Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To change video playback options in Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Video playback. From there, choose whether to prioritize battery life, video quality, or lower-resolution playback where those controls are available. The exact options depend on your device and the app playing the video.
Open the Video playback settings page
- Select Start, type Settings, and open the Settings app.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Video playback.
- Review the controls shown on your PC. Microsoft describes options for video processing that may enhance playback on supported hardware, as well as lower-resolution playback to reduce network bandwidth. The available controls and their effects vary by device and app. Microsoft’s Video playback settings guidance explains the page and its scope.
Know which apps these options can affect
These Windows settings apply to apps that use the built-in Windows video platform. Microsoft gives Photos and Movies & TV as examples, along with some Microsoft Store video apps, including Hulu, Netflix, and Vudu. They do not necessarily control playback in every desktop program or web browser. Check the app’s own settings if Windows’ Video playback options do not affect it.
Choose settings for your priority
| Your priority | Setting to choose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Longer battery life | Under Battery options, select Optimize for battery life. If offered, turn on Play video at a lower resolution when on battery. | Playback may use lower resolution, and HDR may not be available on battery. Microsoft does not provide a specific battery-runtime improvement for these controls. Microsoft’s battery-saving guidance describes these options. |
| HDR or video quality while on battery | Under Battery options, select Optimize for video quality, then check that HDR is supported and configured for your display and app. | HDR playback can use more battery and requires compatible hardware, display configuration, and app support. Microsoft’s HDR streaming guidance covers these requirements. |
| Lower network bandwidth | Enable lower-resolution playback if that control is available on your Video playback page. | A lower resolution can mean a less detailed image. Microsoft does not publish a quantified bandwidth saving for this setting. |
Check HDR settings when a video does not look right
HDR streaming is not supported by every app or display, and some displays are not optimized for HDR. Battery settings can also suppress HDR playback. Confirm that HDR is enabled and supported for the display and app, then restart the video after changing relevant settings. See Microsoft’s instructions for streaming HDR video on Windows.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Troubleshoot stalling across multiple monitors
If video repeatedly stalls or stops and starts while you use more than one monitor, check each monitor’s refresh rate in Windows display settings. Microsoft advises matching refresh rates as a troubleshooting step. This may help with that symptom, but it is not a guaranteed fix for every playback problem.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Why an option may be missing or have no effect
- The control is not shown: Options depend on the PC’s hardware, power configuration, and display capabilities.
- The app ignores the setting: Windows playback controls apply to apps using its built-in video platform, not necessarily browsers or all desktop apps.
- The image looks different: Lower-resolution playback trades detail for reduced network bandwidth, while battery optimization may affect HDR availability.
- A change has not taken effect: Restart the video after changing relevant playback or HDR settings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
