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HEVC Hardware Support Checker

Look up whether your NVIDIA, AMD or Intel GPU can decode or encode HEVC (H.265) in hardware - including 4K, 10-bit and HDR support. Also covers how to get the HEVC codec working on Windows 10 and 11.

NVIDIA GTX/RTX AMD RX / Vega Intel HD / Iris / Arc HEVC 4K decode 10-bit / HDR Hardware encode
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GPU lookup tool

Check HEVC support for your GPU

Select your GPU brand and model to see its HEVC hardware decode and encode capabilities. All data is sourced from official vendor documentation and hardware specifications.

Can't find your GPU? Press Win+R, type dxdiag, open the Display tab - the Chip Type field shows the device ID (e.g. 0x15E7). Or download X HEVC Checker - auto-detects your GPU →

Select a GPU brand and model above to see HEVC support details

Supported
Partial / limited
Not supported
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Windows guide

How to find the HEVC codec on your computer

1

Check Device Manager for your GPU

Press Win + X and click Device Manager. Expand Display adapters to see your GPU model. Note the exact name - you'll need it to check the support table above or look up the manufacturer's spec sheet.

2

Check if HEVC is already installed

Open the Movies & TV app (or Films & TV) and try to play an HEVC/H.265 video file. If it plays, HEVC is already working. If you see a codec error, continue to step 3.

Alternatively: right-click a video file, choose Properties, then look at the Details tab. If it shows Video codec: HEVC or H265, Windows can read the file's metadata - but that doesn't guarantee it can play it.

3

Install the HEVC Video Extensions (free)

Microsoft offers the HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer as a free download. This is the same extension that comes pre-installed on devices with hardware HEVC support - it unlocks HEVC playback in the Movies & TV app, Windows Media Player and apps that use the Windows media pipeline.

Download HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer
Free Microsoft extension - enables HEVC playback on Windows 10 and 11
Download free
4

For the best HEVC playback - install X Codec Pack

The HEVC Video Extensions only work with apps that use the Windows media pipeline. For maximum compatibility with MKV files, 10-bit HEVC, Dolby Vision and HDR across any media player, install X Codec Pack. It includes LAV Filters with full HEVC, HEVC 10-bit, HDR10 and hardware-accelerated decoding via DXVA2 and D3D11.

Download X Codec Pack - Free
What is HEVC?

HEVC (H.265) explained

HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is the successor to H.264 and the current standard for high-efficiency video compression. It delivers roughly the same visual quality as H.264 at half the file size, making it the preferred format for 4K UHD, HDR, streaming and Blu-ray.

Most modern GPUs from 2016 onwards can decode HEVC in hardware - meaning the GPU handles decoding instead of the CPU, resulting in lower CPU usage, less heat and smoother playback on 4K content.

~50%
smaller files vs H.264 at same quality
4K + HDR
standard format for UHD streaming and Blu-ray
10-bit
color depth standard for HDR10 content
2013
year standardized by ITU-T / ISO
FAQ

Common questions

What is the difference between hardware and software HEVC decoding?
Hardware decoding uses a dedicated fixed-function block on your GPU (called a VPU or video engine) to decode HEVC with very low CPU usage. Software decoding uses your CPU for every frame, which requires much more processing power and generates more heat. For 4K HEVC content, hardware decoding is strongly recommended. Without it, even a fast CPU can struggle to maintain 60fps playback.
Why does my GPU show as supported but HEVC still won't play?
Hardware support in the GPU is only half the equation. You also need a software codec that can use it. The most common causes are: the HEVC Video Extensions are not installed, your media player doesn't use hardware acceleration, or the driver is outdated. Install the free HEVC Video Extensions linked above, and make sure your GPU drivers are up to date. Alternatively, install X Codec Pack which includes LAV Filters with automatic hardware acceleration.
What is HEVC 10-bit and why does it need separate support?
Standard HEVC uses 8 bits per color channel. HEVC 10-bit (also called Main 10 profile) uses 10 bits, which is required for HDR10 and Dolby Vision content. Not all GPUs that can decode 8-bit HEVC can also decode 10-bit in hardware - some older GPUs fall back to software decoding for 10-bit content. The support table above shows both 8-bit and 10-bit capabilities separately.
Can I play HEVC files without a compatible GPU?
Yes. Software decoding with LAV Filters (included in X Codec Pack) can play HEVC content on any CPU. 1080p HEVC plays smoothly on almost any modern CPU. 4K HEVC at 60fps or 10-bit HDR content may struggle without hardware support, depending on your CPU speed. For best results on older hardware, use a player with good CPU optimization such as MPC-HC with LAV Filters.
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Complete the picture

HEVC Encoding Settings Guide

Interactive FFmpeg x265 command builder. Pick your use case - archival, streaming, HDR, mobile - and get the exact settings instantly.

Open guide

X HEVC Encoder

Free Windows GUI for encoding video to HEVC (H.265). Supports libx265, NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF and Intel QSV hardware encoders.

Download free

X Codec Pack

Play HEVC, MKV, 4K HDR and 50+ formats on Windows. Includes LAV Filters with full hardware-accelerated HEVC decoding.

Download free