How to watch netflix in 4k on your windows pc
By Rachel Davis
Netflix’s streaming video on demand model is as “traditional” as the streaming space gets, but Netflix is increasingly alone in its apathy toward live streaming.
When Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) started streaming TV shows and movies in 2007, the idea was revolutionary. No other company was offering what Netflix was. Netflix’s innovative idea and impressive success led to a slew of competitors and imitators, of course, and Netflix’s subscription video on demand (SVOD) model became the norm, at least for a time.
But as the streaming space has grown, business models have diversified, often breaking from Netflix’s traditional SVOD model. Amazon‘s SVOD service is built into a larger ecosystem that also includes third-party subscriptions and live broadcasting. Some companies, like AT&T‘s HBO, offer both direct subscriptions and subscriptions through subscription hubs like Amazon; HBO also, of course, offers live content. Hulu, long one of Netflix’s imitators, has now joined a growing number of companies offering “skinny bundle” services — live TV services with slimmed-down channel counts and, of course, slimmed-down price tags.
Fewer and fewer companies are operating strictly in the way that Netflix does. And many of the services that compete most directly with Netflix have one important thing in common: they offer some amount of live TV.
The Growing Importance of Live Streaming
The relationship between streaming and live TV has always been a complex one. In some ways, it almost seems counter-intuitive for streaming services to go live: after all, wasn’t live cable what SVOD services were supposed to kill off? Netflix’s on-demand model was more complete and convenient than, say, tuning into a movie broadcast on AMC or TNT. But live TV is undeniably important, even in the streaming era.
Image source: Getty Images
That’s clearly true of sports, which have long been considered “DVR-proof” thanks to fans’ insistence on watching games and matches live. But the appeal of live TV isn’t exclusive to sports: the success of skinny bundles and the arrival of Philo, a skinny bundle that intentionally eschews sports, news, and local channels to keep its prices low, show that there’s a market for services that can show users something is “on now.”
In a way, even Netflix itself acknowledges this impulse to watch what’s “on”: many of their app-related innovations have been designed to shorten decision-making times, and features that auto-play previews and next episodes seem akin to creating a “what’s on” effect.
But Netflix does not offer any sort of streaming that could truly be called “live.” Its competitors do. HBO existed as a live channel before it went on-demand, and it still has live feeds available through cable and skinny bundle services; other premium channels are in the same boat. Amazon has made efforts to get into live streaming: the company has secured streaming rights to some NFL games, for instance.
Hulu has gone the furthest: Netflix’s old SVOD competitor debuted an entire live TV multichannel service, a streaming skinny bundle called Hulu with Live TV. Hulu with Live TV includes Hulu’s SVOD service, too: subscribers get Netflix-like SVOD and live TV all in one, albeit for a price that’s notably higher than Netflix’s (Hulu with Live TV costs $39.99 per month, more than the $8.99 and up that Netflix costs, at least for now). Other skinny bundle services come with on-demand libraries, making them a form of Netflix competitor, too.
Netflix’s Model: Increasingly Unique
Netflix is so synonymous with streaming that its business model seems natural even as that model becomes increasingly unusual for the streaming space. But Netflix’s SVOD dominance is important, because SVOD is all that Netflix has — and Netflix doesn’t have a God-given right to be the top streaming service forever. Its recent Q2 stumble in subscriber growth shows that it can be humbled in ways large and small.
Amazon originals are on Netflix’s heels, and HBO’s content library, while slimmer, has a lot of hits and not much filler. Netflix is still dominant in the streaming space, of course, but the value added by its competitors’ live TV features creates a real imperative for Netflix to maintain its lead on the SVOD side — or, of course, entertain the idea of adding live features itself.
Netflix has shown no indication that it would ever host live TV — in fact, CEO Reed Hastings has said that the company will not do so. Netflix doesn’t want to “follow” the competition, according to Reed. But is that wise? It may be better to innovate than emulate, but to do neither leaves Netflix without something its competitors offer.
