HDR can make games look far more vivid, but only if it is set up properly. Windows 11 has three relevant settings: Use HDR, Auto HDR, and calibration. Here is how to use each.
Before you start
- Your display must support HDR. Check its specifications or on-screen menu.
- Connect it with a cable and port that support HDR at your resolution and refresh rate.
- Update your graphics driver from the GPU maker’s official site.
Turn on HDR
- Open Settings → System → Display.
- If you have several monitors, select the HDR-capable one at the top.
- Turn on Use HDR. The screen may flicker briefly.
Turn on Auto HDR
Auto HDR automatically upgrades many DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games that were made in SDR. In the same Display settings, open HDR (select the arrow next to Use HDR) and turn on Auto HDR. Games with native HDR use their own HDR output instead.
Calibrate with Windows HDR Calibration
Microsoft offers a free Windows HDR Calibration app in the Microsoft Store. It walks you through test patterns to set how dark and bright your screen can go, which improves how both Auto HDR and native HDR games look. Run it after enabling HDR.
Troubleshooting
- Colours look washed out on the desktop: that can be normal in HDR mode; adjust the SDR content brightness slider in the HDR settings.
- Use HDR option missing: check the display, cable and driver, and that HDR is enabled in the monitor’s own menu.
- A game looks wrong with Auto HDR: turn off Auto HDR, or use the in-game HDR option if it has one.
