Optimize playback performance for H.264 and H.265 media

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn how to optimize playback performance for H.264 and H.265 media in Premiere Pro.

Premiere Pro supports the use of Intel® Quick Sync, which uses the dedicated media processing capabilities of Intel® Graphics Technology to decode/encode H.264/H.265 media faster. 

If H.264/H.265 media is used, enable hardware-accelerated decoding or encoding to get better playback performance and shorter export time. 

To get better playback performance, enable hardware-accelerated decoding:

  1. Select Edit > Preferences > Media

  2. Select Enable hardware accelerated decoding (requires restart).

  3. Restart Premiere Pro.

To get shorter export time, enable hardware accelerated encoding:

  1. Select File > Export > Media

  2. In the Format drop-down list, select H.264 or HEVC (H.265).

  3. In the Video tab, go to Encoding Settings and set the Performance to Hardware Encoding.

Note:

For hardware-accelerated decoding or encoding to work, an Intel® CPU with Intel® Quick Sync support is required. For more information, see the system requirements and GPU and GPU Driver requirements.