With Windows HD Color in Windows 11, you get the most of out your high dynamic range (HDR) TV or PC display for videos, games, and apps that support HDR.
HDR content offers better brightness and color capabilities compared to traditional content (sometimes called standard dynamic range [SDR] content). Traditional content typically shows details in a bright part of a scene or a darker part of a scene but not in both parts at the same time. For example, if the shot focuses on a bright window in the scene, details in the shadow are lost.
Whereas HDR can show a wider range of colors and light and more details in between the extremes. Colors are more vivid and unique in HDR content. Additionally, bright parts of a scene are brighter while dark parts can be darker, and you don’t lose any details.
If your connected TV, external display, or built-in display(s) meets the requirements for HDR10, you will be able to turn on and off HDR for the HDR-capable display in Windows 11.
See also:
- What is Windows HD Color? | Microsoft Support
- Display requirements for HDR video in Windows | Microsoft Support
- Guide on how to get the most out of your HDR display | Microsoft DirectX Developer Blog
- Windows 2021 HDR getting started guide | Microsoft DirectX Developer Blog
Contents
- Option One: Turn On or Off HDR for All HDR-capable Displays using Keyboard Shortcut
- Option Two: Turn On or Off HDR for All HDR-capable Displays on Xbox Game Bar
- Option Three: Turn On or Off HDR for Specific HDR-capable Display in Display Settings
- Option Four: Turn On or Off HDR for Specific HDR-capable Display in HDR Settings
1 Press the Win + Alt + B keys to toggle HDR on or off for all HDR-capable displays.
1 Press the Win + G keys to open the Xbox Game Bar.
2 Click/tap on the Settings (gear) icon on the game bar. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Gaming features in Settings.
4 Check (on - default) or uncheck (off) Use HDR with compatible display for what you want.
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Display on the right side. (see screenshot below)
Open Display settings
3 If you have multiple displays connected to your PC, choose the HDR-capable display you want at the top. (see screenshot below)
4 Turn On (default) or Off Use HDR for what you want.
5 You can now close Settings if you like.
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Display on the right side. (see screenshot below)
Open Display settings
3 Click/tap on Use HDR on the right side. (see screenshot below)
4 If you have multiple displays connected to your PC, choose the HDR-capable display you want in the Select a display to view or change its settings drop menu. (see screenshots below)
5 Turn On (default) or Off Use HDR for what you want.
If you turn on HDR, you will have other HDR settings available to change if wanted.
6 You can now close Settings if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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