Why windows laptops cannot drive external 4K display at 60Hz?

[modeonoff]

Hello, I checked some of the high-end laptops from HP and Lenovo. I found that they use HDMI 1.4 instead of HDMI 2.0. As far as I know, we need HDMI 2.0 to drive 4K display at 60Hz. Does that mean most Windows laptops cannot drive external 4K displays at 60Hz?

 

[Scottray]

You're correct. HDMI 1.4 does not provide enough bandwidth to support 4K 60Hz displays. If the laptop has a DisplayPort 1.2 or greater, than it can drive 4K 60Hz (and the monitor has DP 1.2 or greater, too).

 

[modeonoff]

If I use 4K TV, I also need a DisplayPort 1.2 or greater to HDMI 2.0 adapter? Does it work in practice?

 

[modeonoff]

Why some manufacturers just list HDMI without saying it is 1.0 or 2.0? Even the manuals do not say that in specific. It is difficult for me to know if it can drive an external 4K TV @60Hz.