Will Netflix Ever Close the Live TV Gap?
Truly, live TV may be a bit too far from Netflix’s core competency. But what about a model like the one used by free streaming service Pluto TV, which sets up a psuedo-live TV experience by simply creating its own “channels” out of its its licensed content? Since the content is not “live” in the sense that, say, Saturday Night Live is, it would hardly represent an insurmountable technological challenge for Netflix to add this as a feature or option. It would, however, represent a big shift in strategy, and Netflix has been the most reluctant of the streaming services to consider such ideas.
Netflix seems unlikely to check out the live TV scene anytime soon. That’s not surprising, but — looked at in a certain light — it might be just a little bit concerning. As Netflix’s massive competitive advantage slowly erodes, streaming services with the means and desire to do live content may find a chink in Netflix’s armor. In the competition between Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and the rest of the streaming giants, keep an eye on live TV.
Watch Netflix in 4K on PC
Everybody loves Netflix as a result of it provides so many epic TV reveals, collection, and films. Netflix app is obtainable for all mobiles, TVs, Home windows PC, and Mac customers. Now you possibly can watch a wide range of TV reveals and films on Netflix in 4K high quality. You’ll need appropriate
Many individuals ask is Netflix 4k value it? Properly, it’s value it you probably have the next decision, 4K supported PC or TV. You’ll benefit from the 4K UHD high quality, HDR particulars, readability whereas watching the Netflix reveals and collection.
for Netflix 4K Streaming on PC:
You want a 4K TV and a 4K-capable streaming field to stream Extremely HD 4K content material in your TV. However for PC, it takes some small setup to take pleasure in 4K Netflix on PC.
You’ll need a PC with a 4K 3840×2160 pixels show. The show have to be able to a 60 Hz refresh charge and helps HDCP 2.2. Netflix permits 4K streaming provided that high-bandwidth digital copy safety 2.2 is obtainable. You’ll be able to examine your show’s decision, Go to Settings > System > Show, and searching on the “Decision” field.
In Netflix’s guide, they’ve additionally talked about that you simply want the most recent Intel seventh era (Kaby Lake) processor or newer to stream in 4K. We nonetheless recommend you attempt 4K streaming even you probably have decrease CPU specs. Many customers reported that 4K streaming works on older processors and even on AMD processors. All that issues is a CPU succesful sufficient to decode 4K content material.
A seventh era Intel Core CPU (i3, i5, i7, 7xxx, or 7Yxxx) or newer is healthier. If you happen to don’t have one among these processors, you should utilize a video card with at the very least 3GB of video reminiscence, resembling a GTX 1050, 1060, or 1070.
To examine your CPU particulars, Go to Settings > System > About. The quantity 4 within the under image reveals it’s a 4th era i7 Processor. Try the quantity after – (sprint) to find out your CPU era.
Netflix 4K PC Streaming Bandwidth (Minimal Obtain):
Netflix suggests that you simply want at the very least 25 Mbps pace of the web to make use of the 4K streaming service. The upper the pace, the higher streaming you possibly can take pleasure in! In case your web pace is slower than 25Mbps, it’ll take a variety of time to load and also you received’t be capable to stream in Extremely HD 4K.
To examine your web connection pace, go to Quick.com.
Software program Necessities For 4K On Netflix:
To stream 4K Netflix on a PC, you want a Home windows 10 working system. You can’t apply it to Home windows 7 or Home windows 8. So examine your model of Home windows. You’ll need to have the Home windows 10 Anniversary replace or later put in. For Apple Mac customers, you’ll need to run Home windows 10 by way of digital working methods.
Then, You could use Netflix’s official web site within the Microsoft Edge browser or stream with the Netflix app from the Home windows Retailer. You can’t stream it in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers.
How can I inform if Netflix is streaming 4k?
