Fix Netflix Stuck at 540p – Play Netflix in High Resolution

Watching Netflix in 540p despite having a premium subscription can be frustrating—especially if you’re paying for HD or 4K quality. Many Windows 11 users encounter this issue due to DRM (Digital Rights Management) limitations, browser restrictions, or missing system features like PlayReady.

How to Play Netflix in High Resolution on Windows 11 (Fix 540p or 720p Quality Issue)

Why Netflix Plays Only in 540p or 720p

Netflix doesn’t automatically stream in high resolution on all browsers. The playback quality depends on:

Your browser’s DRM support (Widevine or PlayReady)
Your Windows version and hardware compatibility
Your Netflix plan and internet speed

If you see that Netflix is using Widevine.alpha as the key system, your stream will likely be capped at 540p or 720p. To unlock 1080p or 4K, your device must use PlayReady DRM instead.

Step 1: Check Which Browser You’re Using

Not every browser supports HD or 4K playback. Here’s a quick comparison:

Browser / App	Max Resolution	DRM Used
Microsoft Edge	Up to 4K	PlayReady
Netflix App (Microsoft Store)	Up to 4K	PlayReady
Google Chrome	Up to 720p	Widevine
Mozilla Firefox	Up to 720p	Widevine
Opera / Brave / Vivaldi	Up to 540p–720p	Widevine

Fix: Switch to Microsoft Edge or the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store to enable PlayReady DRM, which supports HD and 4K playback.

Step 2: Verify PlayReady DRM Installation

Windows 11 “Single Language” or “Home” editions usually include PlayReady, but it can sometimes be missing.

To check:

Press Windows + I → Apps → Optional Features.
Scroll down and look for PlayReady PC Runtime.
If it’s missing:
- Click Add an optional feature → View features.
- Search for “PlayReady” and install it.
Restart your system once installation completes.

If you can’t find PlayReady listed, your hardware might not support it (especially on older or low-end laptops).

Step 3: Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

Outdated system or GPU drivers can prevent proper DRM playback.

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Also install Optional updates, especially driver updates.
Update your graphics drivers:
- Intel: Intel Driver & Support Assistant
- AMD: AMD Auto-Detect Tool
- NVIDIA: GeForce Experience

Once updated, restart your PC and try streaming again.

Step 4: Confirm Your Netflix Plan and Connection Speed

High resolution streaming is restricted based on plan and internet speed:

Requirement	Minimum Needed
Plan	Standard (1080p) or Premium (4K)
Internet Speed	5 Mbps for HD, 15 Mbps for 4K
Display	HDCP 2.2-compliant monitor (for 4K)
Browser/App	Must support PlayReady DRM

Step 5: Check Playback Resolution in Netflix

While watching any Netflix title:

Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + D.
A debug overlay will appear showing bitrate and resolution.
If it reads 540p or 720p, you’re still using Widevine DRM.
Try switching to Microsoft Edge or the Netflix app to verify improvement.

Step 6: Use the Netflix Windows App for Guaranteed HD

If your browser continues showing Widevine.alpha, the Netflix app is your best option.

To install:

Open Microsoft Store → Search “Netflix.”
Click Install and sign in.
Go to Settings → Playback → Enable HDR / High Quality if available.

The app uses PlayReady DRM directly, ensuring maximum supported resolution.

Step 7: Test Your Setup

After switching to the app or Edge:

Open any Netflix video.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + D again.
Check that resolution is now 1080p or 2160p (4K).

If it still shows lower quality:

Reboot your PC once more.
Re-login to Netflix.
Verify HDCP compatibility of your display cable or monitor.

Read More:

If you’ve confirmed all of the above and still see Widevine.alpha in your browser, your laptop may not have PlayReady hardware DRM support.

In that case, the Netflix app remains the only way to stream in full HD or 4K on Windows.

How to Play Netflix in High Resolution on Windows 11 (Fix 540p or 720p Quality Issue)