One of the best TV shows on Netflix is Our Planet, and fortunately you can stream it in 4K for the best experience. Similarly, there are many exciting Netflix movies that offer a great visual experience thanks to Ultra HD streaming. However, due to some software and hardware issues, users are unable to watch Netflix in 4K. Users are reporting that Netflix is not streaming in 4K on PC even though all the settings are configured correctly. That’s why we took a deeper look into the reasons behind Netflix’s 4K streaming issues on Windows PCs. On that note, let’s dive in and find a fix.
Netflix Not Streaming 4K on Your PC? Find The Solution Here (2021)
In this article, we first discussed the hardware requirements to stream Netflix in 4K. After that, we touched on some important points on the software side so that you can play Netflix in UHD resolution. Use the table below to jump to a section related to the issue you are encountering.
Make Sure You Have a 4K Display
Yes, the initial hardware requirement to run Netflix on your Windows 10 PC is a 4K capable display. Unlike YouTube, Netflix does not downsize its content to play 4K content on a Full HD screen. Apart from that, the refresh rate of the monitor should be 60Hz.
Check Your Monitor Supports HDCP 2.2
If you’re using an external monitor and Netflix isn’t streaming 4K on your PC, it might have something to do with HDCP. HDCP or High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection It is a way to protect copyrighted content when broadcasting via an external monitor. It is used in HDMI connections for monitors, digital streaming devices like smart TVs and streaming sticks like Roku, Mi Box 4K and Fire TV.
Netflix specifically states: HDCP 2.2 must be supported by the monitor For 4K streaming to work. Also, you need an HDMI 2.0 cable to connect the monitor and the computer. You can confirm the availability of HDCP 2.2 in your monitor’s user manual or by going to the manufacturer’s website. Some monitors and smart TVs also label their HDMI ports with HDCP 2.2 so you can check that too.
CPU and GPU Compatibility
To play 4K content on a Windows 10 PC, you must have an Intel 7th Gen CPU or newer or an AMD Ryzen CPU. Netflix added it 7th generation (Kaby Lake) or newer requirement as the integrated GPU in these processors can handle 10-bit HEVC decoding. Streaming 4K content is a demanding task, so you need a powerful GPU to handle hardware decoding in the background.
If you are using a discrete GPU from Nvidia, GeForce GTX 1050 or a newer GPU. AMD users must have Radeon RX 400 series or newer GPU to play 4K content on their Windows 10 PC.
update windows 10
It may seem obvious, but to clarify, you need Windows 10 to stream 4K content on your computer. Netflix does not support Windows 7 or 8 or 8.1. You must also have the latest version of Windows 10 to take advantage of PlayReady 3.0, a DRM system developed by Microsoft.
So, if you haven’t updated Windows 10 for a long time, now is the time. Update your PC to the latest version. It can fix 4K streaming problems on Netflix.
Currently, Netflix has not officially added Windows 11 to the list of supported operating systems. But you can expect Windows 11 to be supported before its official release in October 2021.
Install HEVC Video Extension
If you meet all the hardware criteria mentioned above and you still cannot watch Netflix in 4K resolution on your Windows 10 PC, you need to install the following: HEVC Video Extension from Microsoft Store ($0.99). This is a paid extension and you need to add your card to the Microsoft Store to purchase it.
Netflix says HEVC extension is a must for playing 4K content in Windows 10. But keep in mind that some Windows 10 computers come with this extension so they don’t need to be purchased separately.
Follow the steps below to check if the HEVC extension is installed on your computer. Record an H.265 video, transfer it to your computer, and open it with the Movies & TV app. Now, if the video starts playing immediately, your computer supports the HEVC extension, otherwise you will see a popup error window. It says “You need a new codec to play this video” and includes a link to the Microsoft Store.
Use Microsoft Edge or Netflix App
Netflix does not support 4K playback on Chrome or Firefox. Yes, you read it right. Supports 4K streaming only in new Chromium based version Microsoft Edge browser (free) or the official Netflix app (free) is available in the Microsoft Store. So go ahead and install one of these shows to enjoy Netflix in all its 4K glory.
Upgrade to a Premium Subscription Plan
Netflix only offers 4K playback premium Premium plan, starting at $17.99 per month. In India, the Premium plan is priced at Rs. 799 per month. So if you’re on the Basic or Standard plan, click here You will be able to play 4K content on Windows 10 to upgrade to the premium plan.
Change Stream Quality in Settings
If you meet all of the above requirements and Netflix is not streaming 4K, you may have misconfigured the streaming quality. To fix this, follow these steps:
Go to: Playback settings The page on the Netflix website. At that time, change stream quality (labeled as per-screen data usage) Set to “High” or “Auto”. Note that these playback settings are profile specific. So, you need to change the streaming quality for your particular profile by going to Account -> Expand Your Profile -> Playback settings -> Change.
Upgrade Your Internet Connection
For streaming 4K content, Netflix recommends having a stable and fast internet connection. 25 Mbps or higher. Therefore, after applying all the settings and making sure that your PC meets the hardware requirements, Netflix may not be able to play content in 4K due to your slow internet connection. So yes, we recommend upgrading it to enjoy the best Bollywood movies, AI movies and other great content on Netflix.
Netflix Ultra HD 4K Not Showing Its Logo? Solve Your Problem Right Here
Here are the ways to fix the 4K streaming problem on Netflix. Most users will be dissatisfied with the need for a 7th generation Intel Core or newer CPU and the lack of 4K subsampling on a Full HD display. But if you meet all the hardware requirements, apply the settings on the software side to fix the problem. I’m sure you can enjoy Netflix in Ultra HD resolution if you follow this handy guide. If nothing goes right, you can contact Netflix Help. here. If you want to learn about Netflix tips and tricks, go to our linked article. Finally, if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.