You must be sure your gadgets meet all the necessities to observe Netflix in 4K. You need to have a gentle 25MBPS web connection pace, increased is healthier. You’ll discover the distinction in image high quality.
Netflix 4K Subscription Plans:
Netflix’s most costly “Premium” streaming plan provides Extremely HD 4K content material. You’ll be able to change Netflix’s plans on the settings web page. Netflix Premium Subscription plan prices round £8.99, $11.99, AU$14.99. You should use 4 screens at a time with this plan.
Netflix’s plans supply limitless movies and TV applications. You’ll be able to watch it on a laptop computer, TV, telephone, and pill. Netflix provides 1 month free trial for brand spanking new customers.
So after subscription, it’s a must to verify that Netflix is ready to 4K playback. You’ll be able to change it from the Netflix App/Web site. Log In > Go to Account web page > Playback Settings. Set it on Auto or Excessive.
The best way to Discover 4K Netflix Content material?
Not every thing on Netflix could be stream in Extremely HD 4K. Solely a few of Netflix’s content material is obtainable in 4K. You’ll be able to search on the Netflix App/web site and browse Netflix for “4K” or “UltraHD” to seek out 4K content material.
Our Planet, Blue Planet, Planet Earth 2, Luke Cage, Breaking Dangerous, Daredevil are some well-known reveals which could be watched in Extremely HD 4K. If you happen to get a appropriate PC, you possibly can entry Netflix’s rising library of 4K content material out of your pc.
Netflix offers a variety of TV shows and movies in 4K. You can watch these on your PC, but you’ll need the right hardware, internet connection, software, and Netflix subscription. It’s not as easy as streaming Netflix in 1080p HD.
The Hardware You’ll Need for 4K
To stream Netflix in “Ultra HD” on your TV, the only hardware you need is a 4K TV and a 4K-capable streaming box. That’s pretty simple. On a PC, it’s a bit more involved.
You’ll need a PC with a 4K display—that’s 3840×2160 pixels. You can check your display’s resolution by heading to Settings > System > Display and looking at the “Resolution” box.
The display must be capable of running at a 60 Hz refresh rate. It must also support HDCP 2.2. Check the manual that came with your monitor or look at the manufacturer’s specifications online to see if the monitor has this feature. Netflix will only offer 4K streaming on your PC if high-bandwidth digital copy protection 2.2 is available.
Netflix also says your PC needs an Intel 7th generation (Kaby Lake) processor or newer to stream. However, some older processors reportedly work, and many AMD processors will also work. You won’t know until you try. You’ll just need a fast enough processor to handle decoding that 4K content.
You can discover whether your PC has a new enough CPU by heading to Settings > System > About. Look for the “Processor” information under “Device Settings.” To determine the generation, look at the number after the dash. For example, in the screenshot below, “i7-4790″ means we have a 4th generation Core i7 processor.
Minimum Download Bandwidth for 4K
According to Netflix, you’ll also need an internet connection with at least 25 Mbps (Megabits per second) in download bandwidth for 4K streaming. Higher is better.
You can test your internet connection by heading to SpeedTest.net or by using Netflix’s own Fast.com speed test tool.
If your internet connection doesn’t meet this speed, you won’t be able to stream in Ultra HD 4K on any device. Netflix says 5 Mbps will enable standard HD streaming in 1080p, however.
Software Requirements for 4K
Even assuming you have the hardware and internet connection to enable 4K streaming, you have to use the right software. You can’t just head to Netflix’s website in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Netflix won’t stream in 4K with those browsers.
To stream Netflix in 4K on a PC, you have to use Windows 10—you don’t do this on Windows 7. You must use either use Netflix’s website in the Microsoft Edge browser or stream with the Netflix app from the Store.
Netflix doesn’t let you stream in 4K on a Mac, either. The only way to watch Netflix in a 4K on a Mac is by running Windows 10 in a virtual machine or via Boot Camp.
