New laptop extremely slow playing video; no audio on video playback

[lpintucson]

I just got this computer and set it up over the weekend.  It runs extremely slowly when playing video or simple games and freezes up.  There is no audio playback with videos.  Everything tests fine and seems to work when I run the diagnostics.

[lpintucson · Accepted solution]

It is an HP Laptop 17z-cp200, SN# Edited

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @lpintucson 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It sounds like your new laptop is having a rough start, but don’t worry—we can work through this together! 

Here are some steps to address the performance and audio issues:

Update Graphics and Audio Drivers:

• Visit the HP Support page for your laptop model and download the latest drivers for both graphics and audio.
• Install these updates and restart your laptop to ensure the changes take effect.

Check for Windows Updates:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
• Install any pending updates, as they often include fixes for performance and compatibility issues.

Adjust Power Settings:

• Open Control Panel > Power Options and select High Performance.
• This ensures your laptop is using its full processing power for demanding tasks like video playback.

Run HP Diagnostics:

• Use the built-in HP Diagnostics tool to perform a more in-depth check of your hardware.
• Look for any issues with the CPU, GPU, or RAM that might be causing slow performance.

Disable Background Apps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and check for apps consuming high CPU or memory.
• Disable unnecessary apps from running in the background to free up system resources.

Test Video Playback in Safe Mode:

• Boot your laptop into Safe Mode and test video playback.
• If it works fine, the issue might be caused by third-party software or drivers.

Check Audio Settings:

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Playback Devices.
• Ensure the correct audio device is set as default and test the audio again.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[lpintucson]

Thanks, those suggestions worked perfectly.  However, I was unable to locate where/how to change the power option to 'High Performance'  as that option isn't available through the mapping provided.

[Hawks_Eye]

@lpintucson 

I'm delighted to hear the suggestions worked for you! 

As for enabling the "High Performance" power option, it can sometimes be hidden in newer laptops or operating systems. 

Here's how you can find or create this option:

Steps to Enable or Create the "High Performance" Power Option

Check Existing Power Plans:

• Open Settings (press Windows + I).
• Navigate to System > Power & Sleep.
• Scroll down and click Additional Power Settings under Related Settings.
• Look for the "High Performance" plan under Choose or Customize a Power Plan. If it isn’t listed, proceed to the next step.

Unhide Additional Plans:

• In the Power Options window, click Show Additional Plans. This might reveal the "High Performance" plan.

Create a Custom Power Plan:

• If "High Performance" is still missing, you can create a similar custom plan:
  • In the Power Options window, click Create a Power Plan.
  • Select High Performance as the base template (if available), name your plan, and configure settings like sleep mode and display brightness.

Enable Advanced Power Settings:

• Open Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
• Select your active power plan and click Change Plan Settings.
• Click Change Advanced Power Settings, and adjust settings to optimize performance (e.g., CPU maximum performance and disabling energy-saving features).

Check BIOS Settings:

• Some laptops have power management settings in the BIOS. Restart your laptop, press the designated key (e.g., F2 or Del) to enter BIOS, and look for power-related options.

Let me know how this works for you or if you'd like more detailed assistance.

 Also, kudos for taking steps to enhance your laptop experience—I admire your persistence! 🌟

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye