How to Watch Netflix in 4K on Windows PC? [Complete Guide]

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 UHD quality.

Watch Netflix in 4K on PC

Do you want to binge-watch a show in 4K UHD on Netflix? Now Netflix gives you multiple options for it. This guide will help you with how to watch Netflix in 4K on your computer. You will need compatible hardware, an internet connection, software, and a Netflix subscription for it.

Also Read:
All Marvel Movies in Chronological Order
Best Laptops to Buy Today
Sony Superb Dolby Atmosphere Soundbar

By default, Netflix plays videos in lower resolution instead of 4K resolution. But, if you want, you can force Netflix to stream in 4K. Many people ask if Netflix 4k is 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, and clarity while watching the Netflix shows and series.

Let’s check how you can confirm that Netflix always streams in 4K on your Windows laptop.

Hardware Requirements 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 a laptop.

Netflix 4k PC requirements are important to enjoy high-quality pictures. 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 UHD 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 look 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 Netflix 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 (i9xxx) 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 Speed):

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. You can tweak your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize your PC. Ethernet beats Wi-Fi for stability—plug in if possible. If speeds dip below 25 Mbps, pause other devices or upgrade your plan to keep buffering at bay.

Software Requirements For 4K On Netflix:

To stream 4K Netflix on a PC, you need Windows 10 or Windows 11 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 Microsoft Store. You can not stream it in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers.

To unlock Netflix 4K, you might need the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store ($0.99). Open the Store app, search “HEVC Video Extensions,” and install it after purchase. This codec enables 4K decoding on Windows 10/11, especially post-Fall Creators Update. Without it, playback may default to 1080p or lower, even with the right hardware. For macOS users, 4K isn’t natively supported—consider Boot Camp with Windows 10 for a workaround.

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 4K Ultra HD + HDR content. You can change Netflix’s plans on the Netflix settings page. Netflix Premium Subscription plan costs around £18.99, $24.99, AU$25.99. You can use 4 devices (TV, Computer, Mobile Phone, Tablet) at a time with this plan.

Netflix’s plans offer unlimited films and TV programs. Netflix offers a 30-day free trial for new users.

After subscription, you have to confirm that Netflix is set to 4K playback. You can change it from the Netflix App/Website.

1. Log In to your Netflix account and go to the Account page
2. Click on Profile & Parental Controls and then Playback Settings
3. Set Data Usage per Screen to High.

How to Find 4K Netflix Content?

Not every video on Netflix can be streamed in Ultra HD 4K. Only some of Netflix’s content is available in 4K UHD. You can search on the Netflix App/website and browse Netflix for “4K” or “UltraHD” to find 4K content.

To check the max resolution of a video, click the Episodes & info arrow to bring up more information. There, you’ll see SD, HD, or Ultra HD 4K beside the run time or season count.

Quick Tip: To confirm you’re streaming in 4K, start playing a title and check the resolution. On a TV, press the “Info” or “Display” button on your remote (varies by brand) to see if it shows 2160p or 3840×2160. On a computer, use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Alt+D (Windows) or Ctrl+Option+Shift+D (Mac) to view streaming stats—look for a bitrate around 15,000-25,000 kbps and a resolution of 3840×2160.

Stranger Things, The Witcher, Squid Game, The Crown, Our Planet, Vikings: Valhalla, Better Call Saul, The Umbrella Academy, Love Death + Robots, Cursed, Drive to Survive, The Irishman, Roma, The Power of the Dog, Bird Box, Outlaw King, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Uncut Gems, Rebel Ridge, 1922, Red Notice are some famous shows that can be watched in 4K Ultra HD + HDR. If you get a compatible PC, you can access Netflix’s growing library of 4K content from your computer.

Setting Up Netflix 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos

Beyond resolution, Netflix 4K shines with HDR and Dolby Atmos. For HDR, enable it in Windows Settings > System > Display > HDR (requires an HDR-capable monitor). In the Netflix app or Edge, select HDR titles like Stranger Things. For Atmos, connect via HDMI to an Atmos-compatible receiver and install the free Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store. This elevates your audiovisual experience, making your PC a cinematic powerhouse.

No products found.