025 alone, HP sold around 15 million computers, and Dell sold just over 10.16 million, according to Gartner data.
If all those devices were subject to the full royalty and the 0.04-dollar increase applied, the additional cost would theoretically be approximately:
- $600,000 per quarter for HP.
- $400,000 per quarter for Dell.
The reality is more complex—there are regions, exceptions, and caps on payments—but the message is clear: enabling HEVC on all models, including the cheapest ones, has a real impact on the bottom line.
Synology paved the way: “Let the customer decode it”
HP and Dell’s move isn’t entirely isolated. In 2024, NAS manufacturer Synology announced it would stop offering HEVC, H.264/AVC, and VC-1 transcoding on its DiskStation Manager (DSM) and BeeStation OS platforms. The company argued that support for these codecs is now widespread on mobile devices, TVs, and computers, and that it made more sense to shift the decoding workload to the user’s device instead of doing it on the server.
Although the case isn’t identical, the underlying logic is similar:
- The manufacturer avoids bearing the direct costs and complexities of licensing.
- It relies on many end devices already being equipped to handle these formats independently.
- The user might not notice the change—until they encounter a specific scenario where it impacts them.
In the case of HP and Dell, the problem is worsened because the end device is precisely the user’s laptop, which they expect to play videos from their phone, camera, or streaming platforms without issues.
“Pro” laptops without professional features: community reactions
On forums and social media, many users have expressed frustration, especially those who bought professional-grade laptops costing over $800 and later discovered they lack integrated HEVC support. Many see this as a “penny-wise, pound-foolish” saving that directly affects daily user experience.
Critical points include:
- Lack of transparency: the disablement is rarely clearly indicated on product pages or packaging.
- Workflow impact: video professionals, content creators, and users handling 4K HEVC files are forced to find alternative solutions.
- Technical confusion: many playback issues are blamed on software faults or streaming platform problems, when the root cause is the absence of the hardware-accelerated codec.
On technical communities like Hacker News or Reddit, the decision has been called “ridiculous” and an example of how some manufacturers cut features for marginal savings.
What can users do if their laptop is affected?
For those who already own one of these devices, the situation isn’t entirely irreversible:
- Use media players with their own codecs
Applications like VLC or MPV include their own HEVC decoders and can sometimes leverage hardware acceleration directly, without relying on the OS codec. - Buy an HEVC codec from the Microsoft Store
Microsoft sells a paid HEVC video extension (around $1 or €1) that enables system-level support for all compatible apps. Practically, this entails a minimal additional cost that the manufacturer chose not to include by default. - Force the use of other codecs when possible
Some cameras, phones, and editing programs let you choose alternative formats like H.264/AVC or newer codecs like AV1. While not always feasible, it can alleviate problems in certain scenarios. - Review specifications carefully before purchasing
In the absence of clear info on product pages, it’s wise to consult forums and technical documentation—especially if you’ll use the device for video editing or intense 4K playback.
Is this the beginning of the end for HEVC on low-end PCs?
The rate hike for HEVC and the emergence of open alternatives like AV1 suggest a scenario where manufacturers might adopt a mixed approach:
- Full support for HEVC on high-end, workstation, multimedia laptops, and creator-oriented devices.
- Dependence on third-party software or paid codecs in entry-level and standard business models.
- Gradual shift towards AV1 and other open formats in streaming services and video platforms—reducing the need for HEVC support on the client side over time.
For now, what’s clear is that the PC market is entering a delicate phase, where features once assumed guaranteed—such as hardware decoding of popular codecs—may become optional, add-ons, or fine print.
Frequently Asked Questions about HEVC deactivation on HP and Dell laptops
How can I tell if my HP or Dell laptop has hardware support for HEVC disabled?
A clear sign is if some HEVC videos (for example, recent 4K mobile recordings) don’t play smoothly or stutter in Windows apps like Movies & TV or Photos, while CPU usage spikes. To confirm, install a player like VLC and test playback there: if videos run smoothly in VLC but not in system apps, the HEVC codec may be missing at the OS level.
Does disabling HEVC mean my processor is weaker or cut down?
No. The hardware decoding capability remains in the processor, but the official codec that allows integrated use isn’t included. It’s more a licensing and software decision than a physical hardware limitation. Programs with their own decoders can still benefit from the hardware acceleration in many cases.
Is it worth paying for the HEVC codec from the Microsoft Store if my manufacturer has disabled support?
If you work with video or frequently consume HEVC content, paying a small fee (~$1) to activate system-wide HEVC support can be very convenient: it improves playback smoothness, reduces CPU load, and avoids compatibility issues with Windows-dependent apps. For basic use or formats in other codecs, a third-party free player might suffice.
Is it better to look for a laptop supporting AV1 and forget about HEVC?
AV1 is gaining traction, especially in streaming platforms and some online video services, as an open codec without complex licensing. However, many existing contents—cameras, phones, old series, movies—still use HEVC. The ideal approach in 2025 is to seek devices capable of handling both: AV1 for the future, HEVC for the vast amount of current content.
Sources consulted: Coverage from Ars Technica on HEVC deactivation in HP and Dell laptops, public documentation from Access Advance on HEVC fee changes, Synology’s announcement about the end of HEVC/H.264/VC-1 transcoding in DSM and BeeStation OS, and articles from tech outlets like Tom’s Hardware, Engadget, and TechSpot on these decisions’ impact on end-users.