The Netflix Plan You’ll Need
Even if you’ve got everything else, you can only stream in 4K if you’re paying for the right streaming plan. Only Netflix’s most expensive “Premium” streaming plan offers 4K content.
You can see which Netflix streaming plan your account is using by heading to your Account page on Netflix’s website and clicking “Change Plan.”
The 4K Ultra HD plan is $15.99 per month—$3 per month more expensive than the standard HD plan. However, it does allow for streaming on four devices a month instead of two. Perhaps you could upgrade and share a Netflix subscription with someone?
Even once you’re paying for 4K, you’ll have to ensure Netflix is set to 4K playback. Head to the Account page on Netflix’s website and click “Playback Settings.” Ensure it’s set to “Auto” or “High.”
If it’s set to “Low” or “Medium,” Netflix will use less bandwidth to stream, but it won’t stream in 4K.
How to Find 4K Content on Netflix
Finally, not everything on Netflix will stream in 4K. Only some of Netflix’s content is even available in 4K. You can search Netflix for “4K” or “UltraHD” to find 4K content.
Netflix offers a variety of TV shows and movies in 4K
Watch Netflix in 4K on PC
Everyone loves Netflix because it offers so many epic TV shows, series, and movies. Netflix app is available for all mobiles, TVs, Windows PC, and Mac users. Now you can watch a variety of TV shows and movies on Netflix in 4K quality. You will need compatible hardware, internet connection, software, and a Netflix subscription.
Many people ask is Netflix 4k worth it? Well, it’s worth it if you have a higher resolution, 4K supported PC or TV. You will enjoy the 4K UHD quality, HDR details, clarity while watching the Netflix shows and series.
Hardware for Netflix 4K Streaming on PC:
You need a 4K TV and a 4K-capable streaming box to stream Ultra HD 4K content on your TV. But for PC, it takes some small setup to enjoy 4K Netflix on PC.
You will need a PC with a 4K 3840×2160 pixels display. The display must be capable of a 60 Hz refresh rate and supports HDCP 2.2. Netflix allows 4K streaming only if high-bandwidth digital copy protection 2.2 is available. You can check your display’s resolution, Go to Settings > System > Display, and looking at the “Resolution” box.
In Netflix’s manual, they have also mentioned that you need the latest Intel 7th generation (Kaby Lake) processor or newer to stream in 4K. We still suggest you try 4K streaming even if you have lower CPU specs. Many users reported that 4K streaming works on older processors and even on AMD processors. All that matters is a CPU capable enough to decode 4K content.
A 7th generation Intel Core CPU (i3, i5, i7, 7xxx, or 7Yxxx) or newer is better. If you don’t have one of these processors, you can use a video card with at least 3GB of video memory, such as a GTX 1050, 1060, or 1070.
To check your CPU details, Go to Settings > System > About. The number 4 in the below picture shows it’s a 4th generation i7 Processor. Check out the number after – (dash) to determine your CPU generation.
Netflix 4K PC Streaming Bandwidth (Minimum Download):
Netflix suggests that you need at least 25 Mbps speed of the internet to use the 4K streaming service. The higher the speed, the better streaming you can enjoy! If your internet speed is slower than 25Mbps, it will take a lot of time to load and you won’t be able to stream in Ultra HD 4K.
To check your internet connection speed, visit Fast.com.
Software Requirements For 4K On Netflix:
To stream 4K Netflix on a PC, you need a Windows 10 operating system. You can not use it on Windows 7 or Windows 8. So check your version of Windows. You will need to have the Windows 10 Anniversary update or later installed. For Apple Mac users, you will need to run Windows 10 via virtual operating systems.
Then, You must use Netflix’s official website in the Microsoft Edge browser or stream with the Netflix app from the Windows Store. You can not stream it in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers.
How can I tell if Netflix is streaming 4k?
You have to make sure your devices meet all the requirements to watch Netflix in 4K. You should have a steady 25MBPS internet connection speed, higher is better. You will notice the difference in picture quality.
