What can I do if Windows 11 HDR feature is not working correctly?

Imagine sitting in front of your computer, ready to dive into a world of stunning visuals and immersive experiences. You eagerly launch your favorite game, expecting the vibrant colors and lifelike details that the Windows 11 Auto HDR feature promises.

But alas, something seems amiss. The display lacks that breathtaking brilliance you were anticipating, and you find yourself pondering: What can I do if Windows 11 HDR feature is not working correctly?

Fear not, for in this article, we will unravel the mysteries of Auto HDR, explore the hardware requirements, and unveil the secret settings adjustments that can unlock the true potential of your display. Brace yourself, as we embark on a journey to unleash the full beauty of Windows 11 HDR.

1. Incompatible DisplayPort or HDMI may cause Auto HDR not to work

If you are experiencing issues with the HDR feature on Windows 11, one possible reason could be an incompatible DisplayPort or HDMI connection. The Auto HDR feature requires a compatible display connection to function properly.

Check the specifications of your display, graphics card, and cables to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for Auto HDR.

  • Make sure that you are using a DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 cable or newer, as these versions support HDR functionality.
  • Verify that your monitor or TV also supports HDR.

    Only displays capable of HDR will display the HDR stream option in the Windows 11 settings.

  • Additionally, built-in displays on laptops or other devices should have a minimum resolution of 1080p and a brightness level of at least 300 nits for HDR to work optimally.
  • Integrated graphics cards in your device must also support the necessary HDR codecs for Auto HDR to function correctly.

    2. Install a color profile for the monitor to fix HDR issues

    Another potential solution for resolving HDR problems on Windows 11 is to install a color profile specific to your monitor. Color profiles help calibrate and optimize the display’s color accuracy, which can improve the overall HDR experience.

  • To install a color profile, go to the Windows Start menu and search for “Color Management.” Open the Color Management window.
  • In the Color Management window, navigate to the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Change system defaults” button.
  • Next, click on the “Add” button and browse for the color profile file (.icm) for your monitor.
  • Once selected, click “OK” and make sure to set the newly added color profile as the default.

    3. Adjust settings to enable Auto HDR

    If the Auto HDR feature is not working correctly, you can try adjusting the settings to enable it manually. Follow these steps to ensure Auto HDR is activated:

  • Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard or by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
  • In the Settings window, click on the “System” category.
  • In the left-hand menu, select the “Display” option.
  • Scroll down to the “HDR” section and ensure that the “Stream HDR video” toggle switch is turned on.
  • You can also adjust other display-related settings in this section as per your preference.

    By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to the Auto HDR feature in Windows 11. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all games may support Auto HDR, so it’s always a good idea to check the compatibility of specific games with Auto HDR.

    If you still encounter problems, such as washed-out or faded HDR content, it might be due to limitations with standard dynamic range (SDR) content being converted to HDR. Different brightness levels and color gamuts between SDR and HDR content can result in a less than optimal viewing experience.

    In such cases, it might be helpful to refer to articles on the best PC monitors for HDR or Windows 10 HDR troubleshooting for more information and potential solutions.

    Remember, optimizing the HDR feature on Windows 11 can enhance the visual quality of supported content, providing a more immersive and vibrant display performance.