- Xbox Game Bar introduces an option to adjust Auto HDR intensity.
- The feature allows you to increase or decrease the brightness and colors per game.
- The option is available starting with version 5.721.
On Windows 11, Auto HDR for games is a feature that comes from the Xbox Series X and S console to improve the gaming experience on PCs. The feature converts specific games from standard-dynamic-range (SDR) to high-dynamic-range (HDR) automatically to unlock the brighter and bolder colors available on compatible displays, but since the technology isn’t perfect, Microsoft is now updating the experience.
The next time you open the Xbox Game Bar overlay (Windows key + G), you will find a new Adjust HDR intensity option, allowing you to increase or decrease the brightness and color intensity manually on each game. Also, the system will remember the settings, so the next time you launch that game, it’ll load the HDR intensity you know it looks best.
“In games with extremely bright or dim colors, you can adjust the slider to your liking so you can get the best Auto HDR experience. If you drag the slider all the way to the left, you have the minimum intensity, which is the equivalent of turning Auto HDR off, and if you drag the slider all the way to the right, you have the full intensity of Auto HDR,” the company explains.
In addition, the latest update for the Xbox Game Bar also includes a new option to turn Auto HDR on or off within this experience. In the past, the option was only available through the Settings app.
As part of upcoming changes, Microsoft is also working on adding the ability to turn off notifications for Auto HDR to minimize distractions while playing games. The option will be available from the “Notifications” page available through the “Settings” app.
Finally, the company also explains that it is working on expanding Auto HDR for more games in multi-GPU setups.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].