Netflix 4K Subscription Plans:
Netflix’s most expensive “Premium” streaming plan offers Ultra HD 4K content. You can change Netflix’s plans on the settings page. Netflix Premium Subscription plan costs around £8.99, $11.99, AU$14.99. You can use 4 screens at a time with this plan.
Netflix’s plans offer unlimited films and TV programs. You can watch it on a laptop, TV, phone, and tablet. Netflix offers 1 month free trial for new users.
So after subscription, you have to confirm that Netflix is set to 4K playback. You can change it from the Netflix App/Website. Log In > Go to Account page > Playback Settings. Set it on Auto or High.
How to Find 4K Netflix Content?
Not everything on Netflix can be stream in Ultra HD 4K. Only some of Netflix’s content is available in 4K. You can search on the Netflix App/website and browse Netflix for “4K” or “UltraHD” to find 4K content.
Our Planet, Blue Planet, Planet Earth 2, Luke Cage, Breaking Bad, Daredevil are some famous shows which can be watched in Ultra HD 4K. If you get a compatible PC, you can access Netflix’s growing library of 4K content from your computer.
22nd November 2016
Our guide to watching 4K Netflix movies and TV shows on your Windows PC reveals everything you need to know to enjoy Ultra HD (UHD) video streaming on your Windows 10 computer.
Windows fans can finally stream their favourite Netflix shows and films in glorious 4K, despite piracy fears and the rest. However, enjoying those super-crisp UHD visuals is something that few Windows computers are capable of thanks to the rather strict hardware requirements.
Here’s how to watch Netflix videos in 4K on a Windows 10 PC or laptop.
How to watch 4K Netflix with Windows 10: What are the hardware and software requirements?
First up, you need the correct Netflix subscription to get involved with UHD streaming. A Premium subscription is required to watch 4K video, which costs £8.99 a month. The Basic and Standard subscriptions won’t cut it.
You’ll also need a strong enough internet connection to cope with this highly demanding activity. Check out our complete guide to 4K video streaming to check if your home WiFi setup is good enough to indulge in some UHD Netflix.
Now onto the Windows laptop or PC itself. A 4K monitor or laptop screen is, of course, necessary to enjoy those Ultra HD visuals. Unfortunately, you’ll also need some very specific computer hardware to watch Netflix content in 4K, which means few Windows 10 devices are currently compatible.
Your Windows PC needs one of Intel’s shiny new Kaby Lake processor packed inside, which at the time of writing are only available in a handful of laptops and have only just been announced for desktop PCs as of CES 2017. Therefore you’ll likely have to wait until later into the year before you can get your hands on an affordable Windows machine that can stream 4K Netflix.
If you’re fortunate enough to own a Kaby Lake device, however, then simply open up the Microsoft Edge browser (no other browser is compatible, annoyingly) and head to Netflix.com. You’ll be able to stream video in 4K.
How to watch 4K Netflix with Windows 10: What can I watch in 4K?
Netflix is offering a growing selection of 4K movies and shows, so home cinema buffs have plenty to get stuck into.
All of Netflix’s original content is now being filmed in glorious 4K, so you can enjoy the likes of Daredevil, House of Cards and so on with Ultra HD visuals. You can also stream classic shows like Breaking Bad in 4K, plus movies such as Star Trek: Into Darkness and Skyfall.
Netflix has a decent selection of 4K content now available to enjoy, including the likes of Stranger Things, Glow, Marco Polo, Orange is the New Black, plus a number of movies. These delights can be fervently binged on your PC too, provided you have the right kit. We show you what you need to watch 4K Netflix content on your computer.
Will my PC work with 4K content on Netflix?
