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Windows Limiting HDMI 2.0 to HDMI 1.4 on Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (15IHU6)

I am using a Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IHU (Windows 11 Home Single Language 24H2) with an Intel Iris Xe (Tiger Lake GT2) GPU and an external 2K 180Hz monitor (MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2) connected via HDMI 2.1 Cable (Honeywell HDMI 2.1 Ultra Certified Cable)

  • In Linux (Kali Live USB), I can use 2560x1440 @ 144Hz without any issues.

  • Tested same Monitor on my work laptop (HP ProBook 640 G8) which is having same GPU (Tiger Lake GT2) - works fine at 2K @ 144Hz

  • In Windows 11 (also tried Windows 8), I am limited to 2560x1440 @ 60Hz, and using CRU (Custom Resolution Utility), I can only push it to 2560x1440 @ 70Hz.

  • Oddly, Windows also shows a 4K @ 30Hz option, which my monitor does not natively support.

  • I suspect Windows is treating my HDMI 2.0 port as HDMI 1.4, limiting available bandwidth.

Things I Have Already Tried:

✔ Updated all drivers (Intel Iris Xe, chipset, BIOS)
✔ Reinstalled Windows 11,

✔ installed Windows 10,

✔ Changing Cable
✔ Disabled HDCP, GPU scaling, and Link State Power Management
✔ Checked CRU (Custom Resolution Utility) - 2K @ 144Hz disappears if set above 70Hz
✔ Checked Intel Graphics Command Center - No option to force HDMI 2.0
✔ Tested same Monitor on my work laptop with same cable- works fine at 2K @ 144Hz

Request:

How can I make Windows recognize my HDMI 2.0 port properly, just like Linux does? Is there a way to force HDMI 2.0 bandwidth in Windows? Any additional troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated.

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Hi Rohit,

Considering all you've already tried, here's the most effective next step to resolve the HDMI bandwidth limitation issue:

Since you've already updated the graphics drivers through Lenovo and Intel, let's ensure Windows is explicitly forced to recognize HDMI 2.0 by enabling "Enhanced Mode" for HDMI in the BIOS (sometimes known as "HDMI Enhanced Mode," "Advanced HDMI," or "HDMI Compatibility Mode").

Restart your Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and enter BIOS (pressing F2 repeatedly during boot). Look under the Configuration or Advanced tabs for any HDMI-related settings. If you find an option like "HDMI Enhanced Mode", make sure it's enabled, then save changes (F10) and reboot.

This BIOS-level adjustment explicitly signals Windows to treat the HDMI port as HDMI 2.0, resolving bandwidth limitations.

Check if this setting is available and share the outcome or if further assistance is needed.
Francisco Montilla

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I checked but there is no such option in BIOS.

In that case, Kali Linux Live USB is also using the same BIOS settings and its working fine on 2k@144hz.

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Hi,

Since your BIOS doesn’t offer an HDMI Enhanced Mode and Intel’s tools don’t allow a manual override, I'm afraid there isn’t a way to force Windows to treat the HDMI port as 2.0.

The most effective solution here is to bypass the HDMI port entirely by using your laptop’s USB‑C port (if it supports DisplayPort) with a USB‑C to DisplayPort adapter. This alternative connection should let you achieve the 2560x1440 at 144Hz performance you’re looking for. Once you connect via DisplayPort, double‑check your display settings to confirm the resolution and refresh rate.
Francisco Montilla

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But my question is how come it working in Linux with same BIOS Settings, thats why i am expecting it to be a windows issue.

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It’s not that your hardware isn’t capable (it clearly is, as you see in Linux) but rather that Windows (and its Intel Iris Xe driver) handles the HDMI output more conservatively. The Linux drivers use a different approach that unlocks the full bandwidth of HDMI 2.0, while Windows’ proprietary drivers restrict the refresh rate to ensure compatibility and stability.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a setting in Windows or a driver tweak that forces the HDMI port to run at full HDMI 2.0 bandwidth if the BIOS doesn’t offer that option. The most straightforward workaround remains using your USB‑C port (assuming it supports DisplayPort) with a USB‑C to DisplayPort adapter, which should let you achieve the 2K at 144Hz performance you’re after.
Francisco Montilla

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My laptop only supports data transfer on USB-C Port so that option is also not possible. and i google but cant find anyone who is having HDMI Option in BIOS. as per my understanding its not Configurable through BIOS, by default it remains on 2.0. Its the windows Fault who is misinterpreting it.

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Hi Rohit,

In this situation, the best course of action is to contact Lenovo (and possibly Intel) support to report the issue and inquire if a driver or firmware update is planned to address this Windows-specific behavior. This feedback is also valuable if similar cases are reported by other users.
Francisco Montilla

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Question Info

Last updated April 16, 2025 Views 34 Applies to: