Internet is being filled with more and more 4K contents every day. As there is no scarcity of content like 10 years ago, it is the right time to jump ship and start sailing in 4K. But as 4K resolution contains 4 times for resolution than 1080p, it makes running resource-intensive. So, how to play 4k video on pc smoothly?
You will need a 4K monitor, a graphics card that can handle 4K, and a video player that is optimized for 4K contents.
Stick with me as I dive deeper and explain everything in detail.
Play 4k Video on PC Smoothly: Check These Points
1. Update Graphics Driver
The first and foremost thing to do if you are experiencing poor 4K delivery, is to update the graphics driver.
The graphics card talks rest of the computer using the graphics driver. So, even a little bottleneck can cause a massive performance drop. Which can cause graphics cards to slow down and perform at a suboptimal level.
It is not uncommon for graphics cards to perform worse when run on an older driver. For this reason, if you notice any lag in performance, start troubleshooting by checking the updating the driver first.
In case it solves the problem, then great! If it does not, then you are sure the problem is not with the driver.
2. Use Right Hardware
Getting the right hardware setup is the most crucial part. It includes a monitor, processor, and graphics card. Your graphics card should be powerful enough to handle 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution.
Otherwise, this piece of hardware will be the limiting factor in the whole system. A weak GPU is very likely to struggle when processing an enormous data load of 4K resolution.
So, what is the remedy?
You should check how your GPU fares against 4K before you get one. Most external GPU handles the resolution pretty well. It is the weak integrated GPUs that causes problem most of the time.
You probably won’t face any problem when using a single monitor to enjoy 4K.
However, it is very common to experience screen tearing when using multiple monitors with different refresh rates.
This problem is not a 4K resolution-specific problem. It can happen with any setup.
So, do a double check on the refresh rates of each monitor if you use multiple monitors.
3. Turn on Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration refers to using hardware to complete specific tasks instead of software.
Using hardware directly to run some tasks instead of running general-purpose software on the processing unit is faster and more efficient.
Hardware acceleration has become a common feature on most software that can play videos, and that includes browser.
Using GPU acceleration not only renders the frame faster but also frees the load from the CPU. As it shares the processing load from the CPU, you will be able to use that free space for other tasks.
Overall, you will get better performance output from your system. But the catch is, in most software, GPU acceleration is turned off by default.
So, do a thorough check before playing the 4K video if the player supports hardware acceleration. If it does, then make sure to turn it on.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | 1080p | 4k |
| Total pixels | 2073600 | 8294400 |
| Optimal Viewing Distance | 5 to 8.5 feet | 10 to 12 feet |
| Required Speed | 300 to 400 Mbps | 1.5 to 2 Gbps |
| Megapixel | 2.1 MP | 8.5 MP |
| Content availability | A lot | Growing |
4. Get the right video player
Now we have come to the part where you have to pick the right video player. There are many great video players out there to pick from.
Nowadays, most videos players can play 4K videos right out of the box. What you have to keep in mind is the codec support.
What is a codec you might think?
It is the compression technology used to compress the video and audio data. The player needs to have the right codec installed to extract data from the binary file.
The more codec they support the merrier. For example, VLC comes with support for a ton of different codecs and so does MPV. Even in most cases if the codec is not supported, you can easily install them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my 4K video choppy on PC?
Choppy 4K video playback can happen if your hardware can not take the load, as it is a resource-intensive process. Or, if you are using an old media player that cannot handle 4K well.
How do I make 4K videos smoother on Windows 10?
You can start by updating the graphics driver. Then use the latest version of your favorite media player. Sticking to popular choices like MPV, KMPlayer, potplayer, VLC are recommended.
How do I play 4K videos on Windows 10?
You can use any media player that can 4K video to enjoy 4K on windows 10.
Does VLC play 4K UHD?
Yes, VLC can play 4K UHD videos, it also supports a large set of codecs.
Why does 4K video stutter?
Video stutters when the GPU cannot render each frame on time. If rendering takes longer, it might skip a frame. And, that is when stutter occurs.
What is the best 4K player for PC?
VLC and MPV are the most popular ones to play 4K video on PC.
Bottom Line
If you have the right hardware then playing 4K is easier than all the tasks you can accomplish using the computer. So, how to play 4k video on pc smoothly?
To answer in short, you need the right set of hardware and software. Keep in mind that a problem that involves software is solvable. Given that your hardware can handle 4K videos smoothly.
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