Obviously, the demands of streaming and rendering 4K content is a lot more challenging than the 720p or even 1080p videos you might already be watching on Netflix. This quick checklist shows everything you’ll need:
- Broadband with a download speed >25Mb/s
- 4K (3840×2160 pixel) monitor or TV
- Windows 10
- Fast processor
- Netflix subscription which includes 4K
Internet Connection
The first consideration is whether your broadband is fast enough to handle the large amount of data required to smoothly deliver 4K. Netflix states that this needs to be at least 25Mb/s, with a higher number being preferable.
If you’re unsure how fast your current supply is, try visiting SpeedTest.Net and using its eponymous diagnosis program. This only takes a minute or so, and will give you an accurate speed rating.
If the Downloads result is higher than 25Mb/s then you’re in luck, otherwise you’ll have to satiate your hunger with HD content instead.
Should you find your connection too slow, but remain adamant that 4K is what you want, then take a look at our Best Broadband Deals guide to see whether there are faster services available in your location.
Display
It goes without saying that you’ll need a 4K monitor to view Ultra HD shows. To check this, go to Settings >System on your Windows 10 PC.
At the top of the left-hand column you’ll see the Display section. Select this then in the main panel look for the Resolution section.
If the figure is below 3840 x 2160 then you won’t be able to watch 4K content. Well, technically, your monitor will just scale down the video to fit – what we’re saying is that there’s little point as you won’t see the extra detail as your screen simply cannot display it. You can, of course, upgrade your screen to a 4K model from our roundup of the best monitors.
Bear in mind that the monitor will also need an HDCP 2.2 connection to support 4K playback. You’ll be able to discern this from the manual that came with the display, or by Googling the model number and checking out the manufacturer’s specifications.
PC Hardware
Another stipulation from Netflix is that your PC has to have an Intel 7 th generation Core CPU or better. These are better known as Kaby Lake processors, and only launched in 2016, so your PC will need to be reasonably new. However, certain older processors will be able to play 4K video if they’re powerful enough, and there are also lots of recent AMD processors which can also handle 4K playback.
A decent test is to go to YouTube, find a 4K video to watch. Ensure the video is set to display at 4K by clicking the cog icon at the bottom right of the video player and selecting 4K. If everything plays smoothly, it should also be fine with Netflix.
To check which CPU you have in your PC go to Settings>System>About and you’ll see it listed.
It might not say which generation the chip is, but you can garner this from the first digit of the model number. In this case, our tired old rig is running an i5-2467M, the 2 denoting that it’s a second-generation chip.
If you want to view movies and shows offline, then be sure to read How to Download Netflix, and for a look at what you should be watching check out our Best TV shows on Netflix guide.
Software
It’s advisable to be on the most up to date version of Windows 10 (previous versions of Windows are not compatible), so be sure to install any upgrades that you might have pending. These can be found be going to Settings>Update & security>Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button.
You’ll also need to use Microsoft Edge as your browser, or download the Netflix app from the Windows Store.
Netflix Plan
Finally, you’ll also need to be on the Netflix Premium tier to be able to receive 4K content. At the moment this costs £9.99/€13.99/$15.99 per month.
Changing your Netflix settings
If you meet all the requirements listed above then all that’s left to do is change the settings on your Netflix account to allow 4K shows and movies.
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How to Watch Netflix in 4K on Your Windows PC
Netflix offers a variety of TV shows and movies in 4K. You can watch these on your PC, but you’ll need the right hardware, internet connection, software, and Netflix subscription. It’s not as easy as streaming Netflix in 1080p HD .
You’ll need a PC with a 4K display—that’s 3840Ч2160 pixels. You can check your display’s resolution by heading to Settings > System > Display and looking at the “Resolution” box.
5d1078c440.png
The display must be capable of running at a 60 Hz refresh rate. It must also support HDCP 2.2. Check the manual that came with your monitor or look at the manufacturer’s specifications online to see if the monitor has this feature. Netflix will only offer 4K streaming on your PC if high-bandwidth digital copy protection 2.2 is available.Netflix also says your PC needs an Intel 7th generation (Kaby Lake) processor or newer to stream. However, some older processors reportedly work, and many AMD processors will also work. You won’t know until you try. You’ll just need a fast enough processor to handle decoding that 4K content.
You can discover whether your PC has a new enough CPU by heading to Settings > System > About. Look for the “Processor” information under “Device Settings.” To determine the generation, look at the number after the dash. For example, in the screenshot below, “i7-4790″ means we have a 4th generation Core i7 processor.
5d1b6a5774.png
Minimum Download Bandwidth for 4K
According to Netflix, you’ll also need an internet connection with at least 25 Mbps (Megabits per second) in download bandwidth for 4K streaming. Higher is better.If your internet connection doesn’t meet this speed, you won’t be able to stream in Ultra HD 4K on any device. Netflix says 5 Mbps will enable standard HD streaming in 1080p, however.
5d21c0770d.png
Software Requirements for 4K
Even assuming you have the hardware and internet connection to enable 4K streaming, you have to use the right software. You can’t just head to Netflix’s website in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Netflix won’t stream in 4K with those browsers.To stream Netflix in 4K on a PC, you have to use Windows 10—you don’t do this on Windows 7. You must use either use Netflix’s website in the Microsoft Edge browser or stream with the Netflix app from the Store.
Netflix doesn’t let you stream in 4K on a Mac, either. The only way to watch Netflix in a 4K on a Mac is by running Windows 10 in a virtual machine or via Boot Camp.
5d2bf4c6e7.jpg
The Netflix Plan You’ll Need
Even if you’ve got everything else, you can only stream in 4K if you’re paying for the right streaming plan. Only Netflix’s most expensive “Premium” streaming plan offers 4K content.You can see which Netflix streaming plan your account is using by heading to your Account page on Netflix’s website and clicking “Change Plan.”
Even once you’re paying for 4K, you’ll have to ensure Netflix is set to 4K playback. Head to the Account page on Netflix’s website and click “Playback Settings.” Ensure it’s set to “Auto” or “High.”
If it’s set to “Low” or “Medium,” Netflix will use less bandwidth to stream, but it won’t stream in 4K.
5db4371ebd.pngHow to Find 4K Content on Netflix
Finally, not everything on Netflix will stream in 4K. Only some of Netflix’s content is even available in 4K. You can search Netflix for “4K” or “UltraHD” to find 4K content.- Share
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You’ve just purchased a lovely new monitor with a 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution for your Windows 10 desktop PC, or you’ve just picked up a powerful new laptop with a 4K display. You want to use every pixel, not just for working and gaming, but for watching 4K video as well.
You’d think it’s easy enough to do – just fire up a 4K video and enjoy it in all its high-resolution glory. It’s not quite that simple, though, and in this guide we’ll show you how to watch as much of your video as possible in 4K, including Netflix, one of the few streaming services that supports 4K video on PCs.
How to watch 4K video that’s not copy protected
One of the most challenging issues with 4K video is copy protection. That is, most streaming services – as we said above, Netflix is one – don’t allow their customers to watch 4K content on Windows 10 PCs. The reason is simple: they don’t want that lovely 4K content to be copied, and by making it impossible for a PC to play it, they take away one method that hackers might use to steal the content.
But what about all of your own 4K videos that you’ve shot on your smartphone or video camera, or that you’ve received from friends or downloaded from the internet? That’s not a problem at all. As long as you have a 4K display and a relatively recent graphics card (say, one from the last three years or so), then you just need a video player that supports 4K.
Probably the best choice is VLC Media Player, a free app that can play just about every video format known to mankind. Download and install it, and then you should be able to play all of your local 4K video no matter the format. It’s important to note that Windows Media Player, the default video player included with every copy of Windows 10, cannot play video in 4K.
How to watch YouTube 4K video
YouTube isn’t terribly picky about playing 4K video. Just go to the search bar, type in “4K video,” and you’ll be presented with a long list of qualified options. Just pick one and play. In other words, YouTube already has the capability to be a native 4K video player.
