Hardware H264 Decoder error on Android 15 after updating to v2.2.23/v2.2.24 (older version works)
Hello,
I would like to report what appears to be a regression in the latest spacedesk Windows Driver versions.
System configuration
- Windows 11
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
- NVIDIA Driver 610.62
- Android 15 tablet (SPC Gravity SE)
Issue
The Hardware H.264 Decoder no longer works.
The tablet connects successfully, Windows detects it as an additional display, but the tablet screen remains black and then displays:
“Hardware Decoder H264 ran into an error on decoding.”
Software Encoding (MJPEG) works correctly.
Troubleshooting already performed
- Updated NVIDIA driver.
- Completely reinstalled spacedesk.
- Removed and reinstalled the spacedesk Graphics Adapter.
- Cleared spacedesk settings.
- Cleared Windows display settings.
- Cleared Android app cache and data.
- Reinstalled the Android application.
- Restarted both PC and tablet.
- OBS records correctly using NVIDIA NVENC H.264, so hardware encoding is working correctly.
Important finding
I tested an old spacedesk Beta RC version (1.0.75). Although it is expired (black and white display only), it works correctly and does NOT produce the H.264 decoder error.
The problem only exists with the recent Windows Driver versions (2.2.23 and 2.2.24), both of which mention H.264 encoder improvements in the release notes.
I originally thought Apex Legends had caused the issue because the error appeared immediately after an Apex crash, but after extensive testing I now believe this was just a coincidence.
Could you please check if there is a regression in the H.264 encoding path for Android 15 devices?
Thank you very much.
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Hi @bzh,
Just to clarify, the old spacedesk Driver Package v1.0.75 “works” because H.264 is not yet implemented in it, so even if you select Hardware Encoding in your spacedesk Android app settings, the encoding will be Software.
For further analysis of the issue, please send us the logs of your Primary PC by opening the spacedesk Driver console as administrator and clicking on Diagnostics then follow the steps below:
1. Download the DebugView.
2. Check the Diagnostic Collection box.
3. Reproduce the issue e.g. by connecting the spacedesk Viewer app.
4. Uncheck the Diagnostic Collection box.
5. Click “Save All Information” button (this might take a while to finish).
6. Compress/Zip the folder which contains the logs, then attach to your next reply to this post. If the folder exceeds 512kb, you may upload it to Dropbox or Google Drive then include the download link on your next reply.
Thank you.