Note that you might need to click on the settings button and select 4K as the preferred resolution; YouTube sometimes defaults to Full HD. As the video plays, you’ll be able to look at the cog to see the current resolution.
How to watch streaming services in 4K
As we’ve mentioned a couple of times already, there aren’t many streaming services that will play 4K content on a Windows 10 PC. Amazon Prime Video, for example, will not. Neither will Google Play Movies and TV nor Microsoft’s own Movies and TV service. That means you’re out of luck on a 4K laptop, but you could always buy a streaming device – such as a Roku or an Amazon Fire TV – and plug it into the HDMI port on your external 4K display.
Two services that will play 4K video on a PC include Netflix and Vudu, and that’s thanks to a Microsoft copy protection scheme called PlayReady 3.0 DRM (digital rights management). PlayReady 3.0 has a few requirements, though, if 4K video is going to play correctly, and you need to have the right Netflix plan.
Here are the requirements:
- You’ll need a 7th-generation Intel Core (Kaby Lake) CPU or newer, or an Nvidia 1x generation GPU may also work (but not always).
- Your display must be capable of at least a 60Hz refresh rate and it must support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) 2.2.
- You’ll want to go to Settings > Display and make sure that your 4K display is set to run at 3,840 x 2,160.
- You may need to install the HEVC Video Extensions package from the Windows Store.
- You want to have at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) of internet bandwidth.
- You’ll want to choose a Netflix plan that supports 4K content.
Most modern laptops with 4K displays meet all of these requirements, and so you’re likely to be able to watch Netflix on the go. Things get more complicated with desktop PCs and external displays – sometimes, it will seem like your PC meets the requirements and yet Netflix will refuse to run at 4K.
You can tell that a video will play at 4K thanks to badges that Netflix places on each title’s description. If it says “Ultra HD 4K,” then you’re good to go.
Vudu has similar requirements to Netflix, and the same inconsistencies. It, too, is more likely to play 4K content on a laptop with integrated components than a pieced-together desktop PC. And you won’t get 4K content on your PC from other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
4K is lovely, but finicky
The bottom line is that it’s easy enough to watch your own 4K content on your PC, as well as YouTube videos, but it might be a challenge to get Netflix in 4K unless you’re using a newer laptop. If you’re building a new desktop PC, then chances are you’ll have better luck than you will upgrading and older PC.
After a long and tiring run, Microsoft finally retired Internet Explorer from the PC browser game and replaced it with the new and fresh Microsoft Edge. While Microsoft Edge does have its strong points such as security, where it has been deemed superior to all competitors by experts in the field, the browser has still been found lacking overall. This has led people to lean on more consecrated browser solutions such as Firefox, Opera, and everyone’s favorite, Google Chrome.
For this reason, Microsoft has taken its browser marketing into the 4K spectrum. The tech icon partnered with Netflix to provide 4K quality content for Netflix subscribers. Actually, Netlfix will be providing all the 4K content, as long as you have a Netflix subscription and use Microsoft Edge as your browser. It has been specified that 4K is only available on Netflix for Edge users, making it an exclusive feature.
Netflix users will also have to meet hardware requirements. Even though they are eligible through using Netflix on Edge, they cannot use the 4K feature if they don’t have the specs to run it. The 4K technology requires the latest i7 generation chipset and a display that supports it.
In hopes of luring in more customers, Microsoft has also launched a couple of subtle attacks at Google Chrome saying that users will benefit from a longer battery life on their device by using Microsoft Edge instead of Google’s browsing solution.
Whether or not Microsoft finds success with this 4K campaign is to be seen as Edge continues to trail in market share. Currently, the Internet Explorer replacement holds no more than 5.26% of market shares, meaning that people aren’t nearly as impressed by security as much as they are by pretty much any other aspect that makes for a good